The New Brunswick Medical Society would like to see use of walk-in clinics reduced, saying the current rate is causing a "gap in care." Last year, more than one in 10 doctor visits were to walk-in clinics, according to medicare billing documented by the Department of Health. And that number is too high, says the government and even doctors behind these clinics. Both government and the medical society have collaborated on new programs to improve primary care access. Beyond calling up doctors and nurse practitioners to see if they have any spaces within their family practices, New Brunswickers without a family doctor can turn to Patient Connect NB. The registry links patients with a doctor or nurse practitioner as spaces becomes available, on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Department of Health tells the Telegraph-Journal that, as of May, there were 20,200 names on the registry.
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