One million people in British Columbia do not have a family doctor. In response to this crisis, Doctors of BC, BC Family Doctors, and the provincial government have been in discussions since May to develop a new payment model that will help to address the challenges in primary care.
The new payment model, which will launch February 1, 2023, is based on what physicians told us they need to stabilize and strengthen longitudinal family practice. The hope is this new model will not only stabilize longitudinal family practice, but begin to make it both sustainable and rewarding. Everyone deserves a family doctor, and Doctors of BC believes the new model is a significant step forward to achieving that goal. There is still much more work to be done, please watch for updates in the coming weeks and months.
How does the payment model work?
The Longitudinal Family Physician Payment Model will be simple to use and easy to access for all doctors who are interested. It compensates family doctors for time spent with patients and patient visits as well as the number and complexity of patients in their practice.
Time
- Physicians will be paid for the time they spend providing clinic-based care, including time reviewing test results, writing referrals, and making plans for care.
- It means physicians can spend additional time with patients.
Visits
- In addition, they will be paid for each patient that they see.
- The billing system will be simplified, allowing physicians to spend less time on paperwork.
Patient panel
- Physicians will also receive a payment based on the number and complexity of patients in their practice.
- Over time, this will encourage physicians to accept patients into their practice if they have capacity
