Kris Austin is the leader of the People's Alliance of New Brunswick. (Photo: New Brunswick legislature screengrab)
The People’s Alliance of New Brunswick says they would expand virtual health care access if elected next month.
In a news release, Kris Austin said he is pleased to see an increase in virtual care since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
“However, there have been changes to funding through Medicare for doctors who see their patients virtually The worry is, this may cause doctors to do fewer virtual visits resulting in longer wait times in emergency rooms,” said Austin.
“The People’s Alliance is committed to expanding virtual care access in the province and ensuring it is properly funded,” he added.
The party quoted information from eVisitNB which said it prevented 72 per cent of patients who used virtual health care from going to the emergency room.
“Through virtual care, people can see and be seen by family doctors, nurse practitioners, and mental healthcare providers without lengthy wait times. Virtual Care can take mental health and addiction services out of our ERs and put them in our homes, school and work,” said the party in a release.
Austin said virtual health care is a service New Brunswickers have a right to receive whenever they need it.
Follow
