COVID-19 Updates: Taking steps to return to normal.
- Public health restrictions: Alberta entered Step 2 on March 1.
- Book your vaccine: Albertans 5+ can get it now. Get third dose when eligible.
COVID-19 Updates: Taking steps to return to normal.
In January 2022, government returned to formal discussions with the Alberta Medical Association (AMA) through an interest-based facilitation process. As discussions with the AMA continue on a future agreement, government will continue to work with physicians and the AMA to address common issues and health system challenges.
The parties have issued a joint statement indicating a commitment to rebuild their relationship and work together to focus on the COVID-19 pandemic response, physician compensation, and virtual care.
Physicians are paid according to the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan and that continues uninterrupted. Albertans will continue to be cared for by dedicated physicians who are committed to quality health care in Alberta.
Update on physician negotiations (January 20, 2022)
Alberta will maintain its current level of spending on physicians while accounting for population growth and special initiatives, such as the Alberta Surgical Initiative. Alberta physicians will remain among the highest paid in Canada.
The physician funding framework was introduced March 31, 2020. It's a multi-year process that will require consultation with the Alberta Medical Association (AMA) at all stages. It will include:
Physician services account for 10% of total government spending. Alberta spends nearly 25% of health care dollars on funding physician services.
The physician funding framework will address growing costs so government can address important frontline health care priorities like improving mental health and addiction services and expanding the number of continuing care beds.
These initiatives were designed to enable Albertans to realize better health outcomes and build a stronger and more sustainable health system, while managing physicians spending growth.
This program reimburses eligible physicians for costs incurred for the maintenance and enhancement of knowledge, skills and competency. Effective March 31, 2020, this program was eliminated. The Alberta government is in the process of re-establishing the program. Further details regarding the new program will be provided soon.
This program reimburses eligible physicians for costs incurred for medical liability insurance premiums set by the Canadian Medical Protection Association.
On April 24, 2020, the government announced the Medical Liability Reimbursement Program deductible for all rural physicians, as well as all family medicine practitioners in Alberta, would remain at current rates. Alberta Health also assumed responsibility for administering the program from the Alberta Medical Association.
View: Health Professional Bulletin Med 227
The Government of Alberta will not be proceeding with changes to this program at this time.
On April 24, 2020, the government announced the $60,000 cap that eligible rural physicians can claim through the RRNP will be removed. With the change, Alberta will now have one of the best incentive programs for rural physicians in Canada.
View: RRNP Community Rate Table
The Fee-For-Service model isn’t right for everyone. Optional Clinical Alternative Relationship Plans (ARP) enable physicians to spend more time with patients and address complex needs, without worrying about their compensation being tied to delivering specific services.
A dedicated phone number and email has been set up to make it easier to inquire about Clinical ARPs
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