What is KB Health?

KB Health is a primary care clinic that provides quality healthcare to patients in Kootenay Boundary who do not have a Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner. We provide temporary care for patients while we help them find a permanent healthcare provider at a clinic close to their home community.

What is a virtual clinic?

A virtual clinic provides most patient care over the phone or by video. Some in-person appointments are available when needed, but phone and video appointments can make it easier for patients living in rural areas to get the care they need.

Learn more about virtual care
Learn more about using digital communications for your healthcare

Is KB Health right for me?

KB Health might be right for you if one or more of the following describes you:

• • You live in Kootenay Boundary (see a list of the areas we serve) 
  • You don’t have a Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner
  • You need regular care to help manage one or more complex health conditions
  • You can use a phone or computer for most of your appointments 
  • You are willing to work with our team to find a permanent healthcare provider at a clinic close to your home community

KB Health 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.
  • We can’t provide emergency care. In an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to an Emergency Department.

How can I become a KB Health patient?

KB Health does not accept new patients directly. All new patients must first register or be referred to the Health Connect Registry (HCR), a provincial waitlist for patients without a primary care provider (Family Physician or Nurse Practitioner).

Once you have registered with the Health Connect Registry (HCR), you will be contacted when a provider in your area becomes available. This may be with our clinic or it may be somewhere else. Please note that the KB Health Primary Care Clinic provides temporary support for patients until they can be permanently attached to a physical clinic in their home community.

If you do not currently have a primary care provider and would like one, please register for the HCR online or by calling 8-1-1.

What is cultural safety, and is KB Health a culturally safe space?

Cultural safety means that a place feels safe for people of different cultures and backgrounds, especially people who often experience racism or other kinds of discrimination. When individuals don’t feel safe receiving healthcare, they are less likely to try to get care, even when they need it. KB Health works hard to make every patient feel safe, whatever their culture or background. Our clinic team has experience providing culturally safe and humble care.

Who will I see at a KB Health appointment?

At a KB Health appointment you will see a Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nurse, or Social Worker. Our clinic team collaborates to provide quality care to our patients, so you may see more than one of these practitioners depending on your health needs. We want to make sure you see the right practitioner, at the right time.

We can also help you get support from a Dietitian, Pharmacist, or Respiratory Therapist. And if you identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit you can get support from an Aboriginal Health Coordinator.

What if I need to see a healthcare provider in person?

Even though most KB Health appointments happen on the phone or by video, sometimes it’s important to see your healthcare provider in person. In these cases, KB Health does offer in-person appointments.

In-person appointments are available approximately one day per week at locations in Nelson, Trail, and Castlegar. If you can’t travel to one of these communities, we will help you find care closer to home.

In an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to an Emergency Department.

How is seeing a Nurse Practitioner different from seeing a Family Doctor?

Seeing a Nurse Practitioner is similar to seeing a Family Doctor. Nurse Practitioners are registered nurses with additional education and experience that allow them to diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, and prescribe medications. 

Nurse Practitioners can also refer you to a specialist if need be.

How does KB Health help patients find a permanent healthcare provider?

KB Health works closely with other clinics in the region to help patients find a permanent Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner close to their home community. When this is not possible, our clinic team will continue to provide care to the patient as needed.