QUEBEC CITY – Doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals gathered in Quebec City to speak out on the government’s proposition to normalize “accessory services” as part of Bill 20.
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These fees could apply to anything from eye drops to a medical note that patients often have to pay for after a doctor’s visit.
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The group said these services shouldn’t be normalized through a fee schedule, they should be absorbed by the healthcare system.
“The physician’s office is the only place where you have to actually pay for your medication,” said Health Minister Gaétan Barrette.
“If you go to the pharmacy, it’s covered by the insurance. If you go to the hospital, it’s covered by your Medicare card, so why not just apply the drug insurance to the clinics when you go see your doctor as well…it’s not normal to pay $500 for a medication that costs one dollar.”
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Bill 20 is the proposed legislation to improve access to health services, and in particular access to doctors.
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