Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle
The province’s new payment model for family doctors is being met with optimism by Oliver and Osoyoos mayors, plus the South Okanagan Similkameen Division of Family Practice (SOSDFP).
One month after its launch, 2,024 family doctors have enrolled in the provinces’ new Longitudinal Family Practice (LFP) payment model designed to retain and attract physicians to family medicine. This represents approximately 45 per cent of currently practicing longitudinal family doctors in BC; 149 are new doctors or those returning to family practice after working in other areas.
Longitudinal, in this case, means long-term, relationship-based care that has been on the endangered list in BC for some time, with some people calling it a healthcare crisis.
“We are pleased with the response to the new model which represents a significant shift in the way we practice,” said Dr. Josh Greggain, President of Doctors of BC. “We are hearing that many family doctors who had been planning to leave or retire are reconsidering that decision, which means that thousands of patients who would then be without a family doctor will continue to have one.”
Greggain said they are also starting to recruit new and returning physicians, which creates new openings for patients.
The payment model includes three elements that address the time a physician spends providing patient care, the number of patients a physician sees, and the size and complexity of a physician’s patient load.
Tracy St. Claire, Executive Director of SOSDFP, said there is a lot of optimism around the new payment model. “We are hopeful that this will mean that more patients in the South Okanagan Similkameen will have access to a family doctor or nurse practitioner.”
She acknowledged there is still a shortage of family doctors across Canada and that family physicians are providing care to many parts of the healthcare system.
“If we shore up community-based care there is a fear that we might lose staffing from other parts of the system. Ultimately, we need more doctors to be trained to keep up with planned retirements and for interdisciplinary team-based care to be expanded to all clinics.”
St. Claire said the region is fortunate to have an innovative primary care community. “We can count on all of the family medicine physicians and nurse practitioners working together to make the most of any new opportunity in healthcare.”
Oliver Mayor Martin Johansen said he has been watching with interest to see how the payment model would be received. “The numbers are encouraging, especially taking into consideration 149 are new and/or returning doctors.”
It’s still early, but Johansen is optimistic this will attract more doctors to stay in or choose longitudinal practice.
“Oliver, not unlike other communities, has lost doctors to the challenges with work/life balance associated with longitudinal practice. The new payment model is a good first step which I hope will be a turning point to the healthcare crisis we are facing in the South Okanagan due to the lack of family physicians.”
Osoyoos Mayor Sue McKortoff said any positive change to ensure better service for everyone is good news.
“Obviously some doctors like the fee for service model, and now 45 per cent like the new LFP model.”
McKortoff said the new master agreement with physicians shows that the Ministry of Health is listening to doctors’ concerns, noting the SOSDFP is going to meet with local politicians soon to discuss changes in healthcare.
“We are ready to listen and work together,” she said.
The province says the new model means family physicians who enrol are compensated for all the time needed for patient care, including time spent with patients, care coordination, and required paperwork. This is especially important for seniors, patients with complex needs, and mental health concerns.
Doctor Danette Dawkin, President of BC Family Doctors, said there isn’t a single solution, but she is confident this payment model will enable family doctors to spend more time with patients when needed and accept more patients when capacity allows.
Minister of Health Adrian Dix said the government will soon introduce a rostering system that will attach patients to longitudinal care providers in their communities.
“As more doctors sign on to the payment model, they will be able to take on more patients, and I look forward to seeing our healthcare system grow stronger as a result.”
