Tag: Tim Holland

Doctors raise alarm about long delays in getting paid for medically assisted deaths

Payments have been slow and amount of time that doctors can bill isn’t enough, says Dr. Tim Holland

CBC News

Emma Davie

The president-elect of Doctors Nova Scotia is concerned that delays in getting paid for administering medically assisted deaths is deterring more doctors from offering the service.

Dr. Tim Holland said he’s yet to be paid for any of the procedures he’s done since Bill-C14 came into effect in June 2016.

Of the 67 claims made in the province for assessments and procedures related to medically assisted deaths, 35 have been paid and 32 are being assessed for payment, the Department of Health and Wellness said Tuesday. . . [Full text]

 

Canadian doctors turn away from assisted dying over fees

Globe and Mail

In a recent letter to some of his colleagues, Vancouver Island doctor Jesse Pewarchuk explained why he won’t be helping any more gravely ill patients to end their lives, despite his fervent support for assisted death.

“It is my deep regret to inform you that I am no longer accepting referrals for Medical Assistance in Dying,” the letter began. “Recent changes to the [Medical Services Plan] physician fee schedule have made MAID economically untenable and I unfortunately can no longer justify including it in my practice.” . . . [Full text]