Alberta’s Physicians Know What Works. Let’s Trust Them To Lead
Physicians have solutions for timely, effective and evidence-based health care across Alberta.
Why Physician-Led Reform?
For generations, Alberta’s physicians have been the trusted stewards of medical care. Their expertise, education, and decision-making power are essential for delivering the quality care that patients rely on.
Today, physicians are ready to help the government reform Alberta’s health care. But we need a seat at the table and the trust to shape what comes next.
We understand that the health system is complex, and that’s why we’re looking to work with the government to make things better for patients and the system at large. We also want to share ideas and context with the public – patients and taxpayers – who have a right to understand how their health care system is working.
Physicians have solutions for timely, effective and evidence-based health care across Alberta.
.avif)
For generations, Alberta’s physicians have been the trusted stewards of medical care. Their expertise, education, and decision-making power are essential for delivering the quality care that patients rely on.
Today, physicians are ready to help the government reform Alberta’s health care. But we need a seat at the table and the trust to shape what comes next.
We understand that the health system is complex, and that’s why we’re looking to work with the government to make things better for patients and the system at large. We also want to share ideas and context with the public – patients and taxpayers – who have a right to understand how their health care system is working.
.avif)
Last year, the Alberta Government listened to physicians about stabilizing family medicine practices that were nearing collapse.
The Primary Care Physician Compensation Model (PCPCM), developed in partnership with doctors, is already helping to stabilize these clinics that are the backbone of the health care system.
But our system is still in crisis – particularly in our hospital system and acute care. Wait times are too long and physicians cannot offer the care patients need and that they were trained to provide.
Today, physicians are ready to help the government reform Alberta’s health care. But we need a seat at the table and the trust to shape what comes next.
Better health care starts with physician-led solutions. Here's what you should know. New topics added regularly.
Hospitals never close and most of the week (nights, weekends, and holidays) fall outside “regular” working hours.
There are fewer physicians and many pressures mean they may not be able or willing to work nights. ERs overflow. Wait times grow. Rural coverage collapses. And Alberta’s outdated payment model makes it worse, offering little support for overnight or community-based care.
Here’s the fix. Recognize physicians for providing after-hours care or that are available to return to hospital to provide services. For example, the Physician On Call Program (POCP) is meant to ensure doctors are available 24/7 — but it’s underfunded and out of step with other provinces.
Since 2019 pay cuts, the AMA has pushed for reforms to:
In late 2024, the AMA proposed an added $38 million — on top of the existing $93 million — to expand POCP, reverse rate cuts, and help stabilize emergency coverage across Alberta. Because if Alberta doesn’t act:
And that’s when patient access to medical care is becoming more difficult.
Albertans deserve 24/7 access to life-saving care. That starts with making sure doctors are ready when you need them most, and paid fairly for it.
AI is already part of our health care system — even if you haven’t noticed yet.
Technologies like speech-to-text transcription, AI scribing, and decision support systems are already being used to enhance efficiency and accuracy in health care. Done right, it can:
Still, AI can feel abstract or intimidating. The AMA wants to help ensure that Alberta’s health care system adapts with care, caution, and clarity so physicians can lead with confidence and patients can benefit without fear. We’re working with partners across Canada — Infoway, CPSA, CMPA, and others — to:
AI isn’t here to replace doctors. It’s here to help support them. But trust and transparency are key. With the right support, it can help deliver better care, faster, for everyone. Learn more: https://www.albertadoctors.org/practice/artificial-intelligence/
In Canada, health care is mostly paid for by taxes. Every Albertan chips in and that money funds hospitals, surgeries, doctors, ambulances, and more.
Here’s how you help fund it:
Income Taxes: You pay taxes to both the federal and provincial governments, and some of that money goes to health care. People with higher incomes pay more in taxes, helping fund the system.
Payroll Taxes (Canada Health Transfer): Money taken from your paycheck for things like retirement and unemployment also helps fund health care. Employers also pay part of this (and you may be an employer!)
Property Taxes: In some places, part of the property tax helps pay for local health care services like hospitals and clinics.
Substance Taxes: Taxes on things like tobacco and alcohol help pay for health programs to reduce smoking and drinking.
Estate or Inheritance Taxes: While Canada doesn’t have an inheritance tax, taxes on assets like property can help fund health care.
Sometimes, the government hires private or not-for-profit providers to deliver certain services. That’s fine if it improves access and value.
The system is complex and most people don’t know where their tax dollars actually go. There is always risk of waste or inefficiency and when government contracts publicly paid services out to be provided by private providers, the public should pay attention and should be asking:
Contracting out occurs right across the system, including: addiction and mental health; continuing care; emergency medical services; midwifery services; allied health professions like physiotherapy; chartered surgical facilities and more. Albertans work hard and pay a lot into the system. If a service is tax-funded, it deserves public scrutiny. You have a right to know how that money is spent.
A transparent, accountable health system builds trust and makes sure care stays high-quality, fair, and available to all.
In Alberta, most doctors are paid through Fee-for-Service (FFS) and get reimbursed for each visit. But with an aging population and more specialized care needs, FFS doesn’t always cut it.
