Doctor's office

By The Canadian Press

Reversal of billing changes ‘too little, too late’ for some Alberta doctors

Apr 29, 2020 | 1:34 PM

EDMONTON, AB – Early reaction to fee changes aimed at preventing rural doctors in Alberta from withdrawing some services shows some willing to continue their work while others are turning thumbs down.

Ten family doctors from Lac La Biche have decided to keep delivering care and babies at the local hospital.

But nine others in Pincher Creek say they will move ahead with their plan to withdraw hospital services in 90 days.

One of those doctors, Samantha Myhr, says the issue is a lack of trust in a government that she says has given doctors no meaningful say or cost certainty.

Earlier this year, Health Minister Tyler Shandro cancelled a master agreement with the Alberta Medical Association, which represents doctors, and brought in fee changes.

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On Friday, he reversed the changes, which had eliminated billing for overhead in hospitals and reduced the province’s contribution to doctors’ medical liability plans.

Shandro said the consequences of the changes had been unforeseen.