Alberta premier confirms plans to allow physicians to work in both public and private health care systems

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has confirmed her government's intention to allow physicians flexibility to work in both the public and private health care systems simultaneously.

In a video posted to social media, Smith outlined how a "Dual Practice Surgery Model" would work, saying it would help reduce wait times by increasing the number of surgeries able to be performed.

Though the video focused on surgeries, Hospital and Surgical Health Services Minister Matt Jones confirmed to reporters at the legislature Wednesday that the legislation could also include family doctors.

Smith says there are more than 80,000 Albertans on wait lists for elective surgeries, like hip or knee replacements.

Smith says the changes would require surgeons and supporting surgical professionals to still perform a set number of publicly funded surgeries annually.

But they could perform additional elective surgeries privately as well, if they choose, on their weekends or off hours, said Smith.

"That means everyone on the public waitlist moves up in the queue so that they also get their publicly insured surgery done quicker than they otherwise would," Smith said in the video.

She says the change could also help retain Alberta doctors and bring back those who might have left the province for more lucrative opportunities elsewhere.

In her post, Smith says the government stands by her promise that no Albertans will need to pay out-of-pocket to see their family doctor or to receive necessary treatment.

She also points to other countries that operate under a dual-model system, including Sweden, Germany and Australia.Jones said the changes will make it more flexible for doctors who wish to participate in both systems. He said the current model involves a "difficult process" for doctors wishing to opt in or out of the private and public systems.

The changes were first reported by the Globe and Mail.

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is slamming the proposal, saying in a statement patients will "wait longer, with many paying twice for health care, once through taxes and a second time with their credit card."

The CMA is calling on the Alberta government to reconsider the idea.

In a statement Tuesday, the Alberta Medical Association responded to the speculation over the new health care model. It said any reform must be evidence-based and involve meaningful engagement with physicians, patients and stakeholders.