The government of Alberta announced Monday it was adding new temporary physician billing codes so that doctors are compensated for providing virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Using the new health service codes, physicians will be paid the same rate as if the medical services were provided in person, the province said.
The change comes after Alberta family doctors voiced concerns with current billing methods and urged the province for more support of virtual options. “These new virtual care codes will make it possible for physicians to deliver care safely and effectively to patients during the pandemic,” said Dr.