Thread by @jkwan_md

DOCTORS OF #ONTARIO🚨🩺
Physicians in outpatient clinics (family MDs, specialists) have been severely affected by #COVID19, w/ decreased pt volumes & shift to virtual care. However, we are waiting for @ONThealth+@celliottability to compensate us fairly for our work. (Thread 1/12)

Despite implementation of telephone billing codes, they’re not expected to be processed by @ONTHealth until June, which means MD’s don’t get paid for work done in March-June 2020 until July. This is unacceptable & inappropriate. (2/12) cbc.ca/amp/1.5532209#…

.@OntariosDoctors continue to manage acute/urgent cases & prevent pts from ending up in overwhelmed ERs. We still immunize babies, care for pregnant women, perform essential assessments in person & virtually. The tele codes also aren’t equivalent to regular billing codes. (3/12)

Physicians are employers & run small businesses. We pay nurses, secretaries, & office managers. Some MDs have been forced to lay off staff/reduce staff hours. We pay our staff on time, so why must we accept 3+ mths of delayed income? No other profession would accept this. (4/12)

We still have to pay for rent, equipment, computer/phone fees, EMRs, & supplies. We are spending extra for overpriced #PPE (if even available). We have to pay thousands in dues for CPSO, CCFP etc. (5/12)

Outpt MDs are critical in reducing the short/long-term burden of #COVID19, including physical & psychological outcomes. If essential & preventative care is not done now, pts will be much sicker later on, as explained by @drmsgandhi. (6/12) justanoldcountrydoctor.com/2020/04/14/wil…

We spend countless unpaid hours advocating for the safety of pts/staff/ourselves & adapt to ever changing #COVID19 protocols/guidelines.
We don’t have pensions, sick days, insurance/benefits, EI, or PPE. (7/12)

https://twitter.com/robertaschell/status/1250483028717178882?s=21

Healthcare is essential, & physicians are essential. All we are asking is to be paid fairly/promptly - not to wait months. As @Health_Ontario_ puts it, this may lead to clinic closures & prolonged wait times for pts. (8/12) oma.org/section/news-&…

In Newfoundland, MDs are guaranteed 80% of their average earnings to help cover costs retroactively from Mar 18. Why can’t @ONThealth consider the same? (9/12) globalnews.ca/news/6821233/n…

In 2003, SARS Income Stabilization Program assisted doctors who were affected financially due to quarantine & decreased practice volumes. Given that #COVID19 is significantly worse, would @ONThealth consider the same? (10/12) phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/sars-…

#Ontario doctors wish list:
-#PPE
-prompt payment for services provided
-income stabilization to keep clinics afloat
-to bill regular codes in lieu of restrictive tele codes
-pay if sick/quarantined due to #COVID19

#DoTheRightThing @celliottability @ONThealth
(11/12)

MDs can’t strike. We have no union. We risk ourselves to care for pts. We don’t want to be heroes. We want to survive & be able to pay our bills, just like everyone else. Pls #DoTheRightThing! @celliottability @fordnation @StaffatMOHLTC @ONThealth #onhealth #onpoli (12/12)

CC: @AlykhanAbdulla @chemansmd @brownpa79 @NeilMaha @sixeast @dockaurG @YoniFreedhoff @drlesleybarron @NarayanMD @gforbes @janephilpott @owenlyons @Samir_Grover @hswapnil @IrfanDhalla @dockaurG @andpru @DFrcpc @IFAMD110 @James_Copley @DrElmerLee

CC:
@SansariMed @OntariosDoctors @DocMCohen @JAVanKoughnett @ccleighton @LisaEsther6 @EugeneCrystal2 @JonathanShilo @shawn_whatley @DocSchmadia @MPaiMD

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