Ontario Association of Cardiologists
  • About
    • Who We Are
    • Our History
    • Mission, Values & Goals
    • Initiatives & Successes
    • President’s Message
    • Board of Directors
  • Understanding Cardiology
    • Investing in Cardiology
    • Video Stories
      • Why the OAC Exists
      • Your Heart is Amazing!
      • Follow the Patient
      • A Day in the Life
      • A Patient’s Perspective
      • Cardiologists Add Value
      • Coalition of Ontario Doctors
  • Membership
    • Membership Benefits
    • Sign-ups and Renewals
  • News
  • Resources
    • Definitions & Acronyms
    • Community Forums
    • Webinars
    • Echo Accreditation
    • Choosing Wisely Canada Campaign
    • Brand & Logo Guidelines
  • Contact Us
  • Sign In
    • Sign In
    • My Account

OAC Supports Recommendation to Publicly Fund the Use of Natriuretic Peptide Testing in Adults with Suspected Heart Failure

OAC Supports Recommendation to Publicly Fund the Use of Natriuretic Peptide Testing in Adults with Suspected Heart Failure

February 10, 2021

The Ontario Association of Cardiologists (OAC) supports a draft recommendation issued by Ontario Health (OH) calling for public funding of the use of natriuretic peptide (BNP or NT-proBNP) testing for the diagnosis of people with suspected heart failure in the community and emergency department settings.

At the present time, Ontario patients pay directly for this testing unless  it is performed as an inpatient or outpatient hospital service.  “The measurement of BNP or NT-proBNP is an accepted biomarker for the diagnosis and management of patients with heart failure.  The current lack of public funding for this testing in the community in Ontario is a major limitation to clinicians and their patients and requires adjustment”, states the OAC’s letter.

The draft recommendation is based on guidance from the Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee, which has been studying the issue since 2019.  More information on the health technology assessment can be found at OH’s website: https://hqontario.ca/…/Use-of-B-Type-Natriuretic….

The OAC is calling on the Ministry of Health to accept and implement the recommendation immediately.  “The evidence is unequivocal that natriuretic peptide testing has clinical benefit, and is in accordance with patient preferences, patient care equity and cost effectiveness.  We urge the Ministry of Health to act on this recommendation and extend public funding for the expanded use of this important diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making tool in the interest of Ontario patients.”

To read the the OAC’s letter, click here: OAC Letter – Natriuretic Peptide (BNP or NT-proBNP) Testing (Feb. 9, 2021).

OH is requesting public and stakeholder feedback on the draft recommendation by February 24, 2021, which can be provided online here: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6148237/B-Type-Eng.

For more information, contact:

Ontario Association of Cardiologists
34 Eglinton Ave. West, Suite 410
Toronto, Ontario M4R 2H6
Tel: 416-487-0054
Toll-Free: 1-877-504-1239
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.ontarioheartdoctors.ca

Share this:
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email to a Friend

Related News

OAC Information Webinar: Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 8:00pm
January 18, 2023 by Tim Holman
OHIP INFOBulletin: Virtual Health Care in Ontario
December 22, 2022 by Tim Holman
Ontario Seniors and Rural Patients Will Be Hurt By New Virtual Care Rules
November 17, 2022 by Tim Holman
Latest Tweets
  • RT @PMunkCardiacCtr: For #WorldHeartDay Dr. Dinesh Thavendiranathan reminds us why the heart is so important! Show us how you take care… https://t.co/iTCIBwXU3S

    September 29, 2021RetweetFavorite

  • RT @HeartInstitute: A must-read article shining a light on #SCAD in @besthealthmag! // Un excellent article qui met en lumière la #DSAC… https://t.co/ZJWa5X0nMc

    August 20, 2021RetweetFavorite

  • Congratulations Dr. Sanfilippo! twitter.com/SEAMOKingston/stat…

    July 16, 2021RetweetFavorite

  • Interesting and valuable insights provided by @OntHeartDocs member Dr. Beth Abramson: WIC International Perspective… twitter.com/i/web/status/14121…

    July 05, 2021RetweetFavorite

  • RT @Dr_Pandey_Heart: #cbridge .@SCC_CCS .@OntHeartDocs strongly recommends all eligible Canadians to get the #COVID19Vaccine as soon as… https://t.co/I4r1XgEFeQ

    June 14, 2021RetweetFavorite

Protect, Maintain & Improve Cardiac Care in Ontario. Become a Member

Already a Member? Sign In

34 Eglinton Ave. West, Suite 410
Toronto, Ontario M4R 2H6

Tel: (416) 487-0054
Toll-Free: (877) 504-1239

E-mail: [email protected]

Quick Links
  • Contact Us
  • Mission, Values & Goals
  • Sign-ups and Renewals
  • Who We Are
  • Why the OAC Exists
  • Privacy Statement
  • Terms of Use
Find Us on Social Media

Copyright © Ontario Association of Cardiologists. All rights reserved.