Provinces Urged to Exercise Caution in Virtual Care Partnerships

Provincial governments in Canada are being advised to approach partnerships with for-profit virtual health care companies with caution. An analysis published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal highlights the importance of protecting public trust in the health care system as at least four provinces have begun collaborating with corporate virtual care organizations. These partnerships aim to enhance access to primary care by providing medical services via video, phone, and text messaging.

Dr. Lauren Lapointe-Shaw, a clinician-scientist and associate professor at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine and the Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto, co-authored the analysis. She notes that “there are risks associated with direct-to-consumer virtual ‘walk-in’ style care related to access, quality of care and data privacy.” The authors argue that these concerns necessitate careful consideration as formal partnerships could lead to a deeper integration of corporate virtual care within Canada’s health care systems.

Evaluating Benefits and Risks

The analysis discusses the varying approaches taken by different provinces in forming partnerships with virtual care programs. While these collaborations can improve accessibility to health services, they also introduce significant risks. Key among these is the potential compromise of health care quality standards, data privacy issues, and the necessity for transparency regarding contracts, funding, and profit-sharing.

The authors assert that governments bear a crucial responsibility when engaging with corporate entities in the health sector. They emphasize the need to ensure that health care quality remains paramount. “There is a need for caution before greenlighting corporations in the public health care sector,” they write. Once these corporate programs are established, modifying or reversing them may prove challenging.

Importance of Regulation and Oversight

The paper warns that allowing companies to self-regulate may hinder necessary changes and improvements. This could lead to a deterioration in the quality of care offered to patients, as well as increased risks associated with privacy breaches. The authors urge provincial governments to prioritize the establishment of strong regulatory frameworks before proceeding with such partnerships.

As Canada navigates the complexities of virtual health care, the insights from this analysis serve as a vital reminder of the delicate balance between innovation and maintaining trust in the public health system. Ensuring that the interests of citizens remain at the forefront of any corporate collaboration will be key to preserving the integrity of health care delivery in the country.

For further details, refer to the article “Government partnerships with corporate virtual primary care” in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (2025). DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.250639.