Alberta Health adjusts billing codes for phone, video doc appointments
By GILLIAN SLADE on March 25, 2020.
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade Alberta Health has made billing adjustments so that physicians are adequately compensated for telephone or video consultations. New virtual care codes will make it possible for physicians to deliver care safely and effectively to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, says Alberta Health in a press release. Physicians will be paid the same rate as if the medical services were provided face-to-face. This is similar to billing codes established in other provinces, such as Ontario and British Columbia. “I am very grateful that the Alberta government has made these changes and is willing to work with the Alberta Medical Association,” said Dr. Donovan Nunweiler, Southlands Medical Clinic. Without the change Nunweiler was contemplating having to reduce staff. “Half of our budget for running a community medical clinic is staff wages. As physicians, we have to bill enough to pay our staff, along with other expenses (utilities, property tax, supplies),” said Nunweiler. The changes introduced by Alberta Health will add physician billing codes for patient visits, consultations and mental health services provided over the phone or through secure video conference. In-person physician and specialist care will continue, while virtual services will be offered by physicians and specialists where appropriate. The new temporary virtual codes will not be subject to the daily patient visit cap that Alberta Health introduced recently. Rates vary depending on physician type and the service provided and are the same as the current in-person rate, said Alberta Health. A family physician who provides patient care advice via video conference, related to anxiety, for up to 20 minutes will be able to bill $38.03 An internal medicine specialist who completes a visit via telephone to discuss medication management for up to 20 minutes can bill Alberta Health $55.64. Nunweiler says this change by Alberta Health will encourage physicians to be compliant in only seeing and examining a patient in person if absolutely necessary, and thereby reduce the possibility of spreading COVID-19. He says reviewing lab work and things like prescription refills can be managed over the phone. “I do not see myself initiating video conferencing because of the strict criteria for ensuring patient confidentiality required by the CPSA (College of Physicians & Surgeons Alberta). This would mean extra paperwork.” 15-14
