**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
Government Extends Virtual Care Options
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Government is extending access to virtual care options like telephone and videoconferencing that are available for doctors to connect with patients.
Physicians’ payment codes for virtual visits will be available until Dec. 31, 2020.
“We know Nova Scotians and doctors have appreciated keeping their appointments through virtual visits,” said Health and Wellness Minister Randy Delorey. “Further extending this short-term measure makes good sense as we continue to deal with COVID-19.”
Government continues to evaluate information and options to help inform the long-term approach to virtual care.
Virtual care is one of several measures introduced to strengthen the health system and help Nova Scotians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Quick Facts:
— virtual visits are provided via telephone, telehealth network or secure videoconferencing tools
— as of Sept. 2, more than 919,250 services were provided virtually by physicians in Nova Scotia
— testing numbers are updated daily at http://novascotia.ca/coronavirus
— a state of emergency was declared under the Emergency Management Act on March 22 and extended to Oct. 4
Additional Resources:
Government of Canada: http://canada.ca/coronavirus
Government of Canada information line 1-833-784-4397 (toll-free)
The Mental Health Provincial Crisis Line is available 24/7 to anyone experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, or someone concerned about them, by calling 1-888-429-8167 (toll-free)
Kids Help Phone is available 24/7 by calling 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free)
For help or information about domestic violence 24/7, call 1-855-225-0220 (toll-free)
