One of the most common questions the Omicron Clinic receives—and one that causes the most confusion among patients—concerns medical billing: Why are some services covered by the RAMQ, while others are not? How can a consultation be free in one situation but require payment in another? And what are your rights if you receive a bill you don’t understand?
This comprehensive guide answers all these questions transparently, so that every Clinique Omicron patient - and every Quebecer in general - understands exactly how the medical billing system will work in 2026.
RAMQ: What exactly does it cover?
The Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) covers medical procedures included in its tariff, that is, the procedures listed in the Manual for Specialists or the Manual for General Practitioners. This fee schedule is negotiated periodically between the Quebec government and the medical associations.
In general, RAMQ covers :
Basic medical consultations with a family doctor or general practitioner for common health issues. Standard clinical examinations (blood pressure, auscultation, etc.). Certain blood tests ordered by a doctor, if performed at a public laboratory. Prescription renewals during a consultation with a doctor. Minor emergency care when provided by a RAMQ doctor at a participating clinic.
What RAMQ does not cover
The list of services not covered by RAMQ is long and often unfamiliar to patients. In a private clinic like Clinique Omicron, the following services are generally billed directly to the patient:
Consultations for non-medical reasons. A medical examination for a driver's license, life insurance, return to work or travel does not constitute medical care within the meaning of the RAMQ. These examinations are billed to the patient.
Telemedicine, in certain contexts. Although the Quebec government has expanded RAMQ coverage for telemedicine since the pandemic, some video consultations remain outside the scope of RAMQ coverage, particularly when they involve value-added services or private platforms.
Advanced nursing care. Complex wound care, specific injections, home blood tests and post-operative care provided by nurses in private clinics are generally private services.
Aesthetic medicine. Botox injections, fillers, laser treatments - all these treatments are entirely private and are never covered by the RAMQ.
Preventive health check-ups. A complete annual check-up with in-depth analysis, cardiovascular assessment and fitness test is a private service.
Elective home care. A home visit by a nurse for care that could be provided at a clinic is generally a billable service.
Blood sampling in a private laboratory. If your doctor orders a blood test and you have it done at a private laboratory (such as Laboratoires Biron), you may be charged a fee for the blood draw itself.
Some consultations with an IPS (Nurse Practitioner Specialist). RAMQ coverage for procedures performed by IPSs has changed, but it is not universal in all practice settings.
How does the hybrid RAMQ + private model work at Clinique Omicron?
The Omicron Clinic operates under a hybrid model, which means that some of our services are covered by the RAMQ and others are private. Here’s how it works in practice:
When you make your appointment, Our administrative team will inform you of the RAMQ or private status of the service you require. If your service is private, we will inform you of the price before your consultation, in accordance with our legal obligations.
During your consultation, If your doctor identifies an additional medical need (for example, a prescription or specialty referral), this procedure may be covered by RAMQ if your doctor is registered with the RAMQ system, even in a private clinic.
On your receipt, you can clearly see which services you were billed for. If anything seems incorrect or unclear, our administrative team is available to explain it to you.
How much does a consultation at the Omicron Clinic cost?
Rates vary according to the type of service, the duration of the consultation and the professional consulted. For your information and total transparency, here are our price ranges for the most common private services in 2026:
A standard private medical consultation (15 to 20 minutes): between 150 $ and 250 $. A consultation with an IPS for a minor emergency: between 100 $ and 180 $. A complete preventive health check-up: between 300 $ and 600 $ depending on the examinations included. Nursing care (injection, simple wound care): between 80 $ and 150 $.
These prices are displayed in our clinics and are available on request. They may vary and will always be confirmed before your consultation.
Your medical billing rights
You have the right to be informed of the cost of a service before it is provided. If a doctor or nurse offers you an additional service during a visit, you have the right to ask whether it is covered by the RAMQ and, if not, how much it will cost.
You have the right to refuse a service not covered by the RAMQ without it affecting the quality of the covered care you receive.
You have the right to request an itemized receipt for any billed service, specifying the name of the procedure, the billing code, and the amount.
If you believe you have been billed incorrectly, you can contact our administrative manager, or, if the issue is not resolved, file a complaint with the Office of Consumer Protection (OPC).
Frequently asked questions about billing at Clinique Omicron
Is my appointment covered by RAMQ if I have a family doctor at your practice? If your family doctor at the Omicron Clinic is enrolled in the RAMQ plan, visits for medical issues are covered by your health insurance card.
Can I get reimbursed by my private insurance? Yes, most group and private insurances cover a portion of private medical consultations. We will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.
Why didn't my friend pay for the same service? RAMQ coverage depends on the doctor who sees you (is he or she registered with RAMQ or not?), the exact type of service (same name, different procedures), and the context of the visit. Two visits for a “sore throat” may be coded differently depending on what the doctor actually does during the visit.
Is there a charge for cancelling an appointment? Yes, if you do not provide at least 24 hours' notice, a cancellation fee may apply. This policy is explained when you make your appointment.
Conclusion: Clear pricing, a commitment from Clinique Omicron
Omicron Clinic is committed to complete transparency regarding its billing. We believe that every patient has the right to know what they’re paying before they pay. If you have any questions about our rates or whether a specific service is covered by RAMQ or is a private service, please feel free to call us at 514-606-3350 or email us before your appointment.
Fees for medical and paramedical services - Clinique Omicron
Omicron Clinic
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