February 29, 2024

In this issue:

• Wanted: Physician input on WCB-Alberta experiences

• Declare yourself "in" for panel management support funding

• FAST expands general surgery province-wide on February 26

• Thank a colleague! JPAC Shine On Gratitude Program.

• AMA seeks nominations for our highest awards

• MD Financial

  • Get a tailored investment plan

• Community Connections:

  • ADAPT study on follow-up care recruiting family physicians

Wanted: Physician input on WCB-Alberta experiences

The AMA is seeking member input in anticipation of negotiations with the Workers’ Compensation Board – Alberta. We want to hear about your experiences working with WCB-Alberta, including thoughts regarding recent changes; concerns, conflicts and challenges; opportunities for improved process; and any other thoughts you may have that we could bring forward to the negotiating table when we meet.

Please get in touch with us at wcbnegotiations@albertadoctors.org. We sincerely thank you in advance for providing your valuable feedback.

Join the internal AMA-WCB negotiating committee

We are currently recruiting physician members for our internal AMA-WCB negotiating committee. Applications must be received by March 11.

Declare yourself "in" for panel management support funding

The Panel Management Support Program (PMSP) is a temporary program, funded by Alberta Health, which provides eligible physicians financial support for costs related to panel management and practice improvement activities. Up to $10,000 per physician practice is now available to help manage patient panels.

If you are eligible for this funding, you would have received an email on February 12 from Laura Matchett, AMA Operations Administrator. Please remember to complete the online declaration form via your Member Dashboard.

If you have questions related to the Panel Management Support Program, please email ciicpar@albertadoctors.org.

FAST expands General Surgery province-wide on February 26

On February 26, 2024, General Surgery expanded the Facilitated Access to Specialized Treatment (FAST) central access and intake program to include all zones.

FAST centralizes and simplifies access to general surgery with one fax location per zone, standardizes referral process workflows and provides the opportunity for referring providers or patients to choose a specific specialist, clinic or site.

When making a general surgery referral, please use the new referral form and ensure to attach all mandatory labs and diagnostic imaging from the new referral pathway.

The new referral form has been updated to include quick links that will direct providers to relevant information needed to complete the referral.

Once the referral is ready to submit, please use the central FAST fax number for your zone:

• North Zone: 1-833-627-7025
• Edmonton Zone: 1-780-670-3224
• Central Zone: 1-833-627-7022
• Calgary Zone: 1-833-627-7023
• South Zone: 1-833-627-7024

For more information, visit ahs.ca/FAST or email 

ABFAST@ahs.ca with feedback or questions.

Thank a colleague!

JPAC Shine On Gratitude Program

The JPAC Shine On Gratitude Program gives physicians the opportunity to thank their colleagues for their acts of kindness, big and small. The process is as quick and easy as sending an email.
 
Complete the submission form and we will make sure the message gets to the person you want to express your appreciation to.

AMA seeks 2024 nominations for our

highest awards

The Alberta Medical Association is calling for Achievement Award nominations for individuals who have contributed to the improvement of the quality of health care in Alberta.

The Medal for Distinguished Service is given to a physician(s) who has made an outstanding personal contribution to medicine and to the people of Alberta, and in the process has contributed to the art and science of medicine while raising the standards of medical practice.

The Medal of Honour is awarded to a non-physician(s) who has raised the standards of health care and contributed to the advancement of medical research, medical education, health care organization, health education and/or health promotion to the public.

Nominations must be submitted by April 30. The awards will be presented at the AMA’s fall Representative Forum.

To request a nomination form for these awards, please contact Debbie Kuss, Administrative Assistant, Public Affairs, debbie.kuss@albertadoctors.org, or visit the AMA website.

In 2023, two physicians were recognized with Medals for Distinguished Service:

• Dr. Cheryl Mack
• Dr. Jonathan Meddings

To read more about the 2023 honorees, visit the AMA website.

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Community Connections

This month, the following is available for your consideration:

ADAPT study on follow-up care recruiting family physicians
The A DiseAse-Inclusive Pathway for Transitions in Care (ADAPT) study is looking for primary care teams to help improve hospital post-discharge processes for follow-up in primary care. The study focuses on patients with one or more of the following chronic conditions: COPD, heart failure, end-stage kidney disease and/or cirrhosis. ADAPT is linked to the Home to Hospital to Home Transitions Guideline project. Financial and human resources supports are available.

More information is available at ADAPT Study | Alberta Health Services or: Elvira.Nurmambetova@albertahealthservices.ca.

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...

Recording of good faith claims information session

Updated fax number for Calgary Zone urology referrals issue

Upcoming events

Clinical Teacher Series: Antiracism in the clinical setting

February 29 & March 7

Media Relations 201
March 7

33rd Annual History of Medicine Days Conference

March 15 & 16

Media Relations 101

April 11

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:

February:

International Women's Day

March 8

Canadian Women Physicians Day

March 11

Brain Awareness Week

March 11 - 17

Recommend a special date.

Last issue's top stories

- Tax changes for 2024

- Taking additional training? Are you eligible for a $7,500 scholarship?

In the February 29
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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