One of the most frequent questions Clinique Omicron receives - and the one that generates 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 context and paid for 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) provides coverage for medical procedures included in its tariff, These are the procedures listed in the Manuel des médecins spécialistes or the Manuel des médecins omnipraticiens. This rate is negotiated periodically between the Quebec government and the medical federations.
In general, RAMQ covers :
Basic medical consultations with a family doctor or general practitioner for common health problems. Standard clinical examinations (blood pressure, auscultation, etc.). Certain blood tests prescribed by a physician, if performed in a public laboratory. Prescription refills during a consultation with a physician. Minor emergency care when provided by a RAMQ physician in 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 extended RAMQ coverage for telemedicine since the pandemic, some video consultations remain outside the RAMQ framework, 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 in a clinic is generally a billed service.
Blood sampling in a private laboratory. If your doctor prescribes a blood test and you have it taken in a private laboratory (such as Laboratoires Biron), fees may apply for the sampling service itself.
Some consultations with an IPS (Nurse Practitioner Specialist). RAMQ coverage for IPS procedures has evolved, but is not universal in all practice settings.
How does the hybrid RAMQ + private model work at Clinique Omicron?
Clinique Omicron operates on a hybrid model, which means that some of our services are covered by 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 have been billed to you. If something seems incorrect or incomprehensible, 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 rendered. If a doctor or nurse offers you an additional service during a consultation, you have the right to ask whether it is covered by RAMQ and, if not, what the cost is.
You have the right to refuse a service not covered by RAMQ without affecting the quality of care you receive.
You have the right to request an itemized receipt for any service billed, indicating the name of the procedure, the billing code and the amount.
If you believe you have been incorrectly billed, you can contact our administrative manager or, if the situation remains unresolved, lodge a complaint with the Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC).
Frequently asked questions about billing at Clinique Omicron
Is my consultation covered by RAMQ if I have a family doctor with you? If your family doctor at Clinique Omicron is registered with RAMQ, consultations for medical problems 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 RAMQ registered or not?), the exact type of service (same name, different procedures), and the context of the visit. Two consultations for a «sore throat» may be coded differently, depending on what the doctor actually does during the encounter.
Is there a charge for cancelling an appointment? Yes, if you do not give at least 24 hours' notice, cancellation fees may apply. This policy is communicated when you book your appointment.
Conclusion: Clear pricing, a commitment from Clinique Omicron
Clinique Omicron is committed to total billing transparency. We believe that every patient has the right to know what they're paying before they pay. If you have any questions about our fees or the RAMQ/private status of a specific service, please call us at 514 606-3350 or write to us before your consultation.
Fees for medical and paramedical services - Clinique Omicron
Omicron Clinic
Need to consult a doctor?
Treatment within 24-48 hours. In-clinic or telemedicine, anywhere in Quebec.
Insurance receipts. 7j/7. No family doctor required.
