Alberta Medical Association

CaRMS numbers alarming

March 27, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The first round CaRMS numbers from last week are alarming. We have 42 unmatched family medicine residency positions in Alberta. In BC there are two; in Saskatchewan, none.

Election program launches today

March 24, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Today we launch a public information program to help ensure that health care remains front and center for Albertans in the coming provincial election. We hope it will help them to consider their own expectations from the system. We will be communicating via website and social media and to members via President’s Letters.

2022-23 CME Program now open

March 23, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The 2022-23 Continuing Medical Education Program provides a benefit of $2,200 per physician and is administered by the AMA. This program reimburses CME expenses incurred between April 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023.

AMA President-Elect: Call for Nominations

March 21, 2023

The Call for Nominations period for the 2023-2024 president-elect is now open. Nominations must be submitted by 9 am, Friday, April 21. Learn more about the process and current nominee.

MAPS virtual session

March 17, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Government is moving forward with the Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Health Care System (MAPS) initiative. The AMA is fortunate to have strong representation from physician leaders in the work that is being done. Further announcements are expected soon.

AMA offices and phone lines closed March 16

March 15, 2023

Please note the AMA offices and phone lines will be closed for a staff event on Thursday, March 16. Regular business hours will resume Friday, March 17.

Post-RF update

March 15, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The Representative Forum held a productive two-day meeting March 10 and 11 in Calgary. Read more about the major topics discussed.

Alberta Doctors' Digest

March 8, 2023

The March/April issue of Alberta Doctors' Digest is now available! Highlights include: A new way of discharging homeless patients from hospital; From the Editor - Can technology replace doctors?; Shine A Light: Dr. Trevor Steve and more!

Anti-Indigenous bias

March 6, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Following media reports on a study that identified explicit anti-Indigenous bias among some Alberta physicians, I have released a statement.

The crisis is not over

March 3, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Members have commented about a recent media event with the Premier, Minister of Health and Alberta Health Services Official Administrator. At this public relations event the OA outlined progress on his mandated tasks relating to reduced surgical wait times, emergency room wait times and emergency medical services response times.

Budget response

March 1, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Yesterday’s budget includes new funds for a health care system under stress, but it is difficult to determine how much.

Health care in the provincial budget and election

February 27, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The two major parties have both released statements about primary health care. Polling suggests that health care will dominate the general election (May 29 or earlier) and the provincial budget (Tuesday, February 28).

ARP retro payments

February 24, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: There is a new Alberta Health Bulletin regarding 2022-23 retroactive payments for physicians in clinical alternative relationship plans, Academic Medicine Health Services Program, sessional clinical alternative relationship plans and Blended Capitation Model. Each category has a payment schedule that is explained in the bulletin.

MAPS announcement first reaction

February 21, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Government has announced short-term proposals from the Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Health Care System (MAPS) initiative and funding for primary care in the provincial budget.

Board thoughts about MAPS

February 20, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The MAPS initiative, an Alberta Health initiative involving numerous professions and organizations, is progressing. I thank the expert physician leaders who have worked for months to develop AMA proposals to improve the primary care system.

How does the system work?

February 10, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The Joint Physician Advocacy Committee advises the Alberta Medical Association about our public advocacy. They have suggested that the AMA should tell the public more about how the system works, what’s happening and how physicians contribute.

Federal funding announcement

February 8, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Yesterday the federal government announced a proposed new health funding framework with the provinces and territories, prioritizing primary care, health workforce wellness, health human resources and innovation toward sustainability.

Reminder: AMA's media relations 201 training is next Wednesday!

February 6, 2023

Do you have some knowledge and experience with media relations but want to add to your repertoire? Next Wednesday, February 15, AMA is offering members intermediate training in media relations. Learn tips and tricks, do's and don'ts and practice with mock interviews. Space is limited. Learn more and register today!

Board digging into your issues

February 2, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: There are always many things going on in the AMA and I like to keep you informed about our current priorities even if the next steps or outcomes are still unknown.

MAPS Innovation Forum update

January 24, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The Modernizing Alberta's Primary Health Care System (MAPS) initiative has been set up to recommend short- and long-term actions to strengthen primary health care in Alberta.

Apply for leadership opportunities with the CMA

January 17, 2023

The Canadian Medical Association is seeking applications for the following opportunities for an initial term are opening in August 2023: Audit and Finance Committee, Member-at-Large; CMA Board, Director from Alberta; and Committee on Ethics, Medical Resident Member. The CMA also has several positions where the incumbents are currently completing their first term and have indicated their willingness to serve for a second term; new applicants are not precluded from applying. Learn more and apply.

Tracking the care deficit

January 13, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Today I am releasing our latest tracking data on the care deficit and the impact on patient care disrupted by the pandemic. This survey took place in November 2022 and we have been tracking the care deficit since summer 2021.

Recognizing our Past President

January 6, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Please join me in congratulating Dr. Warren on being recognized with a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.

First retroactive fee-for-service payments coming January 13

January 5, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The first of two fee-for-service retroactive payments for the 2022-23 fiscal year will be deposited January 13, 2023.

Independent pharmacist clinics weaken comprehensive care

January 3, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: I have heard from many of you with concerns about the increasing number of independent pharmacist clinics in the province. This is an important issue.

Thank you and well done

December 23, 2022

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: In these last days of 2022, the Board of Directors has one message for the membership of the Alberta Medical Association: You are all heroes.

Apply today for the AMA Physician Resource Planning Working Group

December 21, 2022

Representatives are needed for a newly formed working group: the AMA Physician Resource Planning Working Group. The deadline to apply is extended to January 13.

