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f- j si c zec6npmisi suntribune heaxthlgare ctfturaft afaicft 292001 ihspitdls like pls ror ontahbs medical networks e by usa queen c staff writer in theory york region health experts say a provincial plan to reform family medicine is just what the doctor ordered t j in reality they warn only time will tell if the new system gets off the ground at least in the manner the tories are forecasting last week premier mike harris announced plans to create more than 600 family health clinics or networks across the province over the next three years s the primary care networks would see patients sigh up with a roster of caregivers including doctors nurses nurse practitiohersand nutritionists s the networks wouldproyide health care 24 hours a day seven days a week an investment in technology would ensure better corimiuiucation of patients records between healthcare providers 1- the province hasindicated the new systenuwill change the way most doc tors participating in the networks are paid switching from feeforservice to a salary based on the severity of their patients illnesses some critics have voiced reserva- tions about the new system the ontario medical associations dr albert schumacher foir example has called the tories plans too optimistic he suggested only 1000 family doc- torswqulclbe interestedin participate ing although- health minister tony clement believes about 80percentof physiqanswould take part vihyork region manyhealthcare r prqvidersareapplauding the proposed f system which has been discussed since t the mid1990s o dr jim i maclean president of markham stoufftdjjehospital has long v beena advocate of primary healthfcare reformjhe saiddoctpre and the public areriomprereceptiyentb changing the system triantheywere even a decade y i t i more- v doctors voutveremat are idpkmg at changel6okirigatdifferehbwaysof ing 250 million in the networks maclean said the plan is aimed at reducing costs by making the system more efficient for example a parent with a child suffering from an earache on a saturday night could call his network and describe the youngsters symptoms to a nurse who could suggest remedies thats more efficient and effective maclean said than sitting in a hospital emergency room for hours he also said the system will benefit patients living with chronic illnesses because their records can be shared by doctors within the individuals net works t dr- tim nicholaschief of family practice at newmarket vsouthlake regional health centre also siip- ports the networks as a method of capping rising healthcare costs and preventing patients k from doctor- shopping- one of the biggest disadvantages with the present system is the lack of accountability for patients who for he said that while the networks example can see their family doctor as sound similar to controversial hmos often as they wish health maintenance organizations in nicholas hopes the new system the united states he hopes ontarios would address some of those concerns system would be superior centre ijorf acceptable to primary care physi- 3 iccians s i il even though the province is invest- stamatopoulos scholz llp l chartered accountants leta professional help you get through the tax season personal ana comorate tax returns accounting ana oaiiaitina misiness plans v forecasts and projections personal and c ft ersonat ana corporate tax planning ersonai financial planning snvestmenl i business consulting computer hardware software installation ana support j bookkeeping support ibitigation support 7030 woodbine ave suite 410 markham on l3r 6c2 northeastcorner of woodbine and steeles s jqhnscholzbcqiyimca j srnljchoisjamatopqulos bbm ca tel 905 4771213 4776292 email ssllplookca spring is here now is the time to come and enjoy our unique facilities 5iopin cosmic bowling summer fall leagues for all ages computerized newley renovated specializing in childrens birthday parties 5762higway7unitllb just west of markham rd 9052944556 sivtmv 0 s ir mldm to1kno more about iriimermiiierit services taking parental leave planning your retirement nr- w-