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Document, disability advocates fear tighter access to virtual reservations

"Why reduce access to healthcare? Why do we burden ERs more?": Dr. Aviva Lowe

Some disability advocates and doctors are worried about changes coming in October they say could prove to be a barrier to the virtual medical appointments many have relied on during the pandemic.
Some disability advocates and doctors have We are concerned that the change could become a roadblock to the virtual appointments that many have relied on during the pandemic. Photo Credit: iStock /GETTY IMAGES

Some disability advocates and doctors are concerned about the changes scheduled for October.

"It makes life so much easier for people with already complex needs.

"It's not easy. It can be very productive.” Caldwell sa ID.

But Aviva Lowe, M.D., of her KixCare, a virtual emergency pediatrics clinic, said a new Physician Services Agreement between Ontario's doctors and the government could disrupt access to virtual treatment. I am concerned that there is

Doctor appointments by phone or computer have become commonplace during the pandemic due to public health and distancing measures.

"We've been quietly keeping people out of the ER, and people will be surprised that this isn't actually being offered," said Dr. Lowe. }

The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) has acknowledged changes to the temporary pandemic billing code for virtual visits that will expire after September 30th.

However, OMA states that it only occurs in certain circumstances, not in all cases.

"In the absence of a pre-existing physician-patient relationship, a physician is considered to be providing a 'limited virtual practice service.' This is commonly referred to as an 'on-demand' service." '," she said in a statement from OMA. "Physicians who offer 'limited virtual services' are funded at a flat rate per video or phone call."

For some doctors, this doesn't work.

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"It's like the funding he's cut by 90%," said Dr. Lowe. “Why do we reduce access to healthcare? Why burden the ER more? Why evaluate this kind of virtual treatment for patients who have their own doctors?

OMA estimates that 1 million Ontarians do not have a primary care physician.

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"It was clearly explained to me that virtual care should be done with my primary care physician," added Dr. Lowe. "But no one has answered that question. What about those who don't have or don't have access to a doctor?" said virtual bookings have helped. Access to care for the past two and a half years.

"I really hope that patients will be able to take advantage of this type of service once it works," Caldwell said.

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