RE:News Item GlobalTV Below is a copy of an E-mail letter is sent to Terry Lake on November 18 2013 just 5 days ago. I have not yet received a reply, however maybe they have been alerted and informed. Due to this mornings Global News segment I will resend my letter and hopefully they can consider the billing code for Verisante's Aura, as this is a solution to their problem.
"Terry Lake:
I am inquiring as to when the Health Ministry would be considering adapting a billing code to one its agencies recent technologies.
The BC Cancer Agency through great works of its research department have developed an early skin cancer detection device, called the AURA. However to date there are very few hospitals and GP's who have elected to purchase this device to implement in their practice for reasons unknown. In my view this device could possibly save the health care systems millions of dollars by eliminating some steps and procedures in the present process. As well the BCCA could additionally benefit by creating additional revenues from the royalties received by the sales and usage of this unit. This is a win win in my opinion for the health care system and government , as well as for the general public, in need of lower cost health care and decreased wait times for appointments and diagnosis in the analysis of skin cancer.
The AURA is being marketed by Verisante Technology in Vancouver, however the sales to date in Canada have been exceptionally slow. This in my opinion is due in part to the fact that GP's do not have an existing billing code in place to accomodate patients who are in need of such a ground breaking technology and service.
If you could provide additional information as to the ministries position and consideration of a billing code for this unit it would be greatly appreciated. As a Canadian and BC born resident and taxpayer it is in the interests of all citizens in our province to receive the best quality of care at the least cost possible. I look forward to your earliest reply."
Sincerely
G... S......