Alberta Medical Association

Negotiations update – mediation unsuccessful

February 15, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: On January 31, I wrote to inform members that our negotiations with government were moving to mediation. Unfortunately, that voluntary mediation process was not successful. There are a few possibilities for next steps. Some of which the parties can do together, others that would be done separately. We are actively exploring our options and will be reaching out to the Health Minister to discuss a way forward that will satisfy the needs of Albertans and treat physicians fairly.

Flawed data equals flawed decision-making

February 14, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: In my President’s Letter last Friday, I shared our negotiations objectives and what we consider to be key requirements for reaching a deal with government: Better information – government is using misleading physician payment figures Clear vision required – a lot of ideas out there, they need to be brought into focus; Provincial physician compensation strategy – essential for true system improvement; A way to deal fairly with physician supply and control practitioner ID numbers. Today I would like to focus on the first requirement: better information.

Negotiations update and AMA's key requirements for an agreement

February 7, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: As reported last week, Alberta Health and the AMA have brought in a mediator to assist with negotiations. There is still a long way to go, but I believe it is positive that both parties are doing what they can to reach an agreement.

Alberta Health Services Review: Concern for health care in Alberta

February 5, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The 57 recommendations in the Alberta Health Services Performance Review are a compendium of cost-cutting opportunities that purport to improve value in health care by either reducing cost with no impact on quality of care, or by reducing cost and improving quality. It’s an interesting concept. We can understand the exercise of looking at the current state and seeking efficiencies; the report provides many ideas to consider. The picture is still incomplete, though, if we don’t also look at what the health care system needs to deliver for patients today and in the future.

AHS Review: Initial reaction

February 3, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Today government released the long-awaited Ernst & Young summary report of Alberta Health Services Performance Review. We have had a little time to review it, but much more time will be required given the scope and the potential implications.

Negotiations move to mediation

January 31, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Our negotiations with government are moving to a new stage. We have been at the negotiating table since November 2019. While we have seen some advances in recent weeks, both sides have agreed that discussions would benefit from mediation. A mutually agreed upon mediator has been appointed this week with the first mediated discussion occurring today. Meetings are currently scheduled to the end of February.

Update on AHS stipends

January 24, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Within the set of 11 insured services consultation proposals that Alberta Health provided to the AMA on November 14, proposal 8 plans to eliminate some stipends that are currently paid to physicians practicing in AHS programs.

What are your perspectives on ordering imaging for uncomplicated low back pain?

January 17, 2020

University of Calgary researchers are looking to interview Alberta family physicians to better understand clinical perspectives related to uncomplicated low back pain imaging. The purpose of this research is to gain a better understanding of factors that influence imaging ordering practices. Research findings will help design better interventions used to optimize recommendations in practice. Interviews will take approximately 45 minutes, at a location and time of your choice. You will be offered an honorarium for your time.

January-February 2020 Alberta Doctors' Digest now online

January 17, 2020

Highlights in this issue: Winners! Of so much more than 'just' Season 7 of The Amazing Race Canada; The Challenges and rewards of working in Indigenous health; From candy striper to doctor; Shine A Light: Dr. Lori Lobay; Dr. Robert Chan gets our Physician Wellness #GOAT; Student Spotlight: Rachel Bethune, Crystal Liu and Mirna Matta; and a lot more!

First update of 2020: Many things underway

January 13, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: I will provide you with updates on discussions with government and negotiations frequently in the weeks ahead.

Medical cannabis and the older adult

January 9, 2020

Mary Brown is 82 years' old. She comes in for routine monitoring of her heart failure and diabetes and reports that she has been having pain in her feet that interferes with her ability to sleep at night. Her granddaughter has suggested that cannabis as an ideal treatment.

Plans in place for 2020

December 24, 2019

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Last Friday you will have received a copy of the AMA’s final response document for government’s Insured Services Consultation. The December 20, 2019 President’s Letter is on our website if you missed it. It contains our perspective on the consultation items.

AMA response to government consultation proposals

December 20, 2019

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: On November 14, the Alberta government tabled several proposals, which they considered to be outside of negotiations, and gave the AMA until today (December 20) to formally respond. We received feedback from over 1500 physicians and I am writing today to provide members with the AMA’s response to the Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services Insured Services Consultation proposals.

Government consultation proposals: action to date

December 16, 2019

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: I am writing today to provide a brief update of the work and activities that have taken place since the Special RF on December 7.

HQCA Evaluation: Crowfoot and Taber Clinics

December 11, 2019

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: On December 9, the Health Quality Council of Alberta (HQCA) released its Final Report of the Crowfoot and Taber clinics case study evaluation.

