While the technology to deliver virtual care has existed for decades, many barriers have prevented its widespread adoption — including payment models, licensure and quality standards, interoperability and governance, and education and training.
Scaling up virtual care is a priority for the CMA, as an important tool in helping Canadians access care.
From March 2019 to February 2020, the CMA collaborated with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC), publishing 19 key recommendations on the national standards, legislation and policy that must be implemented to pave the way for virtual care in Canada.
Since the onset of COVID-19, telemedicine and virtual services have become even more important in helping physicians connect with and care for their patients.
The CMA, in partnership with the Royal College and the CFPC, developed a series of how-to guides, videos and other resources to help physicians and patients adopt virtual care. We continue to advocate for national fee codes for virtual care services.
Physician Changemakers
2020 Abacus Data survey for the CMA
The satisfaction rate of patients using virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic
2020 Abacus Data survey for the CMA
of Canadians who had the opportunity to use virtual care since the COVID-19 outbreak would prefer a virtual method as a first point of contact with their doctor.
2018 Ipsos survey for the CMA
of Canadians believe new technologies could solve existing issues in our health care system.
CMA 2019 Physician Workforce Survey
of physicians support a system of national licensure that would allow them to practise in all Canadian provinces and territories