Enter Alternative Relationship Plans (ARPs) which offer a set payment for a range of services. While FFS works well for most instances, ARPs may be better for managing certain types of patients such as those with chronic conditions or requiring highly specialized services that take more time.
Yet, Alberta has one of the lowest ARP adoption rates in Canada.
One reason is that most ARP rates haven’t been updated in 20 years. That leaves physicians underpaid, risking early retirements or migrations to other provinces with better compensation.
While other provinces are modernizing their payment models, Alberta risks falling behind if it doesn’t adjust its approach to physician compensation.
ARPs can promote provision of more comprehensive care by compensating doctors for the full spectrum of patient needs, not just individual visits. This is especially crucial for:
The AMA and Alberta Health are pushing for reforms like updating ARP rates, simplifying contracts, and making the system fairer.
These changes are desperately needed to retain doctors and improve patient care in Alberta.
Our health care system is at a breaking point, but the Alberta Government is ignoring common sense solutions from physicians to stabilize it.
Checks and balances on health care policy reforms
Smarter spending and resources allocated to where they’re needed most
Evidence instead of politics and decisions based on what actually works
Context to help the public understand what is needed
Real-world insight from the front lines of patient care
The Alberta Government’s words do not match their actions. They promised to implement solutions put forward by physicians but have not delivered.
Physicians are being consulted after decisions on reform have been made. This causes unintended, negative consequences. We want to work with government to prevent:
Further damage to Alberta’s ability to retain and recruit physicians
Inefficiencies and cost overruns
A health care system falling apart and putting patients at risk
Delayed Action To Support Primary Care Physicians Leaves Doctors and Patients Struggling
Physicians and the Alberta Government agreed to implement a new Physician Comprehensive Care Model (PCCM) to stabilize family and rural medicine almost a year ago. Clinics have been hanging by a thread.
The AMA and government have agreed on the model. Government is choosing not to act to implement the model. Rescue has not come. Many clinics are in increasing jeopardy.
Government pretends to hear but doesn’t listen. They are choosing not to act. Alberta, it’s your health care system. We’ll help you raise your voice. Let’s get this done.
Common sense solutions on acute care being ignored
Physicians have also proposed a model to stabilize acute care and spending going forward.
There has been no response from government and no other solutions presented.
The acute care system is on its last legs. Physicians and all team members are giving their all but more people are needed.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) Overhaul Diverts Focus from Critical Reforms
Government decided to break apart AHS without consulting physicians or other frontline professionals. This has made an overstrained system even more unstable.
This overhaul is creating new layers of bureaucracy and inefficiency. It’s burning valuable time that should be spent on critical health reforms needed to stabilize the system.
Rather than pursuing these disruptive changes, efforts should focus on solving immediate patient care challenges.
Shortage of Physicians and Teams Harming Patient Care
We are in a global health human resource crisis. There are not enough physicians. There are not enough either of the allied health professions with whom they work. This is disrupting care, increasing wait times, and reducing access to care for patients.
Not enough is being done to recruit and retain these critical personnel. Even shiny new buildings need people to work in them.
For generations, physicians have been the trusted stewards of medical care. Restricting their input has led to declining outcomes. Their expertise, education, and decision-making power are essential for delivering the quality care that patients rely on.
Physicians want to help the government reform health care – but need to be trusted. We understand that the health system is complex and we seek to talk and work together with meaningful conversations to make things better for patients and the system.
A check and balance on health care reforms
Directing precious health care resources to where patients need them most
A voice of reason on health care decisions before implementation
Checks and balances on health care policy reforms
Smarter spending and resources allocated to where they’re needed most
Evidence instead of politics and decisions based on what actually works
Context to help the public understand what is needed
Real-world insight from the front lines of patient care
Reduce costly policy missteps
With physicians providing oversight, health care reforms would be more practical and patient-centred, reducing costly missteps and building trust through evidence-based decisions guided by real-world expertise.
.avif)
Efficient resource allocation
Efficient resource allocation would direct funding, staff, and supplies to high-need areas, improving access, reducing waste, and ensuring timely, cost-effective care for vulnerable populations.
Better care quality and improved patient outcomes:
Input from doctors would prevent poorly conceived policies, leading to practical, sustainable healthcare changes that improve care quality, patient outcomes, and system stability guided by medical expertise.
Strengthening After-Hours Care in Alberta
Albertans deserve 24/7 access to life-saving care. That starts with making sure doctors are ready when you need them most, and paid fairly for it.
Learn More
Artificial Intelligence. Real impact.
AI isn’t here to replace doctors. It’s here to help support them. But trust and transparency are key.
Learn MoreHealth Care Isn’t Free. You fund it!
A transparent, accountable health system builds trust and makes sure care stays high-quality, fair, and available to all.
Learn More
Is Your Doctor Paid in a Way That Supports Your Care?
While other provinces are modernizing their payment models, Alberta risks falling behind if it doesn’t adjust its approach to physician compensation.
Learn MoreFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)