November 6, 2020
Province Supports Patients with More Virtual Care Options During the Pandemic
– – –Physicians Now Able to Provide Greater Care to More Patients with Appointments by Phone or Video: Friesen
The Manitoba government is working with physicians to ensure Manitobans can stay connected to their doctor with more virtual care options, Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen announced today.
“As we face this second wave of COVID-19, our government is supporting physicians and patients by expanding virtual care options, particularly for the elderly and patients with more complex medical issues who need more time with their physician,” said Friesen. “Family doctors and specialists are helping their patients stay on top of their medical concerns and our government is working effectively with Doctors Manitoba to support physicians with these new virtual visit options.”
The new options will allow both specialists and family physicians to offer more comprehensive visits virtually, with more time to take a full patient history, review the results of testing with patients and discuss treatment options. Family physicians can offer extended visits to patients over the age of 65, recognizing seniors often have more medical concerns and may require additional time with their physician than other patients.
“As we all try to limit our contact with people outside of our households, these added virtual care options mean more patients can continue to see their doctor without leaving their home,” said Dr. Cory Baillie, president, Doctors Manitoba. “Throughout this pandemic, physicians have been reminding Manitobans not to put their health on hold, because delaying your care can cause complications later. More virtual visit options will help patients stay connected to their doctors and stay on top of their medical issues.”
Baillie noted that when an in-person visit is needed, physicians are taking extra precautions to keep patients safe with thorough patient screening, additional cleaning, ensuring physical distancing in common areas and by wearing protective equipment.
In March, the Manitoba government acted quickly to develop time-limited virtual care options. This move was effective in allowing physicians to offer followup care for patients in the early days of the pandemic. The minister noted that with the global pandemic now lasting longer and with more restrictions now in place across the province, expanding virtual care is further necessary to protecting Manitobans.
Today’s additional virtual visit options build on those introduced in the spring, which supported virtual care for:
• primary care and specialist followup appointments;
• consultations to manage acute, chronic or complex health conditions;
• primary care for residents of personal care homes;
• consultation by developmental pediatricians for families who care for children with developmental difficulties, ensuring timely access to care from home;
• chronic pain management assessments and followup appointments to ensure people have safe access to these care needs; and
• psychotherapy by all physicians and psychiatric care by psychiatrists.
For up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.
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The Province of Manitoba is distributing this news release on behalf of
the government of Manitoba and Doctors Manitoba.