Alberta premier confirms plans to allow surgeons to work in both public and private health care systems

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has confirmed her government’s intention to allow physicians flexibility to work in both the public and private health care systems simultaneously.

In a video posted to social media, Smith outlined how a “Dual Practice Surgery Model” would work, saying it would help reduce wait times by increasing the number of surgeries able to be performed.

Smith says there are more than 80,000 Albertans on wait lists for elective surgeries, like hip or knee replacements.

Smith says the changes would require surgeons and supporting surgical professionals to still perform a set number of publicly funded surgeries annually, but they could perform additional elective surgeries privately as well.

In her post, Smith says her government stands by her promise that no Albertans will need to pay out-of-pocket to see their family doctor or to receive necessary treatment.

The changes were first reported by the Globe and Mail.

Debate takes place at Alberta legislature over private versus public health care

In a statement Tuesday, the Alberta Medical Association responded to the speculation over the new health care model. It said any reform must be evidence-based and involve meaningful engagement with physicians, patients and stakeholders.

It also said it was essential that any shift did not negatively impact the public health care system.

More to come.