Abortion pill to become more widely available after new billing code adopted
HALIFAX — The abortion pill is expected to become more widely available to women in Nova Scotia starting next month, as part of a series of measures adopted by the province aimed at improving abortion access.
A physician’s bulletin issued by Nova Scotia Medical Services Insurance last week announced a new billing code that will pay doctors for overseeing the termination of a pregnancy using the abortion pill.
The fee covers the initial assessment of a patient, counselling, ordering blood tests and diagnostic imaging, prescribing the medication and follow-up.
“We’re really pleased there is now a new health service code, which demonstrates improved access for patients to this important service,” Dr. Ken Wilson, medical consultant for Doctors Nova Scotia and a member of the provincial fee committee, said in a statement.