ALBERTA, CANADA: ‘Under a new standard of practice rule, physicians cannot promise or provide preferential access to insured services to patients who are already paying them fees for uninsured medical services.’

EDMONTON, ALBERTA, CANADA | SEPTEMBER 6, 2013 - Alberta’s College of Physicians and Surgeons moved Friday to clarify rules around private clinics and the fees they charge patients.

Under a new standard of practice rule adopted Friday, physicians cannot promise or provide preferential access to insured services to patients who are already paying them fees for uninsured medical services.

The change stops doctors from providing preferential access to any insured medical services based on a patient’s ability to pay.

“The area that brought…