Blended Capitation Model Frequently Asked Questions
Q: WHAT IS THE BLENDED CAPITATION MODEL?
A: Bear Street Clinic has entered into a new team based model with Alberta Health - Blended Capitation Model. This is essentially a flip on the way the physicians are compensated for their patient panels. Rather than being compensated on an “as seen” basis, the clinic is provided funds based on their patient population instead.
This model allows for patients to see a variety of health professionals within our office, which allows physicians to spend more time in a visit managing health and wellness proactively. A great benefit of this model is that we will be able to expand our care team and improve our availability. Our care delivery is based on health teams working together to provide thorough, consistent, and comprehensive patient-centered care; what does this mean to you? Instead of seeing a doctor at every visit, you may (for example) see a physician assistant, nurse or (eventually) a nurse practitioner.
More details on the Blended Capitation Model can be found HERE.
Q: WHAT CHANGES FOR ME?
A: Nothing! Other than better care!
We will strive to have more appointments available as we are able to expand our team. We already have excellent availability, however by expanding our team as well as being able to offer more virtual options (for simple things like refills and results), we endeavor to always be able to offer our affiliated patients same-day or within one-day care when needed.
We also ask that you contact us FIRST when you need to receive care (instead of going to a walk-in clinic). Unless you are in an emergency situation - in that event go straight to the emergency room.
Q: ARE THERE ADDITIONAL FEES OVER AND ABOVE ALBERTA HEALTHCARE?
A: No. There will be no additional fees at your end, you healthcare continues to be covered by the provincial Alberta Health Care (AHC) Insurance Plan. There are still services we provide that are not covered by AHC which will remain out of pocket for you (Driver’s Medicals, Insurance Forms, missed appointment fees).
Q: I LIVE IN BRITISH COLUMBIA - HOW DOES THIS AFFECT MY CARE?
A: The BCM applies to our Alberta patients ONLY. We are funded by and have an agreement with the Alberta Health ministry. For out-of-province patients that are seen in clinic, we are able to continue to see you, however we will continue to submit claims to the province of British Columbia (PLEASE NOTE: Out of province visits can be in-person only! Physicians are are not able to provide regular, virtual care to those residing outside of Alberta due to medical liability reasons).
Q: I’ve been told I’ll have to sign an AFFILIATION FORM at my next appointment but I don’t have any booked, nor do I come in often. Should I make an appointment to get the form signed?
A: NO PROBLEM. If you don’t have an appointment booked, you don’t need to book one just to sign the form. You can stop into the clinic at any time and speak with our reception staff to request the form. Alternately, you can click HERE for a copy of the form to print, complete and return to clinic either in person, or by scanning and sending back to us via your secure Pomelo Patient Portal.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF I CHOOSE NOT TO SIGN AN AFFILIATION FORM?
A: If the form is not signed, we would reach out to you to confirm whether you intend to stay on as a patient with us here at Bear Street Family Physicians Clinic. If you choose not to sign an affiliation form, you would be confirming that you do not want to continue being a patient here at Bear Street Clinic, and you would be responsible for finding a new family doctor. After that, under certain circumstances, we could provide you with care up to two times in a two year period.
Q: DO MY CHILDREN UNDER 18 NEED TO HAVE AN AFFILIATION FORM SIGNED, AND AS THEIR PARENT CAN I SIGN ON THEIR BEHALF?
A: YES. Every patient will need to have a completed affiliation form. Parents can sign for their children under the age of 18.
Q: I am a caregiver/legal guardian/decision maker for a person over the age of 18, do I need to complete and sign the affiliation form on their behalf?
A: YES. You will need to complete and sign the affiliation form, and you may have to provide proof that you can legally act for this individual (under section 104 of Alberta’s Health Information Act) if we don’t already have a copy of proof on file.
Q: I am curious about the written commitment to contact you first for medical needs. As a patient, am I somehow penalized if I do not do that? For example, if I’m traveling WITHIN ALBERTA and in another city and need medical care, am I prevented from visiting a walk-in clinic?
A: We are committed to providing care to our patients in need. If you are out of town and need care, we may be able to provide that to you virtually (via telephone). There are many things our team can manage via telephone in a pinch. If you’re not sure, please call the clinic to ask and we can help guide you (or book a telephone appointment online via your patient portal).
Of course we realize that some needs cannot be dealt with over the phone and at times, patients will need to receive care elsewhere. In this event Alberta Health will take money away from Bear Street Clinic - so you can imagine if a lot of patients go to walk-in clinics that this can cause a problem for us! We will be notified by Alberta Health when a patient receives care from a general practitioner (family or walk-in doctor) outside of Bear Street Clinic. For the first year we will be closely monitoring where and why this is happening and try to come up with strategies to help our patients avoid this where at all possible.
We’re not saying you can’t go elsewhere, we’re asking that you contact us first if you need care, to give us the opportunity to help you before you make the choice to go somewhere else. TO BE CLEAR - if you ever find yourself in an emergency situation, don’t hesitate - go straight to an emergency room for treatment.
Q: I WAS REFERRED TO A SPECIALIST, CAN I STILL GO TO THAT APPOINTMENT?
A: YES! We only encounter an issue with you see a “general practitioner” (family doctor) at another clinic. We encourage you to attend any appointments that require a referral.
In addition to physician-specialists (for example: dermatologists, gastroenterologists, neurologists, etc), you are still welcome to receive care from any physiotherapist, chiropractor, naturopath, pharmacist or acupuncturist of your choice as they are not classified as a family doctor.
Q: What is “Continuity of Care” and why does it matter to me?
A: Continuity of Care is when a patient consistently sees the same primary care team. Continuity of Care is about improving patient health through stronger, ongoing relationships with their primary care team, increased information sharing amongst the team, and enhanced care coordination. Having a good relationship with a primary care team (i.e: US! Your Bear Street Clinic team) and being strongly “attached” to a family doctor benefits your health in a number of ways. Being strongly “attached” means seeing your primary care team whenever it is possible. If your primary care team is always your go-to for health concerns, then they are aware of all your health issues and can help you make more informed health decisions.
A high level of Continuity of Care results in:
1) Increased patient satisfaction
2) Increased health care screening
3) Increased efficiency of diagnosis
4) Improved outcomes of chronic disease
5) Decreased emergency room visits
6) Decreased hospital admissions
7) Decreased diagnostic test rates
8) Decreased prescription rates
Q: I have a family member or friend that needs a family doctor, can they get in to Bear Street Clinic as a new patient?
A: YES! The clinic as a whole is taking on new patients, not one specific provider. We have a full-time physician joining us within the next year who we will transfer the bulk of these new patients to, however we are ready to bring new patients on prior to her arrival. All new patients must be seen in person for a NEW PATIENT VISIT with our Physician Assistant, Jane Young. Please call the clinic to book in.