Does socio-economic status or having a chronic condition affect whether family physicians accept a new patient? A Nova Scotia population study.

First contact accessibility for prospective new patients was low across NS. Lower SES was associated with fewer offers of additional assistance than higher SES. This is particularly troubling since those with lower SES may need additional support as they may have less access to resources and networks that could provide support. This study signals the need to improve general and equitable accessibility to primary care providers.