Patients in Quebec are often being overcharged by hundreds of dollars for medications, and that’s illegal, a coalition of doctors’ and patient groups said Sunday.

Five Quebec doctors’ groups held a joint news conference Sunday to get the word out that doctors can not overcharge for medical fees or medication, and that patients should be vigilant.

“It seems that one in every four patients had to pay for something that was either illegal or quite unclear,” said Quebec Doctors for Medicare President Dr. Isabelle Leblanc.

About 50 clinics in Quebec have complaints filed against them, and a number of patients have filed a class action lawsuit.

Philippe Leveille is one of the complainants. He said he became suspicious when he was charged different prices for drops during his glaucoma exam.

“Two years ago (it was) $35, so I said there's something weird with that. I began asking questions to my doctor and they didn't want to answer me correctly. They were saying you have to pay for that,” he said.

Leblanc said a complete list explaining what is free and what the prices of products cost should be visible at the office, and that’s not often the case. Doctors should also be able to provide a receipt for the medications, said Leblanc.

"There's a range of costs that can be billed to the patient and you should ask the physician or the secretary what you will be charged," said family physician Dr. Paul Saba, who added that patients can even negotiate costs.

Quebec Doctors for Medicare is asking the government to crack down on illegal billing. The group said often a person complains and is reimbursed, but no sanctions are placed on the doctor or clinic.   

The RAMQ's website offers a list of services for which you may not be billed. They include:

  • examinations;
  • medically required surgery;
  • the opening, management or computerization of medical records;
  • diagnostic or therapeutic procedures;
  • staff remuneration (secretarial work, archiving, filing, sterilization, housekeeping or assistance provided to doctors in treatment or operating rooms);
  • materials used (syringes, needles, gastric rings, dressings, capsules taken for video of digestive endoscopy or any disposable materials);
  • materials or products used to sterilize medical instruments;
  • use of medical equipment or instruments, known as a "technical support centre", used in operating rooms;
  • rental or upkeep of facilities;
  • use of new technology that is not considered experimental;
  • shorter wait times on waiting lists;
  • lump sums required in advance for services not yet rendered.

For the full list of fees for which you may and may not be billed, click here.                 

For a list of at some of the doctors and clinics that currently have complaints filed against them, click here.