B.C. Health Minister Faces Patient Concerns Over Virtual Care Changes

Patient anxiety is rising as the British Columbia (B.C.) Health Minister, Josie Osborne, plans to limit virtual group health care sessions, prompting concerns among both providers and patients. The proposed cap on these sessions comes at a time when the provincial government is scrutinizing spending to address an anticipated budget deficit.

The B.C. Centre for Long Covid, ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia (BC-CLMF) has gained attention for its hybrid treatment model, which combines one-on-one consultations with virtual group courses for patients suffering from chronic conditions that often lead to significant disability. According to co-founder Dr. Ric Arsenau, the centre reports that 88 percent of its patients experience improvement in their health, while 17 percent manage to return to work. Each of the current group sessions accommodates 50 patients, a format that may become unviable if the Ministry of Health enforces a limit of 20 participants per session.

Dr. Arsenau highlights the financial benefits of the current model, stating, “We save $1.2 million a year to the health-care system and free up time for family doctors, emergency doctors, and specialists.” He refers to a social impact study conducted by MNA that supports these claims. Currently, the BC-CLMF clinic serves around 6,000 patients, a number that increases by approximately 2,000 each year.

Patient testimonials reflect the significance of these virtual sessions. For many, like Denise Atkin, the clinic has been a lifeline. After enduring years of misdiagnosis and a severe decline in her health due to COVID-19, Atkin found relief through the BC-CLMF. “This is not a support group. This is my only access to safe, effective, and informed medical care,” she expressed, voicing her anxiety over potential discontinuation of the virtual format. Atkin has since regained some independence and can manage her daily activities again.

Another patient, Dasha Axxelson, a former nurse, also praises the format of the BC-CLMF sessions. She recalls the clarity and thoroughness of the virtual meetings, which typically include structured presentations followed by patient questions. “Instead of meeting with a specialist in-person for 10 minutes, you actually have an hour, sometimes an hour and a half, to learn so much more,” she explained. Axxelson credits the clinic with helping her reclaim aspects of her life, including attending her daughter’s Christmas concert.

The shift toward limiting the size of virtual care groups follows a review of Medical Service Plan (MSP) billings initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when in-person visits posed health risks. The government noticed that some physicians were billing MSP nearly $3,000 for one-hour sessions involving up to 100 patients. Osborne acknowledged the value of virtual group care, particularly for patients confined to their homes due to chronic conditions. “This in no way diminishes the value of that, but it is to ensure that providers can deliver one-on-one care,” she said in an interview.

Despite the proposed changes, Osborne indicated that the government is open to feedback from stakeholders and may reconsider the 20-person cap before its anticipated implementation in March 2024. She emphasized the importance of balancing fiscal responsibility with the need for accessible healthcare.

As discussions continue, the fate of virtual group care remains uncertain, leaving patients and providers alike anxious about the implications for their treatment options. With the clinic’s success in improving patient outcomes, the potential changes are poised to impact thousands across the province.