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COVID-19 Coverage For MSP Non-Eligible Patients

Courtney Marie L.
Apr. 14, 2020
2-minute read


In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Doctors of BC have just released the following message:

Individuals present in BC who would otherwise not be eligible for coverage under MSP will be provided provincially insured health care coverage for services related to suspected or confirmed cases of infection with COVID-19.

Services for unrelated conditions that are performed on MSP non-eligible patients will remain uninsured. You as the provider will be responsible for determining whether your patient meets the criteria for this coverage for all services performed.

Services related to COVID-19 for non-MSP eligible patients may be billed using the following generic Personal Health Number (PHN):

PHN: 9703740703
First Name: A
Surname: Coronavirus
Date of Birth: 08/01/1988

Note: This patient information above is already in Dr. Bill, all you need to do is create the claim.

This generic PHN shouldn’t be used for patients who are eligible for MSP coverage for the date of service but who either do not yet have a PHN or whose coverage is not currently active. Those eligible patients should first establish their MSP coverage so that services can be billed under their own PHN.

Please note that an MSP beneficiary can access provincially insured health care benefits using the PHN that is printed on an expired BC Services Card with another form of identification.

You may also notice an increase of patients presenting to them with confirmation of coverage letters. These letters have been issued in response to access to care during the COVID-19 pandemic.


If you have any questions about any of the information please reach out. We’ve extended our hours and are here to help.

Please also check out our resource centre to keep you up to date on the latest billing news.

This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by RBC Ventures Inc. or its affiliates.

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Courtney Marie L
Writer and editor with a demonstrated history of working in the Canadian healthcare sector and the publishing industry. Skilled in writing, editing, proofreading, Spanish to English translation, and teaching English as a second language. Strong communications professional with a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Political Science from the University of Manitoba.
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