BC Family Doctors want to pay more for vasectomies funded by the government to tackle a huge backlog
The demand for vasectomies in British Columbia is soaring, with patients facing long waiting lists or hefty fees at private clinics. BC Family Doctors are advocating for an increase in the reimbursement rate for vasectomies under the Medical Services Plan (MSP) to encourage more doctors to offer the procedure without cost to patients.
Dr. Renee Fernandez, Chief Medical Officer at BC Family Doctors, highlights the decline in doctors offering government-funded vasectomies due to inadequate compensation. The current tariff model has not kept pace with the cost of providing the service, leading to a shortage of providers.
Public clinics are struggling to keep up with the demand, with waiting lists growing rapidly. Willow Clinic, a non-profit dedicated to reproductive health care, saw a significant increase in vasectomy procedures from 165 in 2021 to 1,230 in 2024. The clinic has had to close its waiting list due to overwhelming demand.
Private clinics, such as the one run by Dr. Jonathan Follows in Sidney, are stepping in to meet the demand. However, the fees charged by private clinics, such as $2,000 for a vasectomy, are out of reach for many patients. Dr. Follows emphasizes the need for higher reimbursement rates to make the procedure financially viable for doctors.
Despite the Ministry of Health’s claims that reimbursement rates have kept pace with inflation, doctors argue that the current rates are insufficient. Dr. Fernandez points to Alberta, where doctors receive significantly higher reimbursement for vasectomies, as a model to follow.
Dr. Neil Pollock, CEO of Pollock Clinics, one of the largest providers of vasectomies in BC, defends the fees charged by private clinics, citing the extensive experience and quality of care provided. However, he also supports increased reimbursement rates for doctors under the public system.
The lack of access to vasectomies not only impacts individuals seeking the procedure but also places a burden on women and people capable of becoming pregnant. Dr. Renée Hall of Willow Clinic emphasizes the importance of gender equality in access to contraception and permanent sterilization options.
In conclusion, the issue of access to vasectomies in BC highlights the need for adequate reimbursement rates for doctors to ensure affordable and timely access to the procedure. Gender equality in access to contraception and permanent sterilization options is crucial for promoting reproductive health and autonomy.
