The Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association says they are left with questions about how doctors will be compensated under the new virtual physician service being brought in.

Last week, Health Minister Tom Osborne revealed that a company has been chosen to provide virtual support to rural emergency departments 24/7, and offer services to those who do not have a family doctor.

According to Osborne, the contract has not yet been officially signed.

In a letter to its members, NLMA President Gerard Farrell says the Association was informed that a company had been chosen through the media.

In general, he says the NLMA supports the use of virtual care—but it is best used as an extension of the existing relationship between patient and physician.

Farrell believes that the service is the reflection of a “physician human resource crisis” in the province, but it is not a long term solution.

He says they have not been told if physicians will be paid according to an MCP fee schedule as outlined in an MOA with government.

Health Minister Tom Osborne says details about pay will be revealed once the contract is finalized and he’s not at liberty to discuss it yet.