On April 1, 2023, BC became the first province in Canada to offer free universal access to prescription contraceptives. Two years later, new research from UBC shows a 49% increase in prescriptions for IUDs and contraceptive implants. This is a strong signal that when barriers are removed, patients can access the care they need.
This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without family doctors. Your clinical expertise has made this progress possible, together with BC Family Doctors’ work to support you.
How We’re Supporting You
We’ve advocated for fair compensation across payment models:
- LFP billing codes reflect the time, costs of equipment, and expertise needed for contraceptive care.
- Fee-for-service enhancements include:
- Increased IUD insertion fee (14540)
- Increased vasectomy bonus fee (13655)
- A new fee for pain management during IUD insertion, aligned with SOGC recommendations.
What Still Needs to Change
Vasectomy access remains limited. Only 50 family physicians in BC provide publicly funded vasectomies, leaving most patients reliant on private clinics or unable to afford the procedure. The significant cost barrier places a disproportionate contraceptive burden on those who can become pregnant.
Reproductive health clinics and family physician consultants are critical for provision of challenging contraceptive procedures as well as care for medically complex and unattached patients. These physicians rely on fee-for-service billing which does not yet adequately support the time and resources required for complex contraceptive care.
We’re working with the Ministry of Health to improve compensation for vasectomies and consultative care as well as decrease payment delays for for all types of reproductive care.
Help Us Advocate for Better Access
We’re committed to ensuring every patient in BC can access the full range of contraceptive options—regardless of gender, geography, or income.
As we continue to advocate for equitable, comprehensive reproductive care, we want to hear your ideas for how we can improve access to contraceptive services. Reach out to us at billing@bcfamilydocs.ca