COVID-19 Resources |
STATEMENT:
To The Ontario Medical Association Board of Directors
As an Orthopaedic Surgeon, I wish to express my deep concern at the lack of progress in economic stabilization during the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual care codes are as of now not being paid and cannot replace normal practice. The phase II sessional codes are not available at this point and will likely never apply to me. I can not access government subsidies to support my secretary while at work, or provide for unyielding office expenses.
The pandemic has created a new, and more challenging work environment for all physicians, and particularly challenging for Orthopaedic Surgeons, one which is not captured by the standard fee for service model.
The negotiations task force has wasted time and not achieved supportive financial measures for physicians. I strongly request that the OMA leadership immediately redirect all their efforts to achieving a fair and supportive deal for all doctors during the pandemic.
The consequences of this pandemic will be as dire for physicians as is has been for many citizens of Ontario. We need revenue stabilization. There is no other way.
Jeremy Hall
Section Chair, Orthopaedic Surgery
RESOURCES:
| Title | Resource | Date Uploaded |
| OMA Recommendations for use of Personal Protective Equipment: Summary of Public Health Ontario guidance for care of patients with suspect or confirmed COVID-19 |
OMA Recommendations for Use of Personal Protective Equipment | April 3, 2020 |
| OOA recommendations for patient interaction in the clinical setting |
|
March 25, 2020 |
| Virtual Care Patient Encounter |
You must obtain consent from the patient in order to proceed: informed consent and the duration of the encounter need to be dictated into the patient’s clinic note for that call. OMA Legal has prepared a short paragraph statement to initiate a Virtual Care patient encounter which has also been vetted by the CMPA: “Just like online shopping or email, Virtual Care has some inherent privacy and security risks that your health information may be intercepted or unintentionally disclosed. We want to make sure you understand this before we proceed. In order to improve privacy and confidentiality, you should also take steps to participate in this virtual care encounter in a private setting and should not use an employer’s or someone else’s computer/device as they may be able to access your information. If you want more information, please check the link on our [institution website/confirmation email/etc.]. If it is determined you require a physical exam you may still need to be assessed in person. You should also understand that virtual care is not a substitute for attending the Emergency Department if urgent care is needed. Are you ok to continue?” |
March 25, 2020 |
| Recommendations on the use and conservation of PPE from Ontario Health |
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use during the COVID-19 Pandemic *Click here to read. |
March 25, 2020 |