Alberta to implement recommendations to improve access to health care By Stephen Jeffrey
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and therapy, ensuring that mental health services n a promising move towards enhancing healthcare remain accessible even in remote areas. accessibility, Alberta’s Health Minister and MLA for Red • Streamlined Payment System: A new payment system Deer North, Adriana LaGrange, unveiled a comprehenwill be introduced to support nurse practitioners in sive plan to address the pressing concerns in the province’s opening their clinics, offering services within their scope healthcare system. The proposals aim to bolster primary of practice, and prescribing medication. health care services, including the creation of a task force • Ensuring Payment for “Good Faith” Claims: Doctors will and substantial investments in physician support, online be compensated even when patients cannot provide mental health services, and Indigenous healthcare. These proof of insurance coverage, reducing administrative initiatives are poised to make healthcare more accessihassles. ble and efficient for Chestermere residents and Albertans • Strengthening Indigenous Healthcare: A new Indigenous across the province. In a press conference held on October 18, 2023, Minister Health Ministry will be established in Alberta to bridge LaGrange affirmed her commitment to strengthening the gap between Indigenous communities and the Alberta’s Primary Health Care System. The centerpiece of healthcare system. this endeavor is the establishment of a task force with a broad mandate, including the development of an improved Immediate actions under Indigenous healthcare compensation model for Family Medicine practitioners. The improvement include: objective is to provide physicians and their teams with the support they need to maintain viable practices that cater to • Creating an Indigenous Health Division within Alberta all the care needs of their patients. Health: This division will focus on improving healthcare The task force has already begun its work and is expected access for Indigenous people. to deliver an interim report in January 2024, followed by a • $20-Million Fund for Indigenous Communities: final report in March 2024. These reports will help guide the Indigenous communities will receive financial support province’s healthcare reforms. to design and implement innovative primary healthcare services and projects tailored to their needs. Recommendations for Healthcare Improvement • Indigenous Patient Complaints Investigator and Elders Roster: A dedicated investigator and a roster of Elders • The recommendations put forward to enhance will address incidents of racism during healthcare healthcare access and quality in Alberta include: delivery and provide culturally sensitive support • Creating a Primary Health Care Division within Alberta throughout the complaint process. Health: This move will streamline and centralize primary • Community-Based Indigenous Patient Navigator healthcare services, making them more efficient and Program: This program will offer guidance and support accessible. to Indigenous individuals navigating the healthcare • Allocating $57 Million Over Three Years for Physician system, ensuring a more seamless healthcare journey. Support: Family doctors and nurse practitioners will Minister LaGrange emphasized the importance of these receive financial support to manage their growing initiatives in addressing the trust deficit that exists among patient loads, potentially receiving up to $10,000 Indigenous patients and families. By implementing these annually. recommendations, Alberta seeks to create a more inclusive • Collaboration with the Alberta Medical Association: A and equitable healthcare system. task force will be formed to propose a new payment With these bold steps, Alberta is on the path to model that encourages comprehensive primary care revolutionizing its healthcare system, providing and fosters long-term patient-doctor relationships. Chestermere residents and all Albertans with improved • Memorandum of Understanding with the Alberta access to quality healthcare services. As the task force Medical Association: This partnership aims to modernize begins its work and the recommendations take shape, the primary care governance, reduce administrative province looks forward to a healthier and more accessible burdens, and enable family doctors to dedicate more future for all its residents. Stay tuned for further updates on time to patient care. this critical healthcare transformation. • Expansion of Online Mental Health Services: Doctors will now be able to bill for virtual mental health checks Chestermere Anchor News Magazine: Home Grown, Well Anchored, Reaching far beyond Chestermere’s Shores
October 23, 2023
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