The Ontario Ministry of Health and College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO) have recently announced lifting the restrictions on non-essential and in-person health care services. This means Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture clinics can gradually open again if they wish. 

BUT telepractice (remote services by internet or phone) is still needed... for BOTH NEW AND RETURNING PATIENTS.  Some people don't feel comfortable leaving their house for treatment. Those who are immunocompromised or at high-risk, or who live with people who are, may still prefer online services instead of going in-person, possibly by public transit. 

The CTCMPAO has been unclear on their messaging to practitioners about telepractice. On the one hand, the Ministry of Health encourages it, and some CTCMPAO documents encourage using it when possible as well.

BUT the CTCMPAO's own statement on Telepractice contradicts this. It states that palpation (physically examining parts of the body by touch) is necessary to make a Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis. By saying this, they are still saying that no proper diagnosis or assessment can be made via telepractice, a statement that all professional TCM associations disagree with.

In fact, by the CTCMPAO's own practice guidelines, the vast majority of information that goes forming a diagnosis comes from inquiry, listening, and observation. Only 5-10% of the information ever comes from physical examination, and practitioners are professionals who are able to use their professional judgment to determine when they are unable to assess or treat specific patients via telepractice. 

The CTCMPAO's statement has resulted in health insurance companies refusing claims for Chinese Medicine telepractice services. Some insurance companies have stated that they based their decision to deny coverage of remote TCM sessions on the CTCMPAO's position. 

We will continue to urge the CTCMPAO to publicly change it's position on telepractice, especially with regarding to TCM diagnosis and seeing new patients. The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to last many months in the future. Thousands of patients won't be able to access the relief that Registered Acupuncturists and Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners can offer, unless this position changes.