News

Ministry Issues Reminder to Validate Health Cards at Every Patient Visit

TORONTO — The Ministry of Health is reminding all Ontario healthcare providers to validate patient health cards during every visit, emphasizing the importance of using the Health Card Validation (HCV) service to confirm patient eligibility at the point of care. Echoplex Healthcare Solutions Inc. supports this initiative to ensure accurate billing and reduce claim rejections for providers across the province.

Key Reminders for Providers:

  • Always request and validate the most up-to-date health card from patients at every visit.
  • Validating health cards helps prevent claim rejections caused by patient ineligibility.
  • Cards that pass validation will receive a response code between 50 and 55 from the HCV system. These can proceed with standard OHIP claim submission processes.

When a Health Card Fails Validation:

  • Review the data for possible input errors.
  • Reconfirm the health number and version code with the patient.
  • Ask if the patient has received a newer health card.
  • Advise patients to contact ServiceOntario to update their information.

If a valid health card cannot be produced at the time of service, providers may charge the patient directly. However, if the patient is later confirmed as eligible for OHIP on the service date, they may return to request a reimbursement.

Legal Compliance – A Critical Reminder:

Under the Commitment to the Future of Medicare Act (CFMA), it is illegal to charge patients for OHIP-insured services. This includes:

  • Extra billing for any insured services or service components
  • Charging for expedited or “queue-jumping” access
  • Requiring payment for uninsured services as a condition for receiving insured care (e.g., block fees)

Violations of these rules may lead to enforcement actions. Providers are encouraged to review both the Health Insurance Act (HIA) and the CFMA via ontario.ca/laws for more information.

Managing Rejected Claims:

Claims denied due to invalid health information can be resubmitted once the patient provides an updated and valid health card.

For complete guidance, healthcare providers should refer to the Health Card Validation Reference Manual.

Echoplex Healthcare Solutions remains committed to supporting providers in maintaining compliance and streamlining their billing practices. For additional assistance, please contact our support team or consult your software documentation for HCV integration best practices.

Prepare Now: Windows 10 Support Ends in 2025 — What This Means for Healthcare Providers

Echoplex Healthcare Solutions | IT Advisory & Support

Microsoft has officially announced that support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. After this critical date, devices running Windows 10 will no longer receive essential security updates, patches, or technical support. For healthcare organizations, this change represents more than just an IT inconvenience — it could become a serious risk to compliance, cybersecurity, and operational stability.

What’s at Risk?

Healthcare providers rely on secure, stable systems to manage everything from Electronic Medical Records (EMR) to practice management software, imaging systems, and billing platforms. When Microsoft stops supporting Windows 10:

  • Cybersecurity vulnerabilities will increase, exposing systems to malware, ransomware, and data breaches.
  • HIPAA compliance may be jeopardized by the use of unsupported systems.
  • Third-party software, including EMR applications, may stop working reliably — or at all.
  • Technical support for problems will be harder and more expensive to find.

Now Is the Time to Plan Your Upgrade

At Echoplex Healthcare Solutions, we specialize in helping healthcare practices upgrade critical systems without disrupting operations or blowing the budget. Whether you need to:

  • Upgrade your base operating system
  • Replace aging hardware
  • Ensure compatibility with your EMR and other essential applications
  • Or simply get advice tailored to your practice

—we’re here to help.

Get a Free System Upgrade Quote

We offer free consultations and quotes to help you evaluate your current systems, plan an upgrade path, and make informed decisions that fit your timeline and budget. There’s no obligation — just expert guidance to keep your healthcare operations secure, supported, and up to speed.

🩺 Let’s future-proof your practice today.

📞 Contact Echoplex Healthcare Solutions toll-free at 1-888-858-ECHO for your free upgrade quote now.

Echoplex Healthcare Solutions Proud to Join Cambridge Chamber of Commerce

Cambridge, Ontario [May 26, 2025] – Echoplex Healthcare Solutions is proud to announce our membership with the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce. As a company dedicated to advancing healthcare through technology and innovation, we are excited to connect with fellow businesses and community leaders who share our vision for a healthier, more connected future.

Joining the Cambridge Chamber marks an important milestone in our journey as we expand our presence in the region and deepen our commitment to local partnerships. We believe that strong communities are built on collaboration, and we look forward to contributing to the Chamber’s mission of driving economic growth, innovation, and opportunity throughout Cambridge.

“Becoming a member of the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce aligns perfectly with our values as a company, We are eager to engage with like-minded organizations, share ideas, and work together to make a lasting impact in both the business and healthcare landscapes.”

Echoplex Healthcare Solutions specializes in integrated health ICT platforms and diagnostic tools that support healthcare providers in delivering more efficient, data-informed, and patient-centered care. With our Chamber membership, we aim to foster meaningful partnerships and support initiatives that benefit both the local economy and public health.

We are honored to be welcomed into this vibrant business community and look forward to an active and collaborative relationship with the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce and its members.

For more information about Echoplex Healthcare Solutions, visit https://echoplex.ca

Why Echoplex Healthcare Solutions Inc. Should Be Your Technical Liaison for Migrating Practice Solutions Suite EMR (PSS) to TELUS Cloud (ASP)

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare technology, making the leap to a cloud-based EMR system can unlock significant benefits—enhanced security, scalability, accessibility, and long-term cost savings. But as any healthcare provider knows, the journey to the cloud isn’t without its hurdles. That’s where Echoplex Healthcare Solutions Inc. comes in.

Whether you’re a solo practitioner or a large clinic, transitioning your Practice Solutions Suite EMR (PSS) to the TELUS ASP (Application Service Provider) platform demands more than just a simple data transfer. It requires a team that understands both the clinical and technical intricacies of the system. Echoplex Healthcare Solutions is that team—and here’s why they should be your go-to liaison.


