The province’s Health Minister says the department has been “very keen” on changing the way primary health providers are compensated.
NLMA Past President Lynette Powell calls the fee for service compensation model used in Newfoundland and Labrador antiquated, with many physicians asking that the province adopt a blended capitation model like that used in other jurisdictions.
Minister John Haggie says blended capitation is not universal in Canada, but is being adopted as a pilot in many areas.
“It’s not been a smooth process,” says Haggie, but he expects that all the options will be explored as negotiations with the Medical Association get underway.