Friday’s announcement that New Brunswick is moving to eliminate the physician billing number system is good news for municipalities, says UMNB President Wayne Sturgeon. UMNB’s member municipalities passed a resolution calling for the elimination of the physician billing number system exactly one year ago at UMNB’s 2018 Annual General Meeting.

“Having a family doctor is important for the wellbeing of our residents, but many communities are having trouble recruiting under the current system,” said Sturgeon. “New Brunswick’s outdated billing number system was one barrier to convincing doctors to set up shop.”

“We look forward to seeing a system that recruits based on population driven data and community needs, and that ensures all New Brunswickers have better access to doctors, including in rural communities. We look forward to seeing the details of the government’s plan in December.”