Many people, doctors and patients alike, would like to see virtual and phone appointments continue after the pandemic, according to family physician Dr. Carla Holinaty.

The USask assistant professor says having virtual care included in their contract is something the Saskatchewan Medical Association has been advocating for in negotiations with the provincial government. In fact there were talks up until the pandemic hit, and then everything was put on hold.

She says doctors are grateful that the SMA and the province were able to work out a process for virtual fee codes for the pandemic, meaning some non-urgent care could be done without having to come in for an appointment. Holinaty explains that right now the virtual fee code is equivalent to a basic fee code for a 15 minute appointment.

If virtual care were to be added to the contract though, Holinaty says it will have to be tweaked to have more than one fee code, much like face-to-face visits where it would depend on the complexity of the appointment.