Caution Needed as Provinces Partner with For-Profit Virtual Care

Provincial governments in Canada are being urged to exercise caution when forming partnerships with for-profit virtual health care companies. An article published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal highlights potential risks that could undermine public trust in the health care system. At least four provinces have already engaged with corporate virtual care organizations to address challenges related to access to primary care, utilizing platforms for medical consultations via video, phone, and text messaging.

Dr. Lauren Lapointe-Shaw, a clinician-scientist and associate professor at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, along with her co-authors, outlines the significant concerns associated with the adoption of direct-to-consumer virtual care models. “There are risks associated with direct-to-consumer virtual ‘walk-in’ style care related to access, quality of care and data privacy,” they note. The authors emphasize that these risks necessitate careful consideration, particularly as formal partnerships may further integrate corporate virtual care into the Canadian health care landscape.

Understanding the Risks and Responsibilities

The analysis discusses the varying degrees of provincial partnerships with corporate-provided virtual care programs. It delves into both the benefits and drawbacks of such collaborations, highlighting the responsibilities governments bear when entering into these agreements. A critical element is ensuring that health care quality standards are met and that patient data privacy is strictly protected.

Transparency surrounding contracts, funding, and profit-sharing is also crucial. The authors assert, “There is a need for caution before greenlighting corporations in the public health care sector.” They warn that once these corporate programs are implemented, it may prove challenging to modify or dismantle them. Allowing companies to self-regulate could lead to a lack of necessary changes in the system.

Implications for Future Health Care Initiatives

The need for vigilance extends to the potential long-term impact of these partnerships on the Canadian health care system. As governments increasingly turn to corporate partnerships to alleviate pressures on primary care, stakeholders must weigh the benefits against the inherent risks.

The authors conclude that while there are opportunities for improving access to health care through virtual models, the implications of these corporate ties raise crucial questions about the future of public health care in Canada. As stated in the article, “By leaving companies to self-regulate, change is unlikely to occur.”

For further details, readers can refer to the article titled “Government partnerships with corporate virtual primary care” in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, published in 2025, DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.250639.