Virtual doctor visits now permanent in Alberta
Posted June 9, 2020 8:04 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
EDMONTON (660 NEWS) – It was announced as a way to deal with the pandemic, but virtual visits with doctors will become a permanent fixture in Alberta.
“Virtual codes will no longer be restricted only to a public health emergency,” said Health Minister Tyler Shandro. “Physicians will continue to have virtual options to help them provide care and Albertans will continue to speak to their doctor from the comfort of their own homes.”
Shandro added patients will be able to call or video conference from their home when it makes sense to do so.
“Virtual care gave physicians the flexibility to decide on the best way to provide care during these challenging times and we’ve seen a great uptake in virtual visits.”
WATCH: Alberta doctor wants virtual, in-person fee to be same
The health minister stressed in-person visits will continue with all existing rates for virtual visits remaining.
In March, the Alberta government announced doctors would be paid the same for online visits as they would for face-to-face meetings.
RELATED: Alberta changing doctor compensation for online visits
This came after several Alberta doctors petitioned the government for equal compensation for virtual care as more patients requested the service during the COVID-19 crisis.
