Private 'concierge' clinic raises questions

The Alberta government says it will investigate a new private health clinic in Calgary that is offering round-the-clock "concierge" services by physicians.

Provincial officials say the Centre for Preventative Medicine may be breaking the law if it allows doctors to charge patients for medically insured services.

• FROM FEB 8, 2005: Private Calgary clinic offers 24-7 service

"It's a matter of ascertaining precisely what it is, what services are being offered, and under what conditions," said Howard May, a spokesperson for Alberta Health.

Officials with the Centre for Preventative Medicine insist it is not breaking any rules or detracting in any way from the public health system.

For approximately $3,500 a year, the clinic offers patients 24-7 guaranteed access to a medical doctor, reportedly in less time than it would take using the public system. It's also offering to provide non-medically insured services such as human growth hormone injections.

• FROM JAN, 27,2006: Alberta's Third Way on the horizon

Dr. Patricia Heard, head of the Alberta College of Family Physicians, says she's concerned about this type of clinic luring doctors away from the public system. However, she says she thinks the clinic isn't breaking the law because doctors are charging for something the system doesn't cover on-call services.

"It's kind of like an administrative fee, which is completely OK," said Heard.

Heard said many doctors offices already charge an administrative fee to cover notes and other paperwork, which is perfectly acceptable.

"If this is an elaborate administrative fee, it's really up to the patients whether they want to access the service," she adds.

Heard argues that the Centre for Preventative Medicine is catering to a specific population in "a free market system." She says, if there are people willing to pay, there's nothing to prevent doctors from offering the service.

Alberta Liberal Leader Kevin Taft, says it's a troubling sign that some people can pay to get improved access to care. And he questions whether those patients are really ready to leave behind the public health system.

"Are they prepared to pay the full cost of a stay in intensive care if they're the victims of a heart attack or a car crash? Are they prepared to fully face the consequences of their decision, or are they wanting to have their cake and eat it, too?"