Health · Healthcare & Policy · 2 hrs ago
Nova Scotia introduces billing code for specialized menopause care
Nova Scotia has introduced a dedicated billing code for specialized women’s health care, including perimenopause services.
Family doctors with recognized expertise in women’s health can apply the code when they provide this care.
The code took effect in July, and Nova Scotia is the second province after Manitoba to create one.
Previously, doctors used general consultation codes, which some found unclear and inadequate for longer appointments.
Supporters say the new code can compensate doctors for the time needed to discuss symptoms and treatment, and help patients feel heard.
Public menopause care is scarce and private care can be costly, while symptoms such as hot flashes, mood changes and sleep problems can be difficult for some women.
Nova Scotia family physicians with recognized expertise in women’s health can now use a dedicated billing code for reproductive and sexual health services, including perimenopause care.
The code took effect in July.
Nova Scotia is the second province in Canada to create a distinct billing code for specialized women’s health services, after Manitoba.
Supporters say the code recognizes the time and expertise needed to provide this care.
- Who
- Nova Scotia family physicians with recognized expertise in women’s health.
- What
- They can use a dedicated billing code for reproductive and sexual health services, including perimenopause care.
- When
- The code took effect in July.
- Where
- Nova Scotia.
- Why
- Supporters say it recognizes the time and expertise needed for this care and allows physicians to be appropriately compensated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Manitoba became the first Canadian jurisdiction to create a billing code specifically for menopause visits.
Nova Scotia’s dedicated billing code took effect.
- Province
- Nova Scotia
- Effective date
- July
- Eligible physicians
- Family physicians with recognized expertise in women’s health
- Covered services
- Reproductive and sexual health services, including perimenopause care
- Provincial ranking
- Second in Canada, after Manitoba
What people are saying
Previously it wasn’t feasible, I think, financially to do the care, which is a huge problem in and of itself.
When we have a billing code, it allows us as physicians to be appropriately compensated but, more importantly, to be able to give women the time to ask their questions, and for us to be able to provide enough time to make them feel validated and heard.