The Alberta Medical Association says proposed cuts by the provincial government are “troubling,” would impact primary care physicians and could be “devastating to rural family practice.”

The AMA shared with its members that the government tabled several proposals on Nov. 14 that it believed were outside negotiations.

“Given the severity of many of the proposals it was thought best to bring matters into the light of day for all members,” the letter from AMA president Christine Molnar said.

The AMA said the proposed changes would target comprehensive primary care and specifically, patients who are elderly, with chronic or complex conditions or those living in rural or remote areas.

“For one of the items — payments from Alberta Health Services — the impact is unclear and could affect many physicians,” the AMA notice reads.

“If these proposals go through, the effects on our healthcare system will be devastating,” Dr. Lauren Eastman said.

“Patients without good, comprehensive primary care will ultimately be forced to higher cost areas of our healthcare system such as emergency departments and admissions to hospital.”

“Changes this government is making to doctor compensation is leaving me feeling scared, disillusioned, angry and very undervalued,” said Dr. Bailey Adams from St. Albert.

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