Frequently Asked Questions
What is KB Access Clinic?
KB Access is a *New* medical clinic that offers episodic primary care services, as needed & by appointment only, to patients in the Kootenay Boundary region who don’t currently have a family doctor or nurse practitioner.
What to expect:
- Access to Episodic Primary Care: At KB Access, you’ll see the family practitioner on shift that day, and we’ll focus on your top health concern. Your cooperation helps us serve the many patients in our region without a primary care provider.
- In-Person & Virtual Appointments With Local Practitioners: In-person visits are available in Nelson, with plans to expand to Castlegar and Trail. Virtual visits can save you travel time and offer a convenient alternative. ~ When booking please consider a telephone appointment for your first visit. In-person options are limited and you may be seen sooner by phone / video. All appointments are provided by local Kootenay Boundary physicians and nurse practitioners.
- A Growing Service: We’re committed to quality care and continuous improvement. We appreciate your patience and support as we refine this new service.
Who’s eligible?
To be eligible, please ensure you meet the following criteria:
- You do NOT have a family doctor or nurse practitioner.
- You live in the Kootenay Boundary region (includes Nelson, Castlegar, Trail, Rossland, Salmo, Slocan, Nakusp, New Denver, Christina Lake, East Shore, Fruitvale, Grand Forks, Greenwood, Kaslo, Midway, Rock Creek & all rural areas of the region).
KB Access Clinic isn’t right for everyone…We can’t offer care if you already have a primary care provider (Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner). Instead, we ask you to make an appointment with that provider.
I’m eligible, how do I book an appointment?
If you meet the eligibility criteria, sign into our secure online patient portal to book an appointment >
Check out this step-by-step guide to assist you in booking your appointment through the secure patient portal.
If you need booking assistance you can reach the clinic by calling (778) 508-3112 during clinic reception hours.
Clinic Reception Hours:
Monday – Friday
9 am – 12 pm
~ Please be invited to reach out right away with any issues you run into. This is a NEW service and we’re working hard to remove any barriers to access as they arise. We welcome your feedback! Our email is kbaccess@proton.me~
Do you offer walk-in services?
KB Access clinic does NOT offer walk-in services.
You must book an appointment to see a family practitioner.
Do you offer emergency services?
KB Access Clinic does NOT offer emergency care.
For medical emergencies call 9-1-1 or go to your closest emergency department.
How long does it take to get in to see a family practitioner at KB Access Clinic?
Appointments open up weekly at the clinic. If you don’t see something that works for you – check back or choose a virtual appointment slot if that feels like a good fit.
Appointments can be booked online through our secure patient portal or by contacting our clinic during reception hours (Monday to Friday 9 am to 12 pm) at (778) 508-3112.
Who will I see at a KB Access Clinic appointment?
Our clinic team includes a Clinic Manager, a Nurse Practitioner & rotating Family Doctors. You will see whichever family practitioner is on shift the day you attend.
We work together to provide quality care to our patients, so you may see more than one practitioner depending on your health needs. We want to make sure you see the right practitioner, at the right time.
I have a few health concerns - how many will I be able to address in one appointment?
At your appointment, we’ll focus on covering your top health concern.
If you have other health concerns, please let your provider know, and they can guide you on the next steps for support and services.
Your cooperation is valuable! By prioritizing your current top health concern, you help our practitioners best serve the large number of patients in our region who do not have a family practitioner.
Where is KB Access Clinic located?
During January 2025 the KB Access Clinic will offer virtual or in-person appointments in Nelson. In-person appointment patients will receive clinic location details in their confirmation email.
Castlegar & Trail locations are coming ~ please stay tuned.
What is culturally safe care, & is KB Access Clinic a culturally safe space?
Culturally safe care means people feel respected and safe when accessing health services. It means people receive care in environments free of racism and discrimination.
KB Access Clinic works hard to make sure every patient feels safe. Our clinic team has experience providing culturally safe and humble care.
Does KB Access help patients find a permanent family practitioner?
Kootenay Boundary residents who don’t currently have a family doctor or nurse practitioner are encouraged to sign up with the Health Connect Registry at kbhcr.ca to be connected with a family practitioner when one becomes available.
While you await connection to a permanent family practitioner, you can continue to access episodic primary care as needed through KB Access Clinic.
Who delivers KB Access Clinic?
The KB Access Clinic is a not-for-profit initiative led by Prima Health Cooperative, with support from local community and healthcare partners, including Kootenay Boundary Division of Family Practice, Interior Health and the Kootenay Boundary Aboriginal Services Collaborative. Its goal is to improve health outcomes for residents while creating a healthcare model that works for everyone.