TELECONSULTATIONS :
Below are answers to some of the most asked questions about teleconsultations related to COVID-19.
Do patients seen in teleconsultation count in the number of patients seen / registered for office fees (codes 19928, 19929) if I am normally entitled to them?
Yes, as long as the encounter qualifies as a visit and that the patients are registered.
Are the new patient visit and the supplement for non registered patient (codes 1995X) billable for patients whose care was ultimately taken over the phone by teleconsultation?
Depending on the patient's condition, a management visit may require an examination (patient with heart or respiratory failure, etc.). In this case, it is not appropriate to claim VPEC (new patient visit). If the patient does not require a physical examination because his situation is simple, it is conceivable to request a VPEC.
Until Friday March 20, the CMQ's position was that teleconsultation should only be used to assess known patients. The College has since changed its position and allows it, but stresses that physicians must respect the limits imposed by the means they use and judge on a case-by-case basis.
We therefore recommend that you register the patient and bill a walk in visit or a clinical intervention for the first teleconsultation appointment (if an examination is necessary) and wait for a next appointment in person to bill the new patient visit and the non registered patient supplement (codes 1995X).
I participate in daily and weekly meetings for public health and COVID-19. Can I bill my administrative hours in GMF (activity code 072101) or my medico-administrative hours (activity code XXX043) if I am on an hourly rate?
Some facilities tell us that these meetings are informative and participation is voluntary. Other meetings deal with the specific organization of the GMF to contribute to the evaluation of patients in the context of the pandemic. The FMOQ is discussing the possible avenues of compensation for these meetings with the ministry.
If doctors want to use their bank of medico-administrative hours in GMF to remunerate the participation in these meetings which deal with the functioning of GMF during the pandemic, they can do so.
I do teleconsultations when I'm in the ER. Do I have the right to charge for these services with modifier # DC19?
Yes, you follow the same billing rules and codes as you normally do in your sector of activity. It is not limited to the clinic, CLSC or GMF-U.
I am in a position of imposed quarantine and I choose to conduct teleconsultations for my patients from home. Am I paid according to the isolation measurement compensation or according to the services rendered in teleconsultation?
For the time being, when in isolation one cannot accumulate compensation plus fee for service remuneration for remote services; it's one or the other.
You are encouraged to lend a hand by performing teleconsultations. You are also encouraged to still note the services rendered if you choose the isolation compensation in case the modality changes.
DESIGNATED CLINIC COVID-19:
I work in a designated COVID-19 office and I chose the fixed rate compensation method (code 19680). I see patients registered with my name. Can I charge 8875 (GMF annual fee) or 15169 (vulnerability supplement) supplements?
No, it is not in conformity to bill any other supplement or package than the codes 19681 and 19683 during the period when the package 19680 is claimed.
If I am in a designated COVID-19 clinic and I choose the fee-for-service method, can I invoice the package during unfavorable hours (code 19683)?
Yes, as long as it applies to the sector in question.
Our team continuously monitors the situation and we will continue to keep you informed on the subject as it evolves. This page will therefore be updated frequently.
