By Canadian Press

Doctor fees

Physician fee changes pushed to February 1 amid further consultation

Jan 15, 2020 | 10:29 AM

EDMONTON – Alberta’s health minister says the government will delay its proposed February 1st date for new rules on doctor fees as it continues to consult with physicians.

Tyler Shandro says he’s encouraged by the consultation so far, but says there needs to be reform on how physicians do their billing.

The province has asked for doctor feedback on 11 proposed changes on fee rules including so-called complex modifiers.

Complex modifiers are extra fees doctors get for seeing patients with multiple or complex issues.

The government says too many doctors are treating the extra fee as a base fee and are charging it far too often while not necessarily spending more time with patients as expected.

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The Alberta Medical Association says it believes only a small percentage of doctors are abusing the complex modifier.

The association says if the government goes through with changes some family and rural practices could go out of business.

(The Canadian Press)