Nova Scotia Extends Doctor by Phone Service

Nova Scotians will continue to have virtual access to medical care until the end of the year. 

The McNeil government opened telephone and videoconferencing options between doctors and patients at the height of the coronavirus pandemic when residents were generally in lockdown across the province.

It wasn’t a question of technology but rather about money. Doctors were not previously paid when communicating with patients other than face-to-face.

The Minister of Health says, “We know Nova Scotians and doctors have appreciated keeping their appointments through virtual visits.” Randy Delorey added, “Further extending this short-term measure makes good sense as we continue to deal with COVID-19.”

The words short term may not sit well with doctors or patients and certainly not with Nova Scotia’s opposition leader Tim Houston. The PC Leader has become an outspoken advocate for making virtual doctor visits a permanent part of the health care system. He told Six Rivers Radio earlier this week that his party feels virtual contact provides an important connection to patients, not just during the pandemic but during the continued doctor shortage across Nova Scotia.

As of September 2, more than 919,250 services were provided virtually by physicians in Nova Scotia.

The department of health suggests Government continues to evaluate options for a long-term approach to virtual care. For now, physicians' payment codes for virtual visits will be available until December 31, 2020.

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