Alberta's dual practice health model raises wait-time concerns
Starting this fall, Alberta will allow doctors to work in both public and private systems, but researchers warn the change may lengthen waits for public patients.
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Alberta will allow approved doctors to work in both public and private health systems starting this fall under a "dual practice" model announced Thursday by Health Minister Adriana LaGrange. The plan aims to reduce surgical wait times by expanding capacity.
Eligible procedures include hip and knee replacements, orthopedic surgeries, cataract surgery, select ear, nose and throat surgeries, dermatology, plastic surgery, and gynecological procedures. Currently, only 64 per cent of hip and knee replacements are completed within the six-month target time, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information.
But research raises red flags. University of Calgary researcher Babatope Adebiyii found that when surgeons in Ireland, Australia, the U.K., Brazil, and Chile worked in both systems, wait times increased for public patients while shortening for those able to pay.
Key details remain unanswered. The province hasn't specified the minimum hours doctors must work in the public system before becoming eligible for private practice. Francesca Sebastion, CEO of Acumen Health, a private sports medicine clinic in Alberta, said clarity on how surgeons move between systems and how operating rooms will be shared is critical.
The Alberta NDP opposes the model, calling it a step toward American-style for-profit health care. The federal government is reviewing the plan to ensure it complies with the Canada Health Act before full implementation.