Special RF Response to Government, Pushing Back

December 9, 2019

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The special meeting of the Representative Forum took place on Saturday, December 7 in Calgary. Delegates received a full update on the current negotiations with government for a new financial agreement. There was a presentation on the evolving AMA response to the 11 consultation proposal items that government has released and that were the subject of my November 29 President’s Letter. The RF also endorsed the Board of Directors’ proposed plan to respond to these challenges and ensure that government hears our concerns.

Deep Concerns re Government Consultation

November 29, 2019

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: This is in regard to recent developments in our negotiations with government that are deeply concerning for the profession. I want to provide you with information regarding what government has proposed, what work the AMA is doing to review these proposals and how you can contribute. On November 14, government tabled several proposals which, in their view, were outside the negotiations. They asked the AMA to respond by November 20 as to how we would like to be consulted.

Influenza Immunization Program Update

November 21, 2019

As of November 9, 2019 936,675 doses of influenza vaccine have been administered in Alberta.

On conscience rights legislation

November 13, 2019

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: On November 7, a United Conservative Party MLA tabled a private members bill: Bill 207, Conscience Rights (Health Care Providers) Protection Act. I wanted you to know that I have written to Minister of Health Tyler Shandro to express the opinion that this legislation is unnecessary and inappropriate. You can review my letter here.

Apply today for the TD Insurance Meloche Monnex/AMA Medical Student Bursary

November 12, 2019

We are now accepting online applications for the 2019-20 TD Insurance Meloche Monnex/AMA Medical Student Bursary! Please submit your online application by December 31, as applications received after this date will not be accepted.

Important updates to Alberta Netcare Portal for Connect Care launch

November 8, 2019

Over the weekend Alberta Netcare Portal implemented a release to support the November 3 launch of Connect Care. Please ensure to share this communication with your colleagues as they may be impacted by this release.

Blood pressure management and dementia prevention: Is lower better?

November 7, 2019

Elaine is a 78-year-old woman with hypertension and is on multiple medications. She is concerned about memory changes and has read that well-controlled blood pressure will protect her from dementia.

Wave 1 of Connect Care has launched. How is it affecting community and AHS physicians?

November 6, 2019

This past Sunday, November 3, the Wave 1 implementation of Connect Care launched. Continue reading to find out how this is affecting community physicians and AHS physicians.

On-call deserves our support

November 5, 2019

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Our rural physician colleagues have recently been in the media with concerns related to reductions in on-call payments by Alberta Health Services. Our rural members, who are already stressed by a heavy burden of service, know that reducing on-call support will make it even more difficult to recruit and retain physicians to rural areas.

New Legislation – AMA Agreement and Physician Supply

October 30, 2019

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Government has tabled legislation: Bill 21 Ensuring Fiscal Sustainability Act. This omnibus bill amends a number of statutes. Having received it late Monday afternoon, we have been exploring its implications. There are important provisions relating to the Alberta Health Care Insurance Act.

Introducing: the Section of Family Medicine

October 23, 2019

The Section of General Practice officially became the Section of Family Medicine at its Annual General Meeting on September 26. The new name more accurately describes the work being done by family physicians every day. The term "family medicine" recognizes the specialized care offered by family physicians and communicates the important role they play in the lives of their patients and in the health care system as a whole.

Connect Care Launch: Must-read information

October 16, 2019

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: On November 3, Alberta Health Services will launch the first wave of Connect Care in the Edmonton Zone. Supported by a fully integrated clinical information system, Connect Care will consolidate the patient’s story, including goals, problems, plans, investigations, treatments and all prior AHS health records. Connect Care is the AHS record of care.

Physician On-Call What's Happening; What's Next

October 9, 2019

PRESIDENT's LETTER: Many of you will have received an Alberta Health Services bulletin last week: Physician On-Call Program Changes Effective October 1, 2019, that highlighted changes in the number of on-call categories from five to three, and a reduction of stipends paid for those services.

In your service: a new president’s thoughts

October 7, 2019

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: It is a great honor to represent our profession as AMA president. I have been a physician for 43 years. I have practiced my dual specialty in Calgary at the Foothills Medical Centre and in EFW Radiology’s community clinics for 34 years. I now come before you simply as a physician devoted to our profession.

Is regular email a secure messaging tool?

October 1, 2019

A recent breach has brought the risks of emailing (e.g. Gmail, Hotmail, Shaw, etc) personal health information to the forefront. What appears to be a secure and convenient tool has many potential risks that can result in the exposure of personal health information and along with that, liability issues for physicians.