Communications

Charging of Patient Fees

For the Attention of
Hospital CEOs and Clinic Intake/Patient Accounts Departments
From Rosalind Smith
Vice President – Member and Professional Relations


On April 1, 2004, the Public Health Branch, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC), introduced the Tuberculosis Diagnostic and Treatment Services for Uninsured Persons Program (TB-UP). This program is intended to ensure that uninsured persons who have suspected/active tuberculosis can receive prompt diagnostic and treatment outpatient services without financial barrier.

As noted in the attached physician letter and Questions and Answers which were sent directly to physicians on April 6, 2004:

  • The TB-UP program provides reimbursement, administered through the MOHLTC Registration and Claims Branch, for uninsured persons at a rate identical to OHIP fees. This program is separate but parallel to OHIP funding
  • The funding covers outpatient physician services and diagnostic services (e.g., laboratory and radiology)
  • Patients who are registered in the TB-UP program will have a TB-UP registration number assigned by their local public health unit
  • TB-UP patients will bring the TB-UP Health Care Provider Claim forms to the hospital with a physician requisition for diagnostic/treatment services or the referring physician will send the TB-UP claim forms to the hospital after the hospital or clinic visit. If you are unsure whether an uninsured patient is registered in the TB-UP program, please contact your local public health unit to confirm
  • TB-UP claims should be submitted to the MOHLTC Registration and Claims Branch using TB-UP Health Care Provider Claim forms
The MOHLTC has confirmed that patients registered in the TB-UP program should not be charged clinic or any other extra fees.

You are encouraged to refer to the attachments or contact your local public health unit at http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/contact/phu/phuloc_mn.html should you require further information.