Section 40.2 is struck down

December 20, 2022

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Government tabled legislation December 5 to repeal Section 40.2 of the Alberta Health Care Insurance Act. This regulation enabled termination of the AMA agreement. Government committed to eliminating that provision as part of its commitments under the AMA agreement.

Zonal/Regional RF delegates - election results

December 19, 2022

Ballots for the election of zonal/regional delegates to the AMA Representative Forum were tallied on December 14, 2022. Elections took place in Calgary Zone, Region 4 and the Edmonton Zone. Acclamations were in Region 1 and 5. Who are the new zonal/regional delegates? Member login required to view.

Special thanks to the Canadian Medical Association

December 19, 2022

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: I want to share with you a letter of thanks that was sent to the Canadian Medical Association on behalf of all members of the AMA last week.

Season's Greetings from the Alberta Medical Association

December 15, 2022

We hope that over the holiday season you are able to take time with family and friends to celebrate in a personally meaningful way. Most of all we wish you time to connect with and love yourselves. You are truly heroes. Thank you.

BCP rate goes up tomorrow

December 15, 2022

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The agreement provides for an increase of the Business Costs Program rate from $2.95 to $3.59. This change goes into effect tomorrow, December 16. Current BCP program assessment rules remain the same.

One-time payment coming - Three things to know and do

December 14, 2022

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The one-time payment will be issued by end of December. Most physicians will be eligible for the full payment. To receive your payment, you must renew your membership if you haven't already done so.

More measures needed to protect Alberta’s children during respiratory virus season

December 8, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: ALBERTA – In light of the impact of this severe viral season on Alberta’s children, and in the context of the heavy strain on pediatric health services, the executive members of the Alberta Medical Association’s Section of Pediatrics are calling for stronger protective health measures to mitigate viral transmission.

Alert! Apply by January 27 for 2021-22 CME expenses

December 6, 2022

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Currently there are two separate Continuing Medical Education (CME) benefit programs to consider. Physicians have until January 27, 2023 to submit their claim for the $2,100 benefit for expenses incurred between April 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022.

Repealing 40.2

December 5, 2022

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Today government has tabled legislation to repeal Section 40.2 of the Alberta Health Care Insurance Act. This regulation enabled termination of the AMA agreement and its repeal was a commitment by government under the new agreement.

Effective December 1, daily cap on services is removed

December 1, 2022

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: In case you missed it, Alberta Health sent a bulletin earlier announcing that effective December 1 (today), the daily cap on the number of services a physician can fully bill for will be officially lifted.

Planned website outage: Monday, November 28

November 28, 2022

AMA IT services, including email, websites and online member self-serve applications (e.g., AMA Fee Navigator®), will be unavailable the evening of Monday, November 28 from 6 p.m. - midnight. The outage is required to allow for emergency work on our fiber lines at our datacenter. Thank you for your understanding.

Program details you need to read

November 24, 2022

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: I wrote to you briefly on November 2 and more details are now available. I have noted below things that you need to know or do at this time. For those who want to read more, links are provided for each item.

Daily cap temporarily removed, lump sum payment details

November 21, 2022

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Since our agreement with government was ratified, we have been making progress on various pieces of implementation. Today, in a joint news conference with the minister, we announced that there will no longer be a daily cap on the number of services a physician can fully bill for.

Administrator replaces AHS Board

November 17, 2022

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Today the government announced that the Board of Directors of Alberta Health Services has been replaced by an administrator. We thank the AHS board for their service.

Advocacy for continued precautions in virus season

November 15, 2022

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: As school settles in and respiratory viruses surge, the AMA has been advocating on social media platforms to encourage Albertans to take preventive precautions, including masking in crowded venues and, vaccination for COVID and seasonal influenza.

Quick update on Board activity

November 10, 2022

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The Board of Directors met October 27-28. It was a full agenda focused on implementing the new agreement and the implications for AMA business planning. I’ve written since then regarding some payments arising from the agreement.

Rep needed on AMA agreement committees

November 4, 2022

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Representatives are needed for two newly formed committees: the Management Committee and Rates Committee.

Zonal/Regional RF Delegate - Call for Nominations Results

November 4, 2022

The deadline to submit nominations for Zonal/Regional RF delegates was 9 a.m. on November 4. Calgary Zone, Central Zone-Region 4 and Edmonton Zone will hold an election on November 14 with voting closing at 4pm on December 14. Delegates for the South Zone – Region 1 and Central Zone – Region 5 were elected by acclamation. Member login required.

Apply today for two new AMA committees: Management Committee and Rates Committee

November 3, 2022

Representatives are needed for two newly formed committees: the Management Committee and Rates Committee. Both committees were formed in 2022 pursuant to the Alberta Medical Association Agreement. The Management Committee has overall authority to manage the agreement and the Rates Committee is responsible for operating and dealing with matters of physician compensation, plans and programs. The deadline to apply is November 10. View the terms of reference and apply today. Member login required.

A very short update: programs and payments

November 2, 2022

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: This letter is for those who prefer very brief updates. Read on for information on items that members have inquired about.

Acknowledging all that you have done

October 31, 2022

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The Board of Directors met Thursday and Friday, September 27-28. This was our first meeting since the new agreement was ratified and an opportunity for assessing where we are and why as we move into implementation.

Airdrie: An urgent care situation

October 21, 2022

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: As we adjust to the welcome realities of a post-negotiation environment and having an agreement with government, I want to assure you that our advocacy work will continue. Our health care system is still under immense pressure. As physicians, we have a responsibility to help Albertans understand what is happening and what is at stake. Our Care Deficit Assessment Series (CDAS) has explored some of those system-wide issues, including the crisis in emergency departments, children’s mental health and care of the elderly.