What is an NP
NP stands for Nurse Practitioner. In BC, NPs are advanced practice nurses with prescribing authority. They can independently diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, order tests, and perform minor procedures. Their scope of practice overlaps heavily with family doctors. An NP-led clinic has a nurse practitioner, not a physician, as your long-term primary care provider.
How NP clinics differ from walk-ins and family doctors
| NP clinic | Walk-in clinic | Family doctor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provider | Nurse practitioner (NP) | A different doctor each visit | Your fixed family doctor |
| How to be seen | Book after registering | Show up or book same-day | Book with your own doctor |
| Continuity | Full longitudinal records | Poor, records don't follow you | Full longitudinal records |
| Walk-in allowed | No, registration required | Yes | No, own patients only |
| Cost | MSP covers medically necessary care | MSP covers medically necessary care | MSP covers medically necessary care |
NP clinics in Greater Vancouver
BC has only 4 NP-led clinics in total, and just 1 in Greater Vancouver: AXIS Primary Care Clinic (Surrey, 5795 176th St). The other 3 are on Vancouver Island.
AXIS is not currently accepting new patients for longitudinal primary care. To get an NP as your provider, register on their website and join the waitlist.
Who should consider an NP clinic
- You can't get a family doctor but want one consistent long-term provider
- You have a chronic condition needing regular follow-up and don't want a different walk-in doctor each time
- You live near Surrey, close to AXIS
How to register
- Fill in the intake form on the clinic website (axis.npclinics.ca)
- Wait for the clinic to contact you for an initial intake appointment
- Book with your NP after you're registered
Call ahead to check availability: (604) 330-8989.