REPORTS FROM COUNCIL
Policy addresses issues that may arise
when proposing uninsured services
C
This is an
overview of the
discussions and
decisions made
at the December
Council meeting.
ouncil has approved
the Uninsured Servic-
es: Billing and Block
Fees policy following
an external consultation.
Overall, the policy retains the
key content and central principles
of the earlier policy. However, as
a result of feedback – including
input from the College’s Inquiries,
Complaints and Reports Commit-
tee – a number of changes were
made. Most notably, new language
has been added to emphasize how
reliant patients are on the honesty
and integrity of physicians when
paying for uninsured services. The
revised draft policy also includes a
new section which requires physi-
cians to be clear and impartial when
proposing uninsured services as an
alternative or adjunct to insured
services. Council was satisfied that
the revisions made to the policy
will help to avoid situations where
confusion can arise when paying for
uninsured services.
Other expectations of the revised
policy include:
• Charging reasonable fees
• Considering the patient’s ability
to pay
• Communicating fees before unin-
sured services are provided.
• When offering a block fee, physi-
cians must comply with a number
of policy requirements and offer
the option in writing.
An article about the policy is on
page 17.
ISSUE 4, 2017 DIALOGUE
11