Health In most provinces, doctors are compensated for their time using these modes of communication. Some doctors bill their respective provincial health insurance plan for these services, while many are paid on a capitation model, i.e. they are paid on a monthly basis for the individuals signed up with their practice. Some are on a mixture of these forms of payment and still others may be salaried. Whatever the method of payment, your doctor is compensated for all of these types of services and you should not hesitate if you need advice. For those who have had routine appointments for their chronic condition(s), virtual care has now become common and doctors’ offices will continue those needed visits by telephone or virtual encounters. Appointments will be given in the usual way and patients should write down any concerns or questions in advance, to review with the physician. Skype, Zoom and e-mail have been utilized. Recently, my wife slipped on a step and peeled back a two-inch flap of skin on her shin. After three weeks of dressings, I was concerned that she might need a skin graft for a one-inch area that had not healed. After sending a picture of the wound by e-mail to our family doctor, he said that it was too small for a skin graft and to continue the dressings. As predicted, it was healed in eight weeks. My neighbour had a suspicious new spot on his forehead. I advised him to take a picture of it and e-mail it to his doctor to get advice.The doctor thought that it was not skin cancer, directed him to take another picture in one month and said that she would reassess the situation and advise further. You may not see your doctor in person, but do not hesitate tomake contact when you are concerned with any issue. Many of us have the need for routine laboratory testing for such things as cholesterol levels, blood-clotting times for those on anticoagulants, and kidney function tests, as well as followup chest X-rays, ECGs, mammography, colonoscopies and numerous other tests and examinations. Appointments for these may be overlooked when not seeing your doctor regularly. Be certain that you make inquiries about necessary followup tests that have been previously recommended and have your doctor’s office arrange necessary appointments. Most of these routine outpatient tests and procedures are being conducted as usual with appropriate protocols. This year has exposed us to exceptional modifications in our daily lives. As seniors, we are at increased risk of serious illness from COVID-19 and must follow all of the recommended public health guidelines. This is especially important for those with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, lung disease and obesity. As well, our access to regular physician visits has been significantly jeopardized. All of this makes it important to take personal charge of our health issues and be certain that we not only follow all of the preventive measures being promoted, but also that we manage our health issues actively until life returns to normal. Now where is my mask? I’m going for a walk in the park with my wife. 36 | www.snowbirds.org
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