Calgary 
Credit: Chris Schwarz/Government of Alberta
Minister of Health Tyler Shandro announced Monday that the government will continue to allow doctors to bill to treat patients by phone or online even after the pandemic ends.
“We’ve seen a great uptake in virtual visits,” said Shandro.
“We are making these (billing) codes permanent.”
The codes allow for virtual consultations, patient visits and mental health services.
As per the news release
- All existing rules for virtual care codes remain in place.
- Permanent billing codes include patient visits, consultations, and mental health services provided over the phone or through secure video conference.
- In-person physician and specialist care will continue. Virtual services will be offered by physicians and specialists where appropriate.
- These permanent virtual codes will not be subject to the daily patient visit cap.
- Details of the changes are communicated in Bulletin 231.
- Rates vary depending on specialty and service, and are the same as current basic in-person rates.
— With Files From The Canadian Press
