Send this page to someone via email

Many people with certain health conditions are required to undergo a medical exam and renew their driver’s licenses on an annual basis.

One Sherwood Park man, who has Type 1 diabetes, is concerned about the price he pays to have that medical exam done.

“It’s $141 now,” explained Jeremy Willuhn, who has lived with Type 1 diabetes for 30 years. “And it’s out of pocket.”

Willuhn says the process of renewing his license is enough of a hassle, without the added expense of the medical exam.

“I have to go to my doctor’s, get a driver’s medical filled out,” he said. “From there, I go to the registrar’s office and get my license.”

Up until last year, diabetics who are on insulin were required to renew their license every year. Now, unless you’re a commercial driver, diabetics only have to renew their license if they’ve recently been diagnosed, have had a severe episode of low blood sugar or have developed complications with their diabetes.

Story continues below advertisement

Despite the changes, the doctor’s fee still remains.

Driver’s license medicals are not covered by the province, and the Alberta Medical Association (AMA) says doctors are free to set their own fees.

“What these fees will usually reflect is, first of all, the professional cost of the physician. That’s their time and their skills, their expertise,” explained Dr. Maurice Simpson with the AMA.

Simpson says doctors also factor in administrative and other overhead costs when determining their fees.

Willuhn says the amount of money he pays for the check-up doesn’t add up to the time he spends in the doctor’s office.

“It’s 10 minutes I spend in their office. There’s no physical. There’s no actual check other than blood pressure and my eyes.”

Simpson says many doctors are willing to negotiate their fees, and suggests patients talk to their doctors if they have concerns.

“The patient’s ability to pay is very often factored into the discussion. Many physicians are willing to modify their fees depending on their willingness to pay,” Simpson explained. “We consider the nature of the service, their ability to pay and we’re prepared to discuss the fee with the patient.”

Still, Willuhn says the costs add up, and believes $141 is a lot of money for someone who already pays thousands of dollars every year for other medical expenses.

Story continues below advertisement

“For somebody on low income, it’s way too much money, and it would be nice if it was covered by the province.”

With files from Su-Ling Goh.

Follow @caleyramsay//

