The province's College of Physicians and Surgeons announced on Wednesday that last year complaints about Alberta physicians increased 37 per cent as compared from 2008.

Reports stated that in 2009 about 756 complaints were made by patients to the college as compared with 550 in 2008.

According to Alberta Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky, this is the highest number of complaints since a high of 771 in 1998, who called the complaints cause for concern and an opportunity for improvement.

College registrar Dr Trevor Theman, stated that the rise in complaints is unjustified.

He added, "Our best guess is that the increase is the result of several factors, including higher demands on the health care system, a shortage of physicians, increased wait times, or unclear communication between physicians and their patients regarding patient care expectations and health outcomes."

Quality of care comprised 41 per cent of complaints and another 37 per cent arose from how doctors manage their practices.

The complaint is forwarded to the doctor for a reply once the college receives it. The college then decided if more investigation is needed for the case.