June 13, 2024

In this issue:

• The new Physician Comprehensive Care Model: Stay informed
• Apply to join the AMA Rates Committee
• New titles for AMA senior management team
• AHS Updates:
  • Active health advisories
  • New primary care measles resources
  • Paxlovid^TM funding changes
  • FAST launched gynecology in Calgary, Central, North, South Zones June 10
• MD Culture Shift: June issue
• MD Financial

  • Safeguarding your hard-earned assets is an important consideration

• Community Connections

The new Physician Comprehensive Care Model: Stay informed

On April 17, the Minister of Health committed to move ahead with implementing the Physician Comprehensive Care Model (PCCM). This new, modernized model will provide family physicians and rural generalists who are currently paid through fee-for-service or other compensation models with a new compensation option. One that will allow primary care physicians to continue to deliver comprehensive, life-long patient care while keeping their community clinics viable.

The model provides payments by combining:

• Payment for patient encounters.
• Time-based payments for direct and indirect care and for practice management.
• Panel payments based on patient complexity.

The AMA and Alberta Health are working on details of the PCCM, including rates associated with each component of the model, payment rules and processes, minimal panel size requirements, basket of services for encounter payments, etc.

On June 10, the AMA’s Strike Team launched the Strike Team BRIEF newsletter to provide updates on the work taking place to move toward implementation of the model. Details will be shared with members as they become available.

On that note, please register for the upcoming Inside Scoop virtual town hall (member login required). AMA President Dr. Paul Parks will provide an update on what we know so far, including ongoing discussions with government.

Apply to join the AMA Rates Committee

The AMA is currently recruiting a member position on the Rates Committee. The term will be October 2024 to March 2026.

The Rates Committee is responsible for operating and dealing with matters of physician compensation, plans and programs, which includes managing the allocation process for rate changes under the SOMB.

Our online application process makes it easy to apply! Visit the AMA committee recruitment web application to view the posting, committee description and apply. Member login required.

The AMA is committed to diversity and inclusion in its committee appointment process.

Deadline to apply is June 30.

New titles for AMA senior management team

AMA Assistant Executive Directors (AEDs) will now be known as Executive Vice Presidents (EVPs).

Members of the AMA senior management team have been known as AEDs for many years. In AMA parlance, this refers to working directly with the Executive Director/CEO in the various portfolios. Based on recent experience with our stakeholders, however, the title is no longer aligned with practices at similar size medical associations in Canada or with our system partners.

Accordingly, the change from AED to EVP goes into effect immediately. Please note this is a title change only; there is no budgetary impact for the AMA.

• Christine deMontigny, Executive Vice President, Health System Transformation
• Jim Huston, Executive Vice President, Health Policy, Economics and Representation
• Joel McGovern, Acting Executive Vice President, Operations and Membership Services
• Shannon Rupnarain, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs
• Sean Smith, Executive Vice President, Negotiations

AHS Updates

The following AHS updates have been provided for your information:

• Active health advisories
• New primary care measles resources
• Paxlovid^TM funding changes
• FAST launched gynecology in Calgary, Central, North, South Zones June 10

MD Culture Shift: June issue

In the June issue of MD Culture Shift:

• June 2024 - Celebrating Health
• Upcoming Courses/Sessions
• Upcoming Events
• and more!

MD Culture Shift is an AHS publication created by physicians for physicians through the Physician Diversity, Wellness and Leadership Development portfolio. It shares news of the constructive efforts happening in Alberta that support physician diversity, wellness and leadership.

Visit ahs.ca/mdwellness to learn more and read previous issues.

Safeguarding your hard-earned assets is an important consideration

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Community Connections

Promoting a local charitable health-related event?

Recruiting physicians and medical learners for a medical study?

Seeking AMA member participation in a survey?

The AMA receives many requests to promote local events, research participation opportunities and surveys to our members. We consider all requests based on specific criteria and general relevance/appropriateness. Please note that, unless explicitly stated, the AMA is not associated with or responsible for items listed in Community Connections.

In case you missed it...

We need your help: Nominate a health hero for the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame

AMA committee openings: Apply online

Upcoming events

Clinical Reasoning Course

June 19

Social Media 201

June 20

View all upcoming events on the AMA website.

Have an event you'd like to promote?

Review our criteria and submit your event.

Recognition Roundup

Below are special dates deserving recognition:

June:

Canadian Men's Health Month

National Indigenous History Month

Pride Month

Recommend a special date.

Last issue's top stories

MD Financial: Rising capital gains taxes

Your perspective is needed: Serve in the Health System Refocus Table

In the June 13
MD Scope Classifieds
you'll find listings for:
 

- Physicians wanted

- Locums wanted

- For sale or lease
- Services

More from the AMA

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