In Edmonton, there is a conflict between doctors and hospital administrators due to changes in how hospitalists are compensated. The previous practice of paying a stipend to hospitalists for their work ended on April 1, leading to uncertainty as many doctors did not have alternative payment arrangements in place.
Some hospitalists without contracts were unexpectedly scheduled for shifts and faced disciplinary action when they did not show up. Similarly, orthopedic surgeons in Edmonton were disciplined for diverting patients to other hospitals out of concern for patient safety.
The Alberta Medical Association (AMA) is urging health authorities to halt disciplinary actions against physicians affected by the payment changes. Many doctors believed they had been let go, while health services expected them to continue working.
Despite the stipend discontinuation, hospitalists are still under contract and are obligated to provide services. The AMA mentioned that some groups have secured new contracts, while others are working on alternative payment plans.
Legal advice is discouraging hospitalists from working without contracts, citing concerns about patient safety and career repercussions. Orthopedic surgeons have pushed back against punitive measures, with claims that the health system was unprepared for the changes in stipend payments.
Acute Care Alberta emphasized the importance of following bylaws in transitioning medical practices and ensuring patient care remains a top priority. However, questions remain regarding disciplinary actions against doctors acting in the best interest of patient safety.