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“The timing of it coming forward, when thousands of physicians in Alberta don’t have any way to support interactions with their patients, has created confusion,” she said.

“In and of itself, it is a great idea especially for rural and remote areas or people that don’t have a family doctor. What it is is a virtual walk-in clinic. But most patients have a doctor and are best supported by a family doctor. We have no way to do that right now.”

Currently, doctors in the province can receive $20 a call to provide COVID-19 telephone advice to patients. Shandro announced this amendment to the billing code earlier this month.

That same day he said changes to the funding framework for physicians will not be delayed.

“I want re-assure Albertans that any resources needed in the health system will be there and our government response will be driven by the evidence and advice of Dr. Deena Hinshaw (Alberta’s chief medical officer of health) and other public health experts, not budget or by political conversations,” said Shandro previously.

“Let me be clear, we will do whatever is necessary to support the response efforts here in Alberta.”

Molnar said without the implementation of a virtual care billing code, many doctors in the province are worried they will have to lay off staff and potentially close their office. Some already have.

She has asked the province to place the remaining elements of the physician funding framework on hold.

“At this moment, we need time to focus on our patients. At the end of the day, we require a formal, structured agreement that defines roles, responsibilities, accountabilities and authority,” she wrote in a letter to AMA members.

“However, there is only one battle right now and that is COVID-19. We need to work together.”

alsmith@postmedia.com

Twitter: @alanna_smithh