The pre-budget spending and announcements just kept coming yesterday, with news that a tentative deal had been reached with the province’s doctors on a new pay option.

So-called blended capitation is voluntary and designed for independent community family practices.

It pays doctors a set annual fee for each of their patients, plus a reduced fee-for-service each time they see that patient.

Medical association president Kris Luscombe says it will also allow family doctors to focus on the needs of individual patients instead of the number of patient visits.

Health Minister Tom Osborne noted the result becomes a team effort rather than a download of duties on one doctor.

He says there will be an expectation of more timely access to doctors, including after-hours availability.

The tentative agreement also includes a 21 per cent pay increase for doctors under such a scenario.

The NLMA says it will hold virtual consultations with its member doctors before finalizing the agreement.

Premier Andrew Furey, Health Minister Tom Osborne and NLMA president Kris Luscombe announce tentative deal on so-called blended capitation model, including 21 per cent pay increase for family docs. ⁦@VOCMNEWS⁩ pic.twitter.com/PchhVIb7NQ

— Brian Callahan (@briancallahan67) March 22, 2023