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Effective management of public-health emergencies demands open and transparent public communication and trust. Unfortunately, transparency and trust between Alberta Health and family physicians have been issues leading up to the current pandemic that have persisted.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Alberta family physicians saw their funding contract cancelled and were bracing for a new arrangement that included significant cost-control measures. Given the fiscal realities in Alberta and some of the highest rates of Fee-For-Service payment plans among family physicians of any province, these discussions were arguably necessary. They also could have occurred in a more transparent manner to foster trust.

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In the midst of a pandemic, we are seeing the value of moving family physicians away from Fee-For-Service (FFS) billing to a viable Alternative Relationship Plan (ARP), but also the critical importance of maintaining trust between Alberta Health and physicians.