• Philip Jacobs, Neil R Bell, and Douglas Woudstra.
• Emeritus Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.
• Can Fam Physician. 2021 Nov 1; 67 (11): e306-e311.

ObjectiveTo estimate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on FP finances in Alberta.DesignA financial model that included fees, visits per day, number of days of practice, and overhead costs.SettingAlberta before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic.ParticipantsHypothetical fee-for-service FP practices.InterventionsChanges in practice modes caused by the pandemic and changes to fees set by the Government of Alberta (no interventions were controlled by the researchers).Main Outcome MeasuresAnnual average FP billings and annual average FP income after overhead expenses.ResultsPractice changes related to COVID-19 could result in a reduction in average FP income (billings after expenses) of 27% to 78%.ConclusionPractice pattern changes, including the rapid adoption of telemedicine owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, will reduce incomes for fee-for-service community FP practices in Alberta. Fees at current levels could make some practices unsustainable.Copyright © 2021 the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

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