How to Get a Family Doctor in BC: Using the Official Health Connect Registry
In British Columbia, residents who need a family doctor or nurse practitioner can register with the official Health Connect Registry. This registry is managed by the provincial health authority to match people with primary care providers accepting new patients.
Who Should Register
According to the official HealthLink BC page, if you live in BC and need a family doctor or nurse practitioner, you can register. You can register yourself, your family members, or on behalf of someone in your care (e.g., a healthcare provider or social worker). If you already have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, you do not need to register.
How to Register
Registration takes less than five minutes. You will need to provide:
- Personal Health Number (PHN), found on your BC Services Card or BC Driver's Licence
- Home address
- Email address and phone number
You may optionally inform them of recent health changes to help with matching.
Non-English registration: Call 8-1-1 to register in languages other than English. Translation services are available in over 130 languages. After dialing, you will be connected to an English-speaking navigator; state your language (e.g., say "Punjabi") and an interpreter will join.
After You Register
You will be added to a list of people needing a provider in your community. When a family doctor or nurse practitioner becomes available, the community team will contact you. They may also contact you by phone or email for more information or to offer support while you wait.
Important: Keep your registration information accurate and current to help match you. Official emails come from healthconnectregistrydonotreply@hlth.gov.bc.ca with links to secure forms on healthbc.mysite.com or hcr.healthlinkbc.ca for updates. For questions, call 8-1-1.
Clinic Waitlists
Clinic waitlists in BC have transitioned to the Health Connect Registry. If you previously registered on a local clinic waitlist, you can choose to re-register or wait to be contacted. Your original waitlist date is maintained.
Services While Waiting
Primary care services are available throughout BC while you wait. Use the HealthLink BC Services Directory to search for services. Other options include:
- Call 8-1-1: Available 24/7, speak to a navigator who can answer questions, help find services, and connect you to nurses, dietitians, exercise professionals, and pharmacists. Translation in 130+ languages (TTY: 7-1-1).
- Community pharmacies: Assist with routine and emergency prescription renewals, and can prescribe contraceptives and 21 minor ailments (e.g., headaches, pink eye, uncomplicated UTIs).
- Immunizations: Available at pharmacies, public health units, community health centres, and primary care clinics.
- Urgent and Primary Care Centres (UPCCs): Provide same-day, urgent, non-emergency care, often open evenings, weekends, and holidays (hours vary). An alternative to hospital for non-emergencies.
- First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day and First Nations Virtual Substance Use and Psychiatry Service: Provide virtual primary care, psychiatry, addictions specialists, and culturally safe care for Indigenous people.
Need Help?
For questions or registration help, call 8-1-1 (24/7, translation in 130+ languages). For deaf/hard of hearing (TTY): 7-1-1. Video Relay Services: 604-215-5101. Web-enabled phone services (e.g., Google Chat): 604-215-8110.
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