Achi news desk-
Quebec plans to end the requirement to obtain a medical note in order to receive reimbursement from an insurance company.
On Wednesday, Labor Minister Jean Beauvalt announced that he would introduce a bill to cut red tape so that GPs could make 500,000 more medical appointments for patients each year.
In a news conference with Health Minister Christian Dube, Bula said family doctors spend a quarter of their time filling out forms for insurance companies.
“Physicians in Quebec face a significant administrative burden,” he said. “25 percent of their time is spent on paperwork… it prevents them from doing medical advice.”
Among other things, the bill would prohibit insurers from requiring a client to consult a doctor in order to receive reimbursement for equipment, such as a cane or compression boot, or physical therapist or massage services, for example.
Also, in his opinion, a request for CHSLD accommodation should not require a visit to the doctor.
“Those who experience burnout should not… the insurance company will require a visit to every corner. Someone with a fracture… he should not go to the doctor every three weeks,” said the minister.
However, he cannot guarantee that the premiums will not increase with the expected increase in the number of returned services.
“We cannot give guarantees. Is it possible that there will be an impact? I am not in a position to assess it,” he admitted.
A welcome measure
However, all opposition parties welcomed the move on Wednesday.
“It’s a great initiative, frankly,” Quebec Solidaire (QS) joint spokeswoman Christine Lavery said at a news briefing. “It’s a big annoyance for patients who have to pick up these notes every time, especially for people who don’t have a family doctor. So, we really welcome this initiative.”
“I think it’s a good thing that doctors will have their work made easier. It will help productivity,” added Liberal MNA Frederic Beauchamp.
Skeptical, Parti Québécois (PQ) MNA Pascal largely welcomed the government’s “intentions” but said he was waiting for “results.”
“We will follow closely,” he said. “We will be there for the results, if it works out.”
On social media, the Fédération des médecins omnipraticiens du Québec (FMOQ) also questioned whether the move could free up half a million medical appointments every year.
“This figure seems excessive to us at first glance, and we are waiting for the minister to explain his methodology,” the union said.
The FMOQ also calls on the government to go “one step further” by banning insurance companies from requiring medical certificates for absences of less than five days.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on May 8, 2024.
