B.C. Health Minister Plans Virtual Care Cuts, Patients Voice Concerns

Patients in British Columbia are expressing anxiety following announcements from the provincial health minister regarding potential changes to virtual group treatment programs. As the government tightens its budget to address a projected deficit, the proposed cap on the size of these virtual health care sessions has raised concerns among both providers and patients.

The B.C. Centre for Long Covid, ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia operates a hybrid model that combines one-on-one consultations with virtual group courses aimed at individuals suffering from chronic conditions. According to co-founder Dr. Ric Arsenau, the current model allows for groups of up to 50 patients, with a reported 88 percent of participants indicating improvement in their health and 17 percent returning to work. He argues that the proposed limit of 20 patients per session would render these virtual meetings impractical.

“This program saves $1.2 million annually for the health care system and alleviates the burden on family doctors and specialists,” noted Arsenau, who leads several virtual sessions himself. The clinic currently serves around 6,000 patients, with approximately 2,000 new patients joining each year.

Patients have described the clinic as a “miracle” in their journeys toward recovery. For instance, Denise Atkin shared her experience of grappling with chronic fatigue syndrome, which worsened after contracting COVID-19. “I was completely bedbound, unable to speak or eat,” she recalled. After numerous emergency room visits and medical appointments, she found the support she needed through the Centre’s virtual sessions. “This is my only access to safe, effective, and informed medical care,” Atkin stated, voicing her concerns about the potential discontinuation of these sessions.

Another patient, Dasha Axxelson, a former nurse, echoed Atkin’s sentiments. Once physically active, Axxelson’s life changed dramatically due to long COVID, affecting her cognitive abilities and overall health. She appreciates the extended time slots during the virtual sessions, which allow for deeper engagement with specialists. “We actually have an hour, sometimes an hour and a half, to learn so much more,” she explained, highlighting the unique access to expertise that these sessions provide.

Government Review of Virtual Care Policies

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Health adjusted its billing policies to accommodate virtual care, allowing physicians to charge the public health care system for remote consultations. However, a review of these policies is currently underway following concerns about potential overbilling. Health Minister Josie Osborne announced plans to limit virtual care group sizes to 20, following reports that some physicians billed nearly $3,000 for one-hour sessions with 100 patients.

Osborne acknowledged the value of virtual group care for patients often confined to their homes. “This in no way diminishes the value of that care,” she said. “It is essential that we introduce some parameters to ensure fiscal responsibility.” Despite this, she assured that the government is not phasing out remote access to health care or group sessions entirely.

Osborne indicated that the government remains open to feedback from stakeholders regarding the proposed cap, which is set to be implemented in early March 2024. “I continue to hear from stakeholders about the impacts of this plan,” she noted, suggesting that adjustments could be made based on community feedback.

As discussions continue, patients and healthcare providers are left to navigate their uncertain futures in a system that has provided critical support during challenging times. The ongoing dialogue between the government and the public highlights the importance of accessible health care solutions for those managing complex chronic conditions.