Dear ACFP Members:
With fall approaching, I wanted to update you on some important ongoing developments in Alberta.
As you have likely already seen from a variety of sources, the Government of Alberta has implemented the next stage of a previously announced program that allows Albertans to self-refer and privately pay for certain diagnostic tests, as of July 31.
The Alberta Medical Association (AMA) has shared a comprehensive update that identifies many of the concerns we have heard from our members about this change. There has also been extensive media coverage about it, both laying out an overview of the changes and directly addressing the feedback and questions being raised by many people in the affected professions.
Dual Practice Model Update
In addition to these changes, you may also have seen the Government of Alberta’s update on dual practice released earlier this summer. Starting September, this will allow eligible physicians to deliver both publicly funded and privately paid surgeries in accredited facilities. At this time, only family physicians with subspecialities in anesthesia or surgical assistance will be eligible to participate in this model.
As stated by the AMA, dual practice in the province is an ever-evolving topic and will require continued consultation to inform policy and develop appropriate safeguards.
Seeking Member Feedback
As the voice of family physicians, the ACFP is seeking your feedback on these recent developments and how they have and/or will affect your practice and patients. We will continue to advocate regarding the potential impacts of these policy and procedure changes. We can do this most effectively when we hear directly from members.
We invite you to reach out to us at any time with your questions, comments, or concerns. Whether it be on the topics mentioned above or anything else we should have our eyes on, please send your feedback to acfppres@acfp.ca, or if you’d prefer to remain anonymous, you can use our anonymous feedback form. (Please note that if you opt for that approach, we will be unable to respond to any questions you might have.)
Thank you for all you do to support your patients and health care in Alberta, and for your ongoing investment and input into the work of the ACFP.
Sincerely,
Melanie Hnatiuk, MD, CCFP, FCFP
ACFP President
