August 1st 2025, the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue no longer manages the billing of Ontario physicians who provide services to residents of the Témiscaming and Kipawa sector. The establishment does not have the authority to conclude agreements regarding doctors billing between provinces and to contribute to their remuneration. This decision is intended to respect interprovincial agreements and practices applied throughout Quebec and to dedicate the funding the establishment receives to provide health services in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region.
Important facts to remember:
- Urgent health services will still be provided by physicians in Ontario and accessible at all times to residents of Quebec;
- For elective (non-urgent) services, the Ontario physician can decide whether to accept or refuse to treat a Quebec resident. When the physician agrees to provide medical services, they can either bill the patient directly or claim their fees from the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec ( RAMQ ). If the patient pays the fees directly, the RAMQ will reimburse them, but possibly at a lower amount. The difference could be covered by private insurance.
- If a resident of the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region is refused access to non-urgent medical services in Ontario or if medical follow-up already started in Ontario is interrupted, the CISSS de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue is committed to meeting the health needs of the entire population of the Témiscaming and Kipawa sector. The need to continue medical follow-up on a priority basis, taking into account the clinical condition or ongoing treatments, will be met.
If you are concerned about an interruption or continuity of services with an Ontario doctor, contact the institution by email at transfertmedtk@ssss.gouv.qc.ca or by telephone at 819 627-3385, ext. 0.
For more information, see the Questions and Answers.
