Response to CMAJ Study Regarding Patient Access

TORONTO, Feb. 26, 2013 /CNW/ - Ontario's doctors are committed to delivering excellent care to everyone in the province. Questions about socio-economic status are never asked in determining whether a prospective patient should receive an appointment. Regarding the audit study on socioeconomic status and access to primary care, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, we were pleased that the authors found patients with more complex conditions were accepted into practices at a higher rate than other patients - suggesting that busy physicians were willing to make room for those most in need.

Ontario's doctors are greatly concerned about physician shortages and wait times in this province, particularly in rural and northern communities. In an effort to improve this situation, we are partnering with the province on implementing Health Care Connect, which in the last four years has found family physicians for 82 percent of patients with complex conditions in Toronto alone. While there is more work to be done, 2.6  million Ontarians have found family doctors since 2004.

Dr. Doug Weir
President
Ontario Medical Association

SOURCE: Ontario Medical Association

OMA Media Relations at 416.340.2862 or toll-free at 1.800.268.7215, ext. 286
[email protected] @OntariosDoctors