1. Deep Expertise with PSS

Echoplex Healthcare Solutions has built its reputation on working closely with PSS—providing support, customization, integrations, and upgrades. Their hands-on experience makes them uniquely qualified to manage your migration without disrupting your clinic’s operations.

They understand:

  • Data structure and customizations in your current setup
  • How third-party integrations might be affected
  • Workflow nuances that need to be preserved during migration

2. Proven Track Record with TELUS ASP Migrations

TELUS Health’s ASP environment offers a secure, compliant, and scalable cloud infrastructure for healthcare practices, but the process of onboarding is complex and time-sensitive. Echoplex has successfully supported multiple clinics through this migration, ensuring:

  • Secure and verified data transfer
  • Minimal clinic downtime
  • Seamless post-migration validation and optimization
  • Compliance with PHIPA and other regulatory requirements

3. A True Technical Liaison—From Start to Finish

Migrating to the TELUS ASP cloud involves coordination between multiple stakeholders—TELUS, EMR vendors, third-party service providers, and your clinic team. Echoplex acts as your single point of contact, streamlining communication and keeping the project on track.

Their end-to-end services include:

  • Pre-migration audits and environment readiness checks
  • Coordinating with TELUS for provisioning, access, and deployment
  • Data integrity verification and issue resolution
  • Post-migration monitoring and staff training

4. Cost-Effective and Clinically Minded

Unlike generic IT consultants, Echoplex tailors their solutions to the realities of day-to-day clinical operations. They understand that any downtime impacts patient care. Their goal is to reduce friction—not just with the technology but with the people using it.


5. Your Success is Their Priority

Echoplex isn’t just a vendor—they’re a partner. Their reputation is built on client satisfaction and long-term relationships. With responsive support, transparent communication, and a deep commitment to your clinic’s success, they make a complex process feel simple.


Final Thoughts

Migrating to the TELUS Cloud ASP platform is a smart move—but only if it’s done right. With Echoplex Healthcare Solutions Inc. as your technical liaison, you’re not just moving your EMR—you’re elevating your entire digital infrastructure. Let them handle the technical heavy lifting while you focus on what matters most: patient care.


Ready to make the move?
Reach out to Echoplex Healthcare Solutions Inc. today and take the first confident step toward a smarter, more connected clinic.

Is Your Clinic Prepared for a Cyberattack?

Your clinic depends on digital tools—EMRs, telemedicine, billing systems, and more. But with this shift to digital comes a serious risk: cyberattacks. Ransomware, phishing scams, and data breaches are on the rise, and clinics like yours are prime targets.

You may already be considering cybersecurity insurance, but did you know that most insurers require a solid cybersecurity program before they’ll provide coverage? Without it, your clinic could face major financial and operational risks if a breach occurs.

Why Cybersecurity is Essential for Your Practice

Patient records contain sensitive personal and financial information, making them extremely valuable to hackers. A single cyberattack could:

Shut down your clinic, disrupting patient care.
Expose confidential patient data, leading to legal and regulatory penalties.
Result in financial losses, from ransom payments to downtime and reputation damage.

According to the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, 47% of healthcare organizations in Canada reported a cybersecurity incident in the past year. The question isn’t if your clinic will be targeted—it’s when.

How Echoplex Can Strengthen Your Security & Reduce Insurance Costs

Cyber insurers assess a clinic’s risk level before approving coverage. The stronger your cybersecurity program, the lower your risk profile, which can lead to reduced insurance premiums and better coverage terms.

By adding SIEM XDR (Security Information and Event Management with Extended Detection and Response) and RMM (Remote Monitoring & Management) services, we provide:

24/7 Threat Detection & Response – Our SIEM XDR system continuously monitors your clinic’s IT environment, identifying and blocking threats before they cause damage. This proactive approach reduces the risk of costly cyber incidents.

Automated Security & Compliance – With RMM, we ensure that your clinic’s software is up to date, security patches are applied, and compliance standards (like PIPEDA) are met. This lowers the chance of a breach and makes it easier to qualify for cyber insurance.

Lower Cyber Insurance Costs – Insurers reward clinics with strong cybersecurity measures. By integrating SIEM XDR and RMM, your clinic demonstrates a lower risk profile, potentially leading to reduced premiums and better coverage terms.

What Else Should Your Cybersecurity Program Include?

Implementing a clinic-focused cybersecurity program doesn’t have to be complicated. These key steps can make all the difference:

🔹 Risk Assessment – Identify weak points in your EMR, network, and staff processes.
🔹 Data Encryption – Ensure patient records remain secure, even if accessed by hackers.
🔹 Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Add an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access.
🔹 Regular Software Updates – Protect your systems from known vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit.
🔹 Security Training for Staff – Prevent human error, the most common cause of breaches.
🔹 Incident Response Plan – Be prepared with a clear action plan in case of an attack.

The Cost of Doing Nothing

If your clinic lacks cybersecurity protections, you’re not just at risk of a breach—you could also:

Lose patient trust – A data leak can damage your reputation permanently.
Face legal trouble – Non-compliance with PIPEDA could lead to fines.
Struggle to get insurance – Without cybersecurity measures, insurers may refuse coverage.

Protect Your Clinic Now

Investing in cybersecurity isn’t just about prevention—it’s about ensuring your clinic can continue to operate without disruption. A well-designed security program protects your patients, meets legal requirements, and makes cyber insurance more affordable.

At Echoplex Healthcare Solutions, we specialize in cybersecurity for Canadian medical clinics. Let’s make sure your clinic meets insurance standards and stays protected from emerging threats.

📞 Let’s talk. Call us at 226-473-1255 or visit www.echoplex.ca.