Access Appointment Service questions: No planned changes

We recently received questions from several physicians about the future of our Access Appointment Service — and its after-hours, on-call coverage component — and are aware of the wider conversation around stipends recently raised by the government.

To avoid confusion growing across our membership, we are sharing this article to ensure widespread clarity.

There are no planned changes for our Access Appointment Service.

We know the value of the service, and the government extended PCN funding through fiscal 2026-27 and expects PCNs to operate as usual.

For the on-call coverage, at this time, the Ministry of Primary and Preventative Health Services:

• Is aware of how we financially support our on-call coverage
• Has not directed us to change our support

Physicians receive information from many sources that can lead to questions and confusion, but we are committed to keeping you up to date on our PCN and wider initiatives — like the transition to regional networks.

If you have additional questions, please contact your Physician Liaison. We will continue to share updates and information through the Examiner e-newsletter, the Calgary Zone e-newsletter, and cwcpcndocs.com.