By Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle
Both Oliver and Osoyoos mayors are crossing their fingers that the province’s new payment model for doctors will help fix the ailing healthcare system.
The province announced the model on Monday in partnership with Doctors of BC and BC Family Doctors. The multi-million plan, available to doctors in February 2023, marks a departure from the fee-for-service model which is based primarily on the number of patients they see in a day.
The new model will see full-time family doctors paid about $385,000 a year compared to $250,000 they currently make.
The plan takes into account several factors including: the time a doctor spends with a patient; the number of patients a doctor sees in a day; the number of patients a doctor supports through their office; the complexity of the issues a patient is facing; and administrative costs currently paid directly by family doctors.
Oliver Mayor Martin Johansen said the news is definitely a welcome step in the right direction and “comes at a time when our healthcare system is teetering on the brink of collapse.”
He added the announcement contains much needed and historic changes.
“Time will tell, but I’m encouraged to read these changes have been developed through a collaborative approach and I’m optimistic they will strengthen the ability of Oliver and the South Okanagan to attract new family doctors in addition to retaining existing doctors.”
Osoyoos Mayor Sue McKortoff said if the province and its doctors have agreed to the new plan, that is a positive move.
“If we can attract doctors and retain them, that is terrific news. Reaching a tentative physician master agreement is important as well. Let’s hope this is a positive step forward in achieving better healthcare in our communities.”
The province says the new model will attract new physicians to family practice and retain existing doctors.
“We know how important family doctors are in B.C.,” said Premier John Horgan.
He said rising costs, pandemic-related pressures and staffing shortages required action for doctors on several fronts. Hence, the new payment plan.
Health Minister Adrian Dix said it’s time to renew, rebuild and strengthen the healthcare system. And this new model helps do that, he pointed out, adding it comes from working closely with Doctors of BC and BC Family Doctors to find solutions.
Dix said the model provides a more equitable payment for the work that family doctors do, and will help maintain their business autonomy.
The province and Doctors of BC have also reached a tentative physician master agreement (PMA), which includes several commitments that will better support doctors as they care for their patients.
The province says the three-year PMA (at a cost of $708 million) will improve health care, including gender equity, Indigenous reconciliation, and workplace safety. It also addresses work completed after regular operating hours.
“We are excited about these two major developments that we believe will make a real difference in helping to improve healthcare in B.C.,” said Dr. Ramneek Dosanjh, president of Doctors of BC.
The new physician master agreement has yet to be ratified by B.C.’s doctors, but the province says it will be a major step in the goal of providing everyone with a family doctor.
Tracy St. Claire, executive director of the South Okanagan Similkameen Division of Family Practice, is away on conference and could not be reached for comment by press time.
