Alberta's physicians have been conducting patient visits virtually during COVID-19 and the province has decided to make them a permanent fixture.

In March of this year, the provincial government had introduced multiple physician billing codes to help with 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 has stated that the virtual visits are proving valuable and moving forward they will still be available for doctors to utilize.

"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."

Shandro has also noted that in-person care will continue along with the virtual visit option for Albertas residents and physicians.

"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."

Virtual rates vary depending on the service and are currently the same as the basic in-person rates according to the province.