Alberta physicians have been conducting virtual patient visits amid COVID-19 and the province has now decided to make them permanent.

In March, the provincial government introduced new and expanded physician billing codes to help with the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Albertans could, with these new codes, access the care that they needed without risking being exposed to COVID-19 and it helped doctors and clinics be as safe as possible," said Health Minister Tyler Shandro. “Virtual care has been an important part of our COVID-19 response, protecting patients, doctors, and clinic staff by providing an alternative to office visits that avoids the risk of contact with the virus.

Shandro says these virtual visits have proved to be valuable, therefore doctors will be able to continue using them when it's appropriate to do so.

"Virtual care gave physicians the flexibility to decide the best way to provide care during the challenging times, and we've seen a great uptake in virtual visits," said Shandro. "Virtual codes will no longer be restricted only to a public health emergency. Physicians will continue to have virtual options to help them provide care and Albertans will continue to speak to their doctor from the comfort of their own homes."

The virtual billing codes allow patient visits, consultations, and mental health services to be provided over the phone or secure video conference. Shandro said in-person care will continue and that this is simply another option for Albertans and their doctors.

"All existing rules and rates for these virtual codes will remain in place," said the Health Minister. "They will also remain excluded from the daily patient visit cap. This will ensure that physicians can continue to provide the care that Albertans need while being fairly compensated."

According to the province, virtual rates vary depending on the service and are the same as current basic in-person rates.