Alberta is in the process of modernizing its primary care system, including developing an alternative payment model. A modernized primary care system would be a system that increases access to care, increases integration within the system, increases quality of care, introduces Albertans as partners within primary care, and ensures culturally safe and appropriate care is provided. To support these objectives, Alberta will be implementing an alternative payment model for family physicians that recognizes their unique financial needs.

This capstone paper provides recommendations for an alternative payment model by answering the research question: Would a type of blended capitation payment model support the government in addressing and achieving its primary care objectives? This question is answered through a systematic literature review to determine the blended capitation models previously introduced in Ontario and British Columbia ability to support Alberta in achieving its objectives. As the research does demonstrate a blended capitation models’ ability to positively impact the objectives of increased access and integration, high-priority considerations are provided in the paper to determine how to best modify the payment plans in Ontario and British Columbia to Alberta.