Robert Davies MD, FRCPC

President, Alberta Society of Radiologists, and Section of Diagnostic Imaging (AMA)

[Robert Davies MD, FRCPC @AB_Radiologists]

Our Radiologists in Alberta like to stay sharp! Find out more about what we do at: https://t.co/kG8WK6l1UH @Albertadoctors #abdoc #PatientCare

[Robert Davies MD, FRCPC @AB_Radiologists]

@TheBreakdownAB She’s correct.

[Jennifer Walker @guidemd]

Phase 2C starting on Monday in Alberta = health care workers!

[Robert Davies MD, FRCPC @AB_Radiologists]

Alberta’s Radiologists welcome this initiative to decrease waitlists for CT and MRI, two critical tools in the overall function of our health-care system. Timely access to all medical imaging and image-guided procedures is so important, now more than ever. https://t.co/6hPDfc9iH9

[Robert Davies MD, FRCPC @AB_Radiologists]

Alberta’s Radiologists look forward to being heard and respected in the upcoming negotiations and to having all facts properly considered. Albertans are tired of the war on doctors and want to see government work more collaboratively like this with MD’s. https://t.co/c7b5CJKiHC

[Alberta Medical Association (AMA) @Albertadoctors]

AMA President Dr. Paul Boucher urges Albertans to follow the new and current restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Via @calgaryherald https://t.co/vpLeSCy0Lm

[Robert Davies MD, FRCPC @AB_Radiologists]

$1B (billion) forecast to be saved by Gov’t of AB on doctors’ fees this year: pandemic opens up opportunity for settling deal with doctors https://t.co/lcNlm1FdAp @Albertadoctors #budget2021

[Robert Davies MD, FRCPC @AB_Radiologists]

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[Alberta Medical Association (AMA) @Albertadoctors]

"The role of the physician is to provide the best care we can, in compliance with our professional ethics and responsibilities. In support of this, physicians require an environment characterized by respect and general stability." Read more: https://t.co/7MdE9VBFz2

[Robert Davies MD, FRCPC @AB_Radiologists]

@youseepeeYYC @Albertadoctors @shandro In short - no, or at least not so far. We believe there are savings to be found in health care, including Radiology, but the way to identify and action them safely and appropriately is through a negotiated agreement with the AMA.

[Robert Davies MD, FRCPC @AB_Radiologists]

Our Radiologists in Alberta like to stay sharp! Find out more about what we do at: https://t.co/kG8WK6l1UH @Albertadoctors #abdoc #PatientCare

[Robert Davies MD, FRCPC @AB_Radiologists]

@SteveBuick2 Hi Steve, there are structural reasons for higher FFS payments here including less physicians on ARPs, and more outpatient diagnostics funded via FFS. The fear is that your gov’t will misrepresent this as evidence of higher take home pay — and you’re already doing so.

[Robert Davies MD, FRCPC @AB_Radiologists]

@SteveBuick2 Also - AB has downloaded much more cost responsibility for Radiology, Cardiology, Ophthalmology etc testing onto FFS MDs here vs. other Provinces, so you’ll see big gross numbers for these docs but this does not mean more take home pay either.

[Robert Davies MD, FRCPC @AB_Radiologists]

@SteveBuick2 Well Steve, as there are more doctors on FFS in Alberta vs. ARP compared to other Provinces (as you often point out), that means there are more MD here covering their own overhead than in these other Provinces, and you are going to see higher gross $ amounts on these lists in AB.

[Robert Davies MD, FRCPC @AB_Radiologists]

Opinion: UCP government's war against doctors is all about control https://t.co/pdIZIOWTF5

[Robert Davies MD, FRCPC @AB_Radiologists]

@SteveBuick2 @albertadocs Steve, since 2017-2018 doctors in most other provinces have had fee increases and some are getting COVID relief so their practices can stay open. Alberta is in decline. How about some up to date numbers forecasting these changes ?

[Robert Davies MD, FRCPC @AB_Radiologists]

@SteveBuick2 Hi Steve - in Diagnsotic Imaging, these overheads are for the publicly provided services. Your so-called private services like MRI’s for WCB are minimal contributors to income, in the 2% range overall, and come with major additional overhead costs not counted here.

[Robert Davies MD, FRCPC @AB_Radiologists]

@JbsmnJbn @SteveBuick2 @Albertadoctors Other types of doctors are not supposed to own an interest in an X-ray facility they refer to, although they can apply for an exclusion from the CPSA.

[Robert Davies MD, FRCPC @AB_Radiologists]

@JbsmnJbn @SteveBuick2 @Albertadoctors Radiologists require patients to have a referral from another non-Radiologist physician. The conflict of interest potential you raise is excluded from our practices.

[Robert Davies MD, FRCPC @AB_Radiologists]

@MakisMD @Albertadoctors @albertaNDP @GoAHealth Radiologists have traditionally been very pragmatic in their approach to these types of conflicts, and just want solutions that let doctors take care of their patients. I would be very happy to see AMA and the GoA get back to the table and come to a binding agreement.

[Robert Davies MD, FRCPC @AB_Radiologists]

@MakisMD @SteveBuick2 @Albertadoctors I have this position as DI Section President, as well as for the Alberta Society of Radiologists, based entirely and only from the ongoing support of my Radiologist colleagues. I am not appointed by the AMA.

[Robert Davies MD, FRCPC @AB_Radiologists]

@MakisMD @SteveBuick2 @Albertadoctors William, both where I work and my position as President and long-standing representative of these folks can be readily confirmed by a quick online search. I’ve already answers your question. Be well :)