Funding could be on the way for your family physician

Alberta’s government will provide funding to help family doctors with their administrative costs so they can devote more time to seeing patients.

Around 3,000 family doctors qualify for transition funding ranging from $24,000 to $40,000. The specific amount awarded to each family physician and rural generalist is determined by the size of their patient caseload.

In line with the commitment made in December 2023 to allocate $200 million over a two-year period to enhance the stability of primary health care, the Alberta Medical Association (AMA) has received supplementary one-time funding. This funding will be dispersed by the AMA to eligible family physicians and rural generalists.

“We heard what primary care physicians told us about the challenges they are facing, and we’ve taken action to address those challenges. Alberta’s government is pleased to provide this one-time funding to support family physicians and rural generalists until a new physician comprehensive care model is introduced,” stated Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health.

The funding, provided as a single payment, is intended to support family doctors and rural generalists until the implementation of a new compensation model. It is designated for covering administrative and equipment expenses associated with the management of their patient caseloads.

“We are grateful that this funding will help family and rural generalist physicians remain in comprehensive, life-long care as we move to the next phase of collaboration with the minister and her team, stated Dr. Paul Parks, President of the AMA. "For this stabilization investment to reap benefits for Albertans, we must rapidly implement the new payment model that will allow comprehensive care to flourish across the province.”

This funding stems from the recently established Canada-Alberta Health Funding Agreement with the federal government. The agreement entails approximately $1.1 billion in extra health care funding over a span of three years, allocated towards common priorities.

In December, an allocation of $200 million over a two-year period was unveiled to bolster the stability of primary care. This encompasses the $92 million announced on April 4, as well as an additional $8 million designated for the residency incentive program.

Earlier this week, Alberta Health gave more details on how the province's budget will impact healthcare in Airdrie. 

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