Clinical ARP Rate Methodology
Clinical ARP (cARP) rates have historically been referred to as Provincial Base Payment Rates (PBPR). Most PBPR rates were originally derived from 2002/2003 fee-for-service (FFS) billing data in a specific specialty using modified Canadian Institute of Health Information (CIHI) methodology. Rates were subsequently updated over time using the same sectional increases negotiated for the FFS schedule through periodic re-negotiations and sectional allocations. The methodology used the average number of service event days (billed in the 40th-60th percentile).
Many cARP programs utilize a model that defines annual service hours while other programs use a program service day model.
A deliverable of the joint AH-AMA ARP Working Group was to develop a new rate methodology to derive cARP rates. As of December 19, 2024, Alberta Health and the AMA reached agreement to implement a new Family Medicine (FM) ARP rate for annualized cARPs utilizing a new methodology, the Derived Day Approach (DDA). The DDA methodology provides an estimate of the average income earned by a physician on a typical day. See the cARP Derived Day Approach page for more information.
Subsequent to the new FM ARP rate implementation, amendments to the DDA methodology to establish specialist rates have been proposed by the AH-AMA ARP Working Group. Until approval to implement new specialist rates is received, the PBPR rates for specialists will continue to be recognized.
Clinical ARP Rates
Annualized Model
In the annualized model, the maximum approved funding for the clinical ARP (cARP) is equal to the Provincial Base Payment Rate (PBPR) multiplied by the number of approved full-time equivalents (FTEs). The number of approved FTEs for the cARP is calculated based on a reasonable amount of program services that can be delivered by each 1.0 FTE. An FTE is a time-based unit of measure (e.g., days per year or hours per year), which is typically derived from the average days worked (ADW) per year for 1.0 FTE in each specialty. The ADW was determined through the modified CIHI methodology calculations as any day with one or more billing events.
For Family Medicine (FM), one common FTE definition is 241 Program Service Days (PSDs), where a PSD equals program services provided within 24-hour period from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Another common FM FTE definition is 1,928 annual hours of program service per 1.0 FTE. Although this is managed as an annual figure, it was derived from taking the FM ADW of 241 days multiplied by eight hours per day.
Current Clinical ARP Rates
The Family Medicine (FM) annualized cARP rate, utilizing the new DDA rate methodology, will initially be implemented under current FTE definitions.
| Specialty | Funding Rate per 1.0 FTE | FTE Definition Annual days | Implied Rates Per Day |
| Family Medicine | $444,645.00 | 241 | $1,845.00 |
Provincial Base Payment Rates (PBPR) are currently used for specialists in annualized cARPs:
| Specialty* | Funding Rate per 1.0 FTE | FTE Definition Annual days (ADW 2002-03) | Implied Rates Per Day |
| Anesthesia | $398,522.61 | 198 | $2,012.74 |
| Critical Care | $523,409.97 | 187 | $2,798.98 |
| Emergency Medicine | $341,231.96 | 179 | $1,906.32 |
| General Surgery | $530,401.38 | 230 | $2,306.09 |
| Internal Medicine | $339,014.14 | 221 | $1,534.00 |
| Obstetrics | $488,868.32 | 230 | $2,125.50 |
| Orthopedics | $481,469.31 | 220 | $2,188.50 |
| Psychiatry | $339,456.67 | 214 | $1,586.25 |
* Amendments to the DDA methodology to establish specialist rates have been proposed by the AH-AMA ARP WG. Until approval to implement new specialist rates is received, the PBPR rates for specialists will continue to be recognized.
Sessional Model
In a sessional model, compensation is based on an hourly rate for the delivery of clinical services. This model applies to small, specialized programs and is intended for part-time participation up to an average of two days (16 hours) per week. The current clinical ARP sessional rate for GPs and specialists is $228.45 per hour.
Capitation Model
There are two legacy full capitation clinical ARP programs in operation (Crowfoot Village Family Practice and the Taber Clinic). The capitation rates for these primary care programs are based on age and gender for each rostered patient. These models are not currently available to new applicants.
Blended Capitation Model
The blended capitation model is intended for primary care practices providing comprehensive, longitudinal medicine. More information on this model can be found on the AMA's BCM webpage.
Primary Care Physician Compensation Model
The Primary Care Physician Compensation Model (PCPCM) acknowledges essential work beyond direct patient care, supports physicians in addressing the unique needs of complex and vulnerable patients and promotes patient attachment to physician practices. More information on this model can be found on the AMA’s PCPCM webpage.