The Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association believes adopting a new payment model could go a long way in reducing the workload for physicians.

Dr. Susan MacDonald took over as NLMA president during last week’s AGM. She says workload is “absolutely” something that the association will be looking at, noting that remuneration can be key to that.

According to MacDonald, the province is not on par with other Atlantic provinces in terms of pay rates. She explains that if the province were more competitive, more doctors would be enticed to come and work here, thus spreading out the work.

As well, MacDonald says the province’s current payment model is “outdated.” They’re focused on a “blended capitation” model where physicians get money for each patient in their practice and then a “top-up” each time that patient is seen.

She says physicians that belong to this model can pool resources, which both spreads out the work and gives patients what they need.