by Jeff Colbourne
Northern News Services

NNSL (Nov 21/97) - The NWT Medical Association has ratified a new fee schedule for Northern doctors.

Though it outlines a two per cent overall reduction in fees, funding will be available for physicians seeking reimbursements for practice-related costs, including malpractice insurance and educational upgrades.

"We feel that this is a fair and reasonable agreement in the current fiscal climate," said association president David Butcher. "This will provide some stability in funding fee-for-service physician services in the NWT."

Butcher said the new deal will encourage physicians to get involved in the process of health-care reform and administration as they will no longer be expected to participate as unpaid volunteers.

The new fee schedule will be in effect for three years. The old schedule expired in March.