New figures from the province’s chief coroner show that more than 500 Ontarians ranging in age from 27 to 101 – have chosen medically assisted death – since it became legal in Canada just over a year ago.

Cancer was the most common underlying condition – followed by neurological and respiratory conditions.

In only one case, the medication used to cause death was self-administered – with doctors performing the rest of the procedures most often in hospitals – followed by private homes.

The remainder of deaths occurred in long-term care homes and retirement homes.

The government is still working with physicians to develop a fee code – setting out  what doctors are paid for performing a medically assisted death.

The health minister’s office says doctors can bill the government for – a counselling or a consultation – and in some cases a home visit and or an intravenous therapy.

But it’s yet to be determined if the new fee structure will be applied retroactively – for medically assisted deaths that have already occurred.