The pre-budget spending and announcement just kept coming yesterday, with news that a tentative deal had been reached with the province’s doctors on a new pay option.
So called capitation is voluntary and designed independent community family practices. It pays doctors a set annual fee for each of their patients, plus a reduced fee services each time they see that patient.
Medical Association president, Kris Luscombe says it will also allow family doctors to focus on the needs of individual patients instead of the number of patients visits.
Health Minister, Tom Osborne noted the result becomes a team effort rather than a download of duties on one doctor. He says there will be expectation of more timely access to doctors, including after hour’s availability. The tentative agreement also includes 21% pay increase for doctors under such a scenario.
The NLMA says will hold virtual consultations with its member doctors before finalizing the agreement.