Quebec seeks to regulate doctors’ salaries to encourage them to take on more patients

Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé introduced a new bill, Bill 106, aimed at changing how health professionals are compensated in order to encourage them to take on more patients. The bill proposes that family doctors be compensated through a capitation payment system, which involves a fixed payment based on the number of patients they take on and the care provided. Additionally, doctors would receive an hourly rate for time spent with patients, particularly in family medicine groups and clinics.

During a news conference, Dubé explained that the bill would link the compensation of family doctors and specialists to their collective performance, rather than individual performance indicators. This proposed law comes at a time when negotiations are ongoing to renew the framework agreement for doctors in Quebec.

One of the key aspects of Bill 106 is the formalization of a colour-coded system to assess the severity of patients’ conditions, known as “vulnerability levels.” Patients who are assigned to a family doctor or a family medicine group would not lose access to their care provider, regardless of their vulnerability level.

However, the introduction of this bill has been met with criticism from medical federations. The Federation representing general practitioners has expressed concerns over the proposed colour-coded system and the potential redistribution of family doctors to more vulnerable patients. Some physicians have described the bill as a way to undermine ongoing negotiations between the government and medical federations.

Dr. Antoine Groulx, one of the experts commissioned to examine access to primary care, stated that the content of the bill does not align with the recommendations submitted earlier in the year. Dr. Vincent Oliva, president of the Federation of Specialist Doctors, criticized the bill as a “surprise” and highlighted the lack of resources in the health network.

Opposition party members have also voiced their disapproval of the bill, calling it illogical and counterproductive. They argue that the government’s focus on performance indicators and running the health sector like a business is misguided. Premier François Legault, however, has emphasized the importance of ensuring all Quebecers have access to family medicine groups and family doctors.

In conclusion, Bill 106 has sparked debate and controversy within the medical community and among political parties in Quebec. While the government aims to improve access to medical services and increase doctor-patient ratios, concerns remain about the impact of the proposed changes on physicians and the overall healthcare system.