New Brunswick has finalized a four-year physician services agreement that increases compensation for doctors and introduces new payment models designed to improve patient access and encourage team-based care.
The agreement, approved by members of the New Brunswick Medical Society, covers all physicians working in the public health system and includes general economic increases of up to 12.5 per cent over four years. The deal is worth approximately $270 million, according to society president Dr. Lise Babin.
New compensation models target collaborative care
The agreement introduces compensation models that reward physicians for patient attachment, timely access and participation in team-based practice. While all physicians will receive increased pay, the largest increases are available for those who work in collaborative care clinic models.
“This collaborative care approach, which involves multiple health professionals working together to address patient needs, is being incentivized because it has proven to deliver more co-ordinated, timely, reliable access to primary care and enhance the overall experience for patients,” said Health Minister John Dornan.
Accountability measures tied to patient access
The agreement includes accountability measures such as access within five days, patient attachment tracking and continuity of care. The measures are intended to ensure compensation aligns with patient experience.
“The 2025-2029 Physician Services Agreement is a landmark investment of about $270 million that will strengthen our health-care system and improve New Brunswick’s capacity to support our physicians and their patients,” said Babin. “This agreement will transform primary health care in New Brunswick through innovative payment models for physicians, targeted investments in support of collaborative care clinics, and clear accountability frameworks that will help ensure the increased funding is tied to patient attachment and timely access to care.”
Province aims to improve recruitment
Premier Susan Holt said the agreement is part of the government’s health plan and positions the province to compete nationally for physicians.
“By caring for the people who care for New Brunswickers, we are strengthening team-based family health care, improving access to services closer to home, and making our province a place where doctors want to build their careers,” said Holt.
Dornan said the investment in pay and support will help the province compete for health-care workers. Further details will be shared once the agreement has been signed.
