Navigating diagnostic imaging—wait times, referrals, appointments, and result delivery—can feel overwhelming. But in Nova Scotia, two digital tools are fundamentally changing the experience: YourHealthNS and the eReferral system. These innovations are placing control directly into patients’ hands for tests like MRIs, ultrasounds, CT scans, and X‑rays at Halifax Infirmary diagnostic imaging sites and across the province.
Let’s explore how these services work, the concrete benefits they deliver, and how patients can use them to get faster, clearer, and more coordinated care.
1. Introducing the Digital Boost in Diagnostic Imaging Access
YourHealthNS is Nova Scotia’s digital health portal launched in 2023. Initial
ly offering lab and visit information, it has steadily expanded to include:
- Ultrasound reports since August 2024
- X‑ray reports from July 2024
- MRI, CT, PET, and mammogram reports as of June 2025
Meanwhile, eReferral, launched in phases beginning with surgical consults in early 2023 and expanded to MRI and ultrasound referrals by December 2023, digitizes the referral pathway—reducing delays, miscommunication, and referral loss.
2. What eReferral Means for Diagnostic Imaging Patients
Government adoption of eReferral via OceanMD’s platform means that when your physician requests a scan, the process is digital, traceable, and integrated
Key Benefits:
- Automated updates: Patients opting in with an email receive notifications when referrals are sent, booked, or status-changed. Providers receive the same updates
- Centralized scheduling: The tool feeds into a provincial intake, allowing staff to match urgent or flexible patients with earlier appointments—even outside Halifax.
- Transparency & peace of mind: Patients no longer wonder if a referral was received or where the booking stands.
By mid‑2025, over 200,000 eReferrals had been processed—with 86% of surveyed patients reporting improved experiences
3. How YourHealthNS Puts Diagnostic Reports in Your Hands
Through YourHealthNS, diagnostic imaging reports are accessible securely in one place—at home or on the go:
- Ultrasound & X-ray reports have been available since late 2024
- As of June 30, 2025, MRI, CT, mammogram, and PET scan reports become available ~14 days after processing
Each report includes:
- Exam date, body part, referral provider, and facility
- Findings, clinical context, and comparison to prior scans if applicable
- Note: Images themselves are not viewable in the app
This level of access supports early interpretation, follow-up planning, and informed discussions with physicians—critical when dealing with complex results or chronic monitoring.
4. What This Means for Halifax Infirmary Diagnostic Imaging Patients
More Transparency, Less Anxiety
Instead of waiting on mailed results or fearing lost files, patients actively participate in their journey. With Halifax Infirmary diagnostic imaging, this reduces delays and uncertainty.
Faster Actions
Once a report is visible in YourHealthNS, patients can more quickly schedule follow-up referrals or seek second opinions—empowering them with choice and timing control.
Real-Time Communication
Notifications—from referral confirmation to booking to reminders—help patients feel informed every step: no more missed appointments or unanswered “was it sent?” questions.
5. Real-Life Halifax Stories
- Mary Ellen Rainey’s family experienced the benefits firsthand. Her doctor used eReferral to book gastroenterology and imaging appointments, and updates came back almost immediately—helping her son get diagnosed without delay or confusion
- Operations executive Craig Maclaren appreciated being notified and feeling in control, even when offered options outside Halifax to reduce wait time. “This will save people’s lives,” he said
6. How to Use These Tools as a Patient
7. Broader Digital Health Context in Nova Scotia
These tools are part of a larger initiative to modernize the province’s healthcare system:
- One Person, One Record (OPOR) aims to unify health data
- VirtualCareNS, Care Coordination Centre, Oncology Transformation, and more ensure seamless connectivity across programs and facilities
8. Challenges & Caveats
Despite progress, some limitations persist:
- No images are accessible via YourHealthNS—only text reports
- Interpretation requires caution—not all patients are equipped to read complex medical terminology; providers should help translate findings
- Digital literacy varies—older adults or those without smartphones may need assistance
- Privacy concerns mean patients should use personal, secure email accounts to receive notifications
9. Why It Matters for Halifax Infirmary Diagnostic Imaging
At Halifax Infirmary diagnostic imaging, demand continues to rise—CTs (+34%), MRIs (+31%), ultrasounds (+11%) compared to pre‑pandemic levels. As volumes surge, digital tools help mitigate administrative friction, improve transparency, and reduce inadvertent waste from missed communication.
These systems support higher throughput, smoother referral flows, and increased patient satisfaction—all while centralizing booking and record access across the health system.
10. Looking Ahead: The Future of Digital Patient-Driven Diagnostics
Emerging capabilities that build on YourHealthNS and eReferral include:
- eReferral expansion to CT scans and other diagnostic services through 2025–2026
- AI integration to provide natural-language search in app records and assist radiologists in comparing imaging findings
- Enhanced patient portals enabling richer guidance, feedback forms, and two-way communication between patients and providers
Final Thoughts
Digital transformation is reshaping healthcare in Nova Scotia—and Halifax Infirmary diagnostic imaging is a prime example. With eReferral ensuring faster, tracked access to imaging appointments, and YourHealthNS making diagnostic reports visible to patients within days, Nova Scotians now play a more active role in managing their health.
These innovations offer clarity, convenience, and empowerment. They reduce wait uncertainty, eliminate referral confusion, and enable faster care decisions.
As a patient, embrace these tools—provide your email, download the app, and stay engaged. As a provider, support adoption and help patients understand their data. Together, we are moving toward a more transparent, efficient, and patient-centered healthcare future in Halifax and beyond.
