(Felicia Parrillo/ Global News) — At the height of the coronavirus pandemic, Montreal Public Health officials say people were not reaching out to their family doctors. In fact, consultations were down 80 per cent.
But, as the pandemic begins to stabilize, Montreal’s regional director of medicine is encouraging patients to reach out to their doctor, especially if they have a chronic illness or a concern that requires medical attention.
“It’s important to consult when appropriate and to not be scared,” said Dr. François Loubert.
According to the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ), since the start of the pandemic, more than 1.5 million Quebecers have had medical consultations over the phone or by video conference.
Dr. Yves Robert, the secretary for Quebec’s College of Physicians, says even though family doctors will now begin to see patients in person, telemedicine is a practice that’s here to stay. (…)