News Release Archive
NEWS RELEASE (CNS836) -->> HEALTH--SERVICES NOT MEDICALLY
REQUIRED TO BE DEINSURED
HEALTH--SERVICES NOT MEDICALLY REQUIRED TO BE DEINSURED
-----------------------------------------------------------------
In an effort to allocate health care resources where they are
most needed, as of January 1, 1997, Medical Services Insurance
(MSI) will no longer cover procedures which are not medically
required.
The joint management committee (JMC), made up of senior officials
of the Department of Health and the Medical Society of Nova
Scotia, has released a list of procedures to be deinsured.
Included are such items as ear wax removal, stomach stapling and
removal of non-cancerous warts, cysts or pimples.
The department expects that through discussions with the Medical
Society, the money saved through deinsurance of procedures not
medically required will be redirected to other areas of health
care, such as providing medical care in small communities.
"Today's announcement is an important step in the process of
making sure the money spent on health care in Nova Scotia is put
to the best use," said Health Minister Bernie Boudreau.
"With limited resources, we have to ensure we get the best value
out of every health care dollar. This is part of managing the
system more wisely," Mr. Boudreau said.
"It is the belief of the joint management committee that these
procedures do not generally affect the state of a patient's
health," said Dr. Cynthia Forbes, president of the Medical
Society. "The society has forwarded the proposed list of
deinsured services to the doctors of the province for their
input."
The minister said that the government, through MSI, will remain
flexible on the new coverage areas and will continue to pay for
many of the procedures if doctors successfully argue they are
medically required.
-30-
Contact: Lori MacLean 902-424-5025
Janet Robertson 902-468-1866
NOTE TO EDITORS: Fact sheet available by contacting Lori MacLean
902-424-5025.
trp Nov. 22, 1996 - 1:45 p.m.
