Quebec doctors say new bill will drive them away, threaten patient access
Doctors at a medical clinic in Kingsey Falls, a town in central Quebec, are facing a dilemma that could potentially lead to the closure of their clinic and a shift out of family practice or even out of Quebec altogether. The reason behind this possible decision is Bill 106, a proposed legislation that would allow the province to regulate how physicians are paid, linking up to 25 per cent of their pay to their performance.
The doctors at the Kingsey Falls medical clinic have expressed their concerns about the bill, stating that the new rules would impose unattainable performance targets on them and diminish their ability to provide quality care to their patients. Dr. Isabelle Lemieux, a physician at the clinic, emphasized that taking on more patients without additional resources or a more efficient system would hinder their ability to care for those patients effectively.
As the legislative hearings on the bill progress, medical clinics across the province are cautioning their patients about the possibility of losing their family doctor, despite Article 4 of the bill suggesting otherwise. They are urging patients to reach out to their local Member of the National Assembly (MNA) to voice their concerns. However, the Quebec College of Physicians (CMQ) has criticized these communications as spreading false information, as stated by the Health Minister Christian Dubé during a recent hearing.
The debate surrounding Bill 106 continues to intensify, with doctors expressing fears about the bill’s impact on their profession. The Fédération des médecins omnipraticiens du Québec (FMOQ) has labeled the bill as “catastrophic,” warning that it could negatively impact access to medical services. Dr. Marc-André Amyot of the FMOQ highlighted the importance of recognizing the full scope of a family doctor’s work beyond clinical appointments.
During the hearings, concerns were also raised about the bill’s failure to acknowledge the time doctors spend on training, administrative work, and teaching. The province’s medical schools emphasized the need for more resources and support for physicians to prevent doctor shortages and improve access to care.
Health Minister Christian Dubé stressed the importance of working differently rather than harder, noting that there are 1.5 million Quebecers without a family doctor. The proposed bill aims to incentivize doctors to take on more patients through a mixed model of remuneration that includes capitation payments, hourly rates, and performance-based compensation.
Public health experts have varying opinions on Bill 106, with some highlighting the benefits of capitation pay in promoting collaboration and delegation among health-care professionals. While setting performance targets could improve productivity, experts emphasize the need for the right targets and fair compensation for all health-care personnel, not just doctors.
In conclusion, the future of family practice in Quebec hangs in the balance as doctors grapple with the implications of Bill 106 on their profession and patient care. The ongoing debate underscores the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes both physician well-being and patient access to quality care.
