Deadline passes for Calgary medical clinic, unclear what it told province

The Alberta government says a Calgary medical clinic has responded to its demand for a decision on whether it will begin charging membership fees Tuesday for faster access to a family doctor.

However, Alberta Health declined to say what it heard from the Marda Loop Medical Clinic late Monday.

The clinic could not be reached for comment.

In a letter issued Friday, assistant deputy minister of public health, Wanda Aubee, said the province is seeking clarification on the Marda Loop Medical Clinic’s intention to implement a membership fee beginning Aug. 1.

The SW Calgary clinic sent an email to patients last week, saying it was “delighted” to offer a comprehensive, proactive healthcare service starting Tuesday.

“We acknowledge that accessing efficient healthcare has been a persistent challenge for many families, possibly including yours,” said Dr. Sally Talbot-Jones in an email released by the Opposition NDP.

She uses data from StatsCan that indicates 4 out of 5 people who experience challenges accessing healthcare report a negative impact on their lives.

“These difficulties not only affect an individual’s self-esteem, but also their family and work relationships,” Talbot-Jones said.

“In our clinic, we have seen these statistics mirrored, as patients express stress and dissatisfaction due to extended waiting times, multiple visits for separate issues, time off work, and the challenge of scheduling family appointments.”

WATCH: To pay or not to pay? Calgary medical clinic’s membership fee raises concerns

The benefits include reduced wait times, allowing scheduling options and longer appointments, telemedicine services, monthly chart monitoring with proactive reminders, at-home once-a-year blood tests for adults (the primary member), preventative medical counselling, and collaborative care from its healthcare team.

It also includes sick notes, special authorization forms, physiotherapy notes, and various discounts for skincare products and services.

Those who choose not to join as a member will only have access to the physician one day a week.

A two-parent family would have to pay $4,800 each year to be members, couples would pay $4,000, a single parent would pay $2,400, and an individual adult would pay $2,000. A child-only membership without an adult would cost $500.

In her letter, Aubee says fees being used to enable access for patients and/or to cover the cost of insured services is not in compliance with the Canada Health Act and the Alberta Health Care Insurance Act.

She continues to say if the Marda Loop clinic decides to move forward with the membership model, “the department will be contacting you directly to conduct an investigation.”

Related stories: 

• Calgary medical clinic asking nearly $5K membership for better health service, Alberta NDP cast blame on UCP

• Health Canada says Calgary clinic charging for health services contrary to the Canada Health Act

• Alberta government says Calgary clinic offering faster doctor access for a fee is outlier

• Alberta premier threatens sanctions against Calgary clinic set to charge fees

In a social media post sharing the letter, health minister Adriana LaGrange reaffirmed an election promise, saying the UCP “remains committed to ensuring no Albertan has to pay out of pocket to see their family doctor.”

The news has generated criticism from Rachel Notley’s NDP, who have called for Premier Danielle Smith to “launch a full investigation into members-only medicine.”

“If Albertans are to believe Danielle Smith’s claim that she’s abandoned her plans to make Albertans pay to see their family doctor, she will launch a full investigation into all clinics engaging in members-only medicine, starting today,” NDP health critic David Shepherd said in a press release Monday.

“Albertans are being asked to pay thousands of dollars to see a family doctor, or access laboratory services that are expressly covered by the Canada Health Act. The Premier needs to commit to investigating and ending these practices, or just publicly endorse their actions. An angry letter isn’t going to cut it. The choice is hers.”

-With files from Alejandro Melgar, Tiffany Goodwein, and The Canadian Press