September 9th, 2024      *Updated as of November 11th, 2024*

Dear patients of Lakeshore Medical Group,

As our population ages and healthcare costs rise, many services are no longer covered by the Government of Ontario. These uninsured services require significant time and resources to administer, their demand has increased dramatically in recent years, and we are unable to provide these services free of charge.

Historically, fees for uninsured services were charged each time a service was requested. To help manage these expenses, we are introducing a program called “Annual Block Fees”. This program can provide substantial savings for patients who frequently request services not covered by OHIP, and is completely voluntary.

To clarify, the care we provide will not be based on if you join this program, it is only if you wish to save on various uninsured services. Those who do not sign up for this program will continue to pay for individual uninsured services at the time they are provided.

Enclosed with this letter is a list of uninsured services covered by this program as well as what is not covered. This list is not exhaustive but covers most services rendered. Please note that enrolling in this program only covers you/enrolled family members in our clinic and does not include services to patients without an OHIP card.

Once you enroll, you will have services covered for 365 days from the date you pay. We will be starting this program as of September 1st, 2024. The following are the payment options for our program:

Individual (18-64y) $175 Senior (65+) $120
Couple (18-64y) $250 Senior couple (65+) $175
Family (all same address, children <18y) $300

*Please note that if you or your child is also a patient of Dr. MacGregor, these block fees do not apply. Dr. MacGregor is a pediatric specialist and not a family physician, therefore is not able to participate in block fee coverage.*

**Please be aware that if you paid an individual block fee but wish to participate in the couples block fee, you have one (1) week from the purchase date to call us and speak to someone to have you and your partner covered. If the payment was received greater than one (1) week when you call in, your partner will need to pay the full individual fee (based on their age).**

***If you are a couple where one of you is above the age of 65 and the other is below, please call us at 905-845-4511 and then press 6 when listening to the options***

Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to care for you and your family. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we implement these changes. We look forward to continuing our relationship and managing your health needs.

For further details regarding Annual/ Block Fees, please click here

OR call the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario Public Advisory Service at: 1-800-268-7096   ext. 603

How to register for the Annual Block Fee program:

You may choose one of the following payment methods:

    1. Electronic e-transfer, send to:     lakeshoremedicalgroup@gmail.com   (no password required).
      • Ensure in the message section you provide all names of family members
    2. Payment in person, please come in during regular business hours to complete.
    3. Payment by phone, call 905-845-4511 then ext. 268 (leave a message if no one answers).
      • Do not include payment information in voicemail, we will call you back in 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays).

FAQ’s about the “Annual Block Fee’ program

What are uninsured services?

What are “Block Fees”?

This is a membership fee that we are going to charge annually to those who wish to participate. The fee will cover the cost of a wide array of uninsured services that the office and your physician provides.

It is completely optional for you to participate, and will not change the services we offer if you choose not to pay. You can choose to pay per service as we have done previously, or pay for the fee and cover these services for a year from the date you purchase.

For further details regarding Annual/Block Fees, please visit this website

What do these “Block Fees” include or not include?

This program will cover a wide variety of uninsured services that are often requested; from insurance letters and basic medical forms to TB testing and accommodation letters.

However, this program will not cover uninsured services that consume a great deal of physician’s time and clinic resources. These services will still be available for patients, but will be charged according to our office and CPSO policies.

For a list of example uninsured services that are covered or not please see below:

(NOTE: this list is not exhaustive. If not listed please request clarification)

What if I choose not to pay for it? Will my care change?

Not at all. The physicians want to stress that this is an optional fee that only covers uninsured services. All normal procedures and insured services will continue to be performed and you will not be treated any differently by choosing to participate in this program.

How can I sign up?

You should have received an email stating how to sign up and what to do.

  • To register for this program, do one of the following:
    • 1) Electronic e-transfer, send to:     lakeshoremedicalgroup@gmail.com   (no password required)
      • Ensure in the message section you provide all names of family members
    • 2) Payment in person, please come in during regular business hours to complete.
    • 3) Payment by phone, call 905-845-4511 then ext. 268 (leave a message if no answers.
      • Do not include payment information in voicemail, we will call you back in 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays).

Please note that we care about protecting your information and that we only require basic identifiers to know who will be covered by this fee.

Do I still need to be seen or have appointments to receive prescriptions or renewals?

This depends on the prescriptions you are requesting, your previous medical history, and which physician you work with.

Some of our physicians offer phone appointments where they can speak to you regarding your concerns and send prescription refills. However, the physicians may need to see you in person regardless of paying this fee.

Although paying this fee means you get increased convenience with third-party services, it does not mean you won’t still need to be seen in person. Our physicians take your health and well-being very seriously. The decision may also be dependent on your health conditions and prescription in question.

Please call our office and we will be happy to discuss or refer your query to your physician.

What if I need my prescription now and can’t see the doctor for another week or two?

The physicians may send your prescription to your pharmacy and send a maximum refill amount of 2 weeks (to bridge the gap between when you call and our next available appointment).

What if I owe for a service prior to paying this fee?

Your payment for a block fee does not help to cover previous costs to your profile. If you owe LMG for an uninsured service you will need to pay the balance off separately from this block fee. Even if you pay for the block fee, it will not cover fees uninsured services you received prior to your payment. If you are unsure if you have any balance owing please call our front desk.

What if I no longer wish to participate and have already paid?

We allow complete refunds within a week of the original purchase. Please call 905-845-4511 and use the extension 268 to speak/leave a message for our billing department.

Please note that if you have used a service in this time that is usually covered by this block fee, you will have to cover the cost of that service before receiving the refund.

What if my family are with multiple/different doctors?

We completely understand that you may have family members under the same roof who are seeing different doctors.

Please make all patient information clear and we will ensure it is reflected correctly in each of your charts. If you wish to add a note stating which patient is with which doctor it may be helpful.

What if my partner and I are different ages (one above 65 and one below)?

We completely understand that this can be the case. Please ensure you call our office at 905-845-4511 and then press option 6 to speak to someone directly.

We may have to ensure that each of you are charged fairly based on your ages, so please make sure you call us to clarify.

What if I paid for an individual fee but now wish to pay for a couple/family fee?

We appreciate you wishing to include more of your family to these plans and we understand this may happen. If you paid less than one (1) week ago for your individual fee and wish to change it to a couple/family fee, please call us at 905-845-4511 and then press on option 6 to speak to someone.

If you call us more than one (1) week from your original purchase, we are unable to change the fee you paid and your partner/family will have to pay separately.

What if my children also see Dr. MacGregor, are these services covered?

Unfortunately since Dr. MacGregor is a pediatric specialist and not a family physician, he is not part of the block fee program. If there are any uninsured services rendered by him for your child or family, these payments will be separate and not covered by any type of block fee.