Marijuana is considered a legal medicine used primarily for pain relief, but a trip to the doctor for authorization to use it isn’t covered by insurance — and can cost up to $400. 

Some patients are concerned about the fees doctors are charging to fill out the paperwork under the federal government’s new Marijuana for Medical Purposes Regulation laws, which came into effect April 1. 

Fees for uninsured medical services in the province are set by individual doctors, but there are B.C. Medical Association guidelines, with a suggested range for various services. 

However, since the new medical pot laws only took effect last week, there is not yet a fee structure for completing medical marijuana forms, which can range from free to up to $400, according to Isaac Oommen, a spokesman for the BC Compassion Club Society.  He said some clients have paid $250, while many others have been charged around $80. 

While $400 is in the higher range, such fees aren’t out of line with other uninsured services, according to BCMA guidelines.  For example, the guideline for a physical fitness exam for school or summer camp is $68.40, while a general insurance exam is nearly $200.  The suggested fee for a medical legal letter for a patient is $331. 

Health Canada has no plans to set the fees because services provided by doctors and other health professionals are provincially regulated. 

Ryan Jabs, a spokesman for B.C.’s Ministry of Health, said that documentation for medicinal marijuana is not funded through MSP because the province does not subsidize medicinal marijuana or reimburse physicians for prescribing it.  He provided no reason for why B.C. won’t reimburse physicians for prescribing pot. 

Advocates say patients requiring medicine for pain resulting from cancer or arthritis should not have to pay to get a “prescription” for pot. 

“If you go in and say, ‘Doctor, I have MS or Parkinson’s’ that visit should be covered by socialized medicine,” said Bill Chaaban, CEO of Michigan-based Creative Edge Nutrition. “ Doctors are not supposed to charge for the visit or prescription.” 

Oommen also said that some of the Compassion Club’s clients have expressed concerns that fees are too high.  He blamed the new laws, saying although there is now less paperwork required by Health Canada, the onus is on physicians to complete the forms.  Also, under the Marijuana for Medical Purposes Regulations, authorization to use medical cannabis must be renewed every year. 

Susan Prins, a spokeswoman for the College of Physicians and Surgeons, said physicians who charge fees for non-insured services, such as completing medical marijuana forms, should be guided by the ethical principles contained in the Canadian Medical Association’s Code of Ethics. 

The code states that physicians should not exploit patients for personal advantage, and in determining professional fees to patients for non-insured services, should consider both the nature of the service provided and the ability of the patient to pay. 

ticrawford@vancouversun.com