What Alberta's public-private doctor plan could mean for insurance, physician burnout, nurses and more
CBC
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s plan to allow physicians to dabble both in the public and private systems at the same time would be a Canadian first, and has drawn mixed reaction from critics and supporters alike.
It has also prompted a number of questions.
Adriana LaGrange, minister of primary services and preventative health services, would not elaborate further on the legislation prior to it being tabled.
And the government did not respond as to when the bill might be tabled. The legislative calendar indicates the fall sitting will end next week.
LaGrange said in a statement the government is committed to "ensuring that under no circumstances will any Albertan ever have to pay out-of-pocket to see their family doctor or to get the medical treatment they need."
In a statement, Alberta Medical Association President Dr. Brian Wirzba said the announcement lacked details on "how it will be done."He said he's received assurances from LaGrange that the AMA will be involved in the development of these regulations.
So what implications could the bill have?
While the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) confirms this would be a first, in a statement it drew comparisons to the model in Quebec, noting how that province has cracked down to stem the bleed of physicians to the private sector.
This year, the Quebec government enacted a law requiring new med school grads to work in the public sector for five years before they are allowed to go private.
Quebec has more doctors working in the private system than all other provinces combined, according to the CMA.
Dr. Martin Potter worked in the public system for two decades before opening a private clinic, where he says he has more freedom to hire as he wants and see patients as he pleases.
“I see a lot of patients who already have a family doctor, but they can't see them in a timely fashion, so they make an appointment with me, and I'm happy to help them out,” Potter said.
“People who don't believe in private care won't come and see me. But the people who do see me ... the majority are very happy.”
Quebec cardiologist Dr. Christopher Labos said the desire to go private has become common water cooler chatter.
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