For 20 years, the Taber Clinic has functioned through a unique funding model from Alberta Health referred to as a Geographical – Alternate Relationship Plan (ARP). Physicians in our clinic are not paid using Fee-For-Service billings (i.e. their income is not based on the number of patients serviced each day) like much of the province. Rather, our clinic is provided a fixed amount of funding from Alberta Health based on our patient demographics and services delivered to Taber, Vauxhall, and surrounding areas.

The ARP model has supported our multidisciplinary team to focus on the quality of patient care, rather than the quantity of patient appointments. This model also permits us to book longer patient appointments when required and enables our physicians to involve other healthcare providers to help manage complex medical issues. Patients of our community have come to expect care delivered using this approach. Our payment model is supportive and aligned to our mission.

A recent report concludes that our strong team-based primary care and funding model results in better outcomes at a lower overall cost to the system. More details can be found in a recent case study from the Health Quality Council of Alberta:

OUR CORE VALUES

Team-based care

Our medical team works collaboratively for our patients. We value the essential role our physicians play and create processes that help them serve their patients efficiently.

Practice quality evidence-based medicine

We practice medicine that is based on proven and known outcomes to prevent illness, restore health and relieve suffering.

Caring for our Patients

We provide quality services in a caring and supportive environment. We act with integrity and respect and a commitment to confidentiality.  We respect the well-being and dignity of each patient.

Accessibility

We organize ourselves to use resources to treat patients efficiently and effectively. Our goal is to provide timely access to comprehensive primary care to all patients of our clinic.