Exploring Privatization in Canadian Primary Care: An Environmental Scan of Primary Care Clinics Accepting Private Payment

Abstract

Background: Private payment within primary care has not received extensive scrutiny, despite the emergence of “concierge” primary care services. Objective: We conducted an environmental scan to explore the nature of private payment for primary care across Canada. Method: We extracted data from clinic websites on funding models, range of services provided and whether they were independent or part of a chain. We conducted a thematic analysis of service advertisements. Results: We identified 83 private clinics across six provinces, predominately in urban areas. Private payment-only clinics offered the widest range of services and advertisements emphasised timely, comprehensive care. Conclusion: The extent to which these clinics and bundling of primary care with privately paid wellness services impact patients’ access to care should be the subject of future research.