The province has announced plans to develop a new payment model for family doctors. Right now, it’s fee-for-service which depends solely on the number of services provided, so whether you spend 15 minutes with a patient or an hour, the pay is the same. The new model includes a base payment for a standard list of services for each payment, with the fee adjusted by the age, gender and complexity of each patient, and there will be additional fee-for-service payments for extra services provided outside of the defined list.

Saskatchewan Medical Association President Dr. John Gjevre considers this positive news for patients and physicians. He says, “Family physicians are reassured to know that the government has heard their concerns and is moving forward with solutions that demonstrate they are a willing partner in addressing the challenges in our health care system.”

The new payment model isn’t beginning right away. A news release from the government says it will take time to design. The new model was recommended by a working group with representatives from the SMA, the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the Ministry of Health.

from the news release:

Additional progress is being made on each of the four pillars of Saskatchewan’s HHR Action Plan to recruit, train, incentivize and retain more health care workers. In addition to the highlights above, further progress includes:

RECRUIT

Health Recruitment and Retention Navigators

• Health Recruitment and Retention Navigators have responded to more than 4,600 inquiries from internationally educated health professionals from abroad.
• Health navigators provide assistance to potential international candidates looking to relocate to Saskatchewan and support them through the necessary steps to obtain licensure, connect to career opportunities and provide up to date information and resources.
• A Healthcare Navigator Services webpage was launched in early March to assist Internationally Educated Health Professionals and has had over 1,200 views. The navigator team can be reached by email at hhr@health.gov.sk.ca.

Unlicensed Internationally Educated Health Care Professionals Residing in Saskatchewan/Canada

• The SHA has extended conditional offers to nine Saskatchewan-based internationally-educated RNs who are now currently participating in the bridging education program.

Ukrainian Newcomers

• The SHA has hired 14 Ukrainian newcomers into the health care workforce.

TRAIN

Training Pathways for High School Students

• SHA health student events:
  • Job Shadow opportunities are available for high school students (Grade 12) or adults considering a career in health care. The SHA has hosted 35 job shadow requests since February.
  • Various volunteer opportunities are offered to students older than 14 across the province. This provides young people with a chance to experience health care settings which may help them consider a future role in health care.

INCENTIVIZE

Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive

• This incentive is available to new employees in nine high priority classifications in rural and remote areas. For a complete listing of eligibility criteria and eligible locations, visit saskatchewan.ca/HHR.

RETAIN

Rural Physician Incentive Program

• Effective April 1, 2023, an enhanced Rural Physician Incentive Program is being offered to help retain family physicians practising, or returning to practise, in rural Saskatchewan. The total incentive is now up to $200,000 over five years, more than four times the amount that was previously offered.
• The program has had a high response, nearly tripling the number of applications that would be received in an average year. Of the applications received so far, 96 have been determined eligible. Applications are still being reviewed.

Details on health care opportunities, how to access them and more information on the province’s HHR Action Plan are available at saskatchewan.ca/HHR.