Ontario looks to target high-billing doctors with new physician budget
TORONTO — Ontario’s lengthy dispute with its doctors escalated Wednesday as the province’s medical association dismissed as “unreasonable” a government proposal that would see fee cuts for high-billing specialists and more money for family physicians.
The proposed plan is the latest attempt by the Liberal government to work toward a physician services agreement with doctors, who voted overwhelmingly earlier this year to reject a tentative agreement.
Under the plan the government handed the Ontario Medical Association on Wednesday, the approximately 500 doctors who bill over $1 million would see fee cuts, while those savings would go toward an increase for family physicians.
The government is also proposing to fully review all 7,000 fee codes, as technological advances have made some procedures and tests easier and less time consuming.