Physicians warn Ont.'s virtual care fee schedule could limit access to gender-affirming healthcare

Doctors in the province are supporting a petition in opposition to the Ont. government's changes to virtual healthcare set to take effect on Dec. 1. The physicians contend the fee schedule could limit how many patients they see remotely and negatively impact those in the trans and gender diverse communities. Ont. will pay doctors $20 for a video appointment and $15 for a telephone appointment, as opposed to $63 for in-person appointments. A Toronto clinic specializing in gender-affirming care says many of its patients prefer the safety of remote care, adding it's especially beneficial for those who live in smaller communities. The clinic adds the changes to the fee schedule means it'll be unable to take on new patients for its virtual care services, despite a waitlist of 2,000 people.
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New virtual care fees come into effect today in Ontario. Over 12K people signed a petition to reverse it - CTV News