September 9th, 2024
Dear patients of Lakeshore Medical Group,
As our population ages and healthcare costs rise, many services are no longer covered by the Government of Ontario. These uninsured services require significant time and resources to administer, their demand has increased dramatically in recent years, and we are unable to provide these services free of charge.
Historically, fees for uninsured services were charged each time a service was requested. To help manage these expenses, we are introducing a program called “Annual Block Fees”. This program can provide substantial savings for patients who frequently request services not covered by OHIP, and is completely voluntary.
To clarify, the care we provide will not be based on if you join this program, it is only if you wish to save on various uninsured services. Those who do not sign up for this program will continue to pay for individual uninsured services at the time they are provided.
Enclosed with this letter is a list of uninsured services covered by this program as well as what is not covered. This list is not exhaustive but covers most services rendered. Please note that enrolling in this program only covers you/enrolled family members in our clinic and does not include services to patients without an OHIP card.
Once you enroll, you will have services covered for 365 days from the date you pay. We will be starting this program as of September 1st, 2024. The following are the payment options for our program:
Individual (18-64y) | $175 | Senior (65+) | $120 |
Couple (18-64y) | $250 | Senior couple (65+) | $175 |
Family (all same address, children <18y) | $300 |
*Please note that if you or your child is also a patient of Dr. MacGregor, these block fees do not apply. Dr. MacGregor is a pediatric specialist and not a family physician, therefore is not able to participate in block fee coverage.*
Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to care for you and your family. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we implement these changes. We look forward to continuing our relationship and managing your health needs.
For further details regarding Annual/ Block Fees, please click here
OR call the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario Public Advisory Service at: 1-800-268-7096 ext. 603
How to register for the Annual Block Fee program:
You may choose one of the following payment methods:
-
- Electronic e-transfer, send to: lakeshoremedicalgroup@gmail.com (no password required).
- Ensure in the message section you provide all names of family members
- Payment in person, please come in during regular business hours to complete.
- Payment by phone, call 905-845-4511 then ext. 268 (leave a message if no one answers).
- Do not include payment information in voicemail, we will call you back in 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays).
- Electronic e-transfer, send to: lakeshoremedicalgroup@gmail.com (no password required).
FAQ’s about the “Annual Block Fee’ program
What are “Block Fees”?
It is completely optional for you to participate, and will not change the services we offer if you choose not to pay. You can choose to pay per service as we have done previously, or pay for the fee and cover these services for a year from the date you purchase.
For further details regarding Annual/Block Fees, please visit this website
What do these “Block Fees” include or not include?
However, this program will not cover uninsured services that consume a great deal of physician’s time and clinic resources. These services will still be available for patients, but will be charged according to our office and CPSO policies.
For a list of example uninsured services that are covered or not please see below:
(NOTE: this list is not exhaustive. If not listed please request clarification)
What if I choose not to pay for it? Will my care change?
How can I sign up?
- To register for this program, do one of the following:
- 1) Electronic e-transfer, send to: lakeshoremedicalgroup@gmail.com (no password required)
- Ensure in the message section you provide all names of family members
- 2) Payment in person, please come in during regular business hours to complete.
- 3) Payment by phone, call 905-845-4511 then ext. 268 (leave a message if no answers.
- Do not include payment information in voicemail, we will call you back in 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays).
- 1) Electronic e-transfer, send to: lakeshoremedicalgroup@gmail.com (no password required)
Please note that we care about protecting your information and that we only require basic identifiers to know who will be covered by this fee.
Do I still need to be seen or have appointments to receive prescriptions or renewals?
Some of our physicians offer phone appointments where they can speak to you regarding your concerns and send prescription refills. However, the physicians may need to see you in person regardless of paying this fee.
Although paying this fee means you get increased convenience with third-party services, it does not mean you won’t still need to be seen in person. Our physicians take your health and well-being very seriously. The decision may also be dependent on your health conditions and prescription in question.
Please call our office and we will be happy to discuss or refer your query to your physician.
What if I need my prescription now and can’t see the doctor for another week or two?
What if I owe for a service prior to paying this fee?
What if I no longer wish to participate and have already paid?
Please note that if you have used a service in this time that is usually covered by this block fee, you will have to cover the cost of that service before receiving the refund.
What if my family are with multiple/different doctors?
Please make all patient information clear and we will ensure it is reflected correctly in each of your charts. If you wish to add a note stating which patient is with which doctor it may be helpful.