February 15, 2024

In this issue:

• Good faith claims billing information session

• Updated fax number for Calgary zone urology referrals issue

• You're making a difference! Enhanced lipid reporting a success.

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

• Applications for the 2024 Student Sponsorship Program are now open!

• New: MD Culture Shift - February issue

• MD Financial

  • Tax changes for 2024

• Community Connections:

  • Alberta Health Technology Survey

Good faith claims billing

information session

The AMA’s Billing Services team will host an information session for members about good faith claims this Friday, February 16, from 12 – 1 p.m.

Members will learn about patient eligibility, how to submit new claims, how to submit for past claims that were rejected because of patient ineligibility, and what steps physicians and their teams will need to take before submitting.

Please register here (member login required) for the information session.

Updated fax number for Calgary zone

urology referrals issue

Due to an issue with an Alberta Health Services (AHS) decommissioned fax line, some referrals for urology consults in the Calgary Zone were not received from
Aug. 9, 2023, to Jan. 1, 2024.

AHS has taken immediate steps to investigate the issue and is asking primary care providers to check to ensure their patients aren't affected.

You're making a difference!

Enhanced lipid reporting a success

With your help we have screened over 21,000 Albertans for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and increased treatment by 14% for those deemed statin indicated. We have also had over 2,000 people access the CVD patient education materials on MyHealth:  Cardiovascular disease risk screening (alberta.ca).

Primary care providers are finding Enhanced Lipid Reporting (ELR) quick and easy to use:

 “ELR benefits my practice by saving me time when calculating a patient’s Framingham Risk Score (FRS).  I use FRS when deciding whether initiating a statin is recommended based on the most recent evidence and I also explain what the percentage means to the patient.”

(Dr. Deanna Funk, Spirit River, Borealis PCN).

“I am a new user of ELR.  I have used it less than 10 times (so far) but am seeing the benefit.  It is very quick to complete, and it is more clear and faster than using my EMR (or another calculator) to calculate CVD risk.”

(Dr. Kristy Penner, Crowsnest Pass, Chinook PCN).

Learn about ELR: video , ELR one-pager and infographic.

For questions or support to use ELR in your clinical practice, contact: ELR@ahs.ca.  

Taking additional training?

Are you eligible for a $7,500 scholarship?

The TD Insurance Meloche Monnex/Alberta Medical Association Scholarship was established to help physicians meet Alberta's changing medical needs.

Every May, the AMA and TD Insurance Meloche Monnex team up to award four physicians with a $7,500 scholarship. Applications are being accepted until March 31.

Applications for the 2024 student sponsorship program are now open!

Are you a medical student leader at the University of Calgary or the University of Alberta? The AMA Committee on Student Affairs Sponsorship Program provides support of student-run initiatives targeted at career advancement of medical students. The AMA allocates a budget annually for support of this sponsorship and all Alberta-based medical students are eligible to apply.

New MD Culture Shift: February issue

In this issue of MD Culture Shift:

• February 2024 Celebrating Health - Pink Shirt Day, February 28
  Black History Month
• Upcoming courses and sessions
• 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.

Tax changes for 2024

Sponsored advertisement

With the new year upon us, it's a good time to review the major personal income tax changes for the 2024 tax year. MD Financial Management has given a rundown of the adjusted tax figures, including income tax brackets, basic personal amounts and more, as well as some new rules taking effect this year.

Community Connections

This month, the following is available for your consideration:

Alberta Health Technology Survey

The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) is conducting a survey of health technology stakeholders (including health professionals and healthtech companies) as part of a larger effort to understand in-demand roles and skills in the Alberta health technology ecosystem. This short five-minute survey will explore technology used in the workplace, as well as related roles and skills. This study is delivered in partnership with Digital Alberta, Alethea Medical, and Alberta's Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Trade.

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...

Election results: Meet your new zonal/regional RF delegates (member login required)

Upcoming events

Media Relations 101

April 11

Webinar: Navigating your first home purchase in Canada

February 21

Mindful practice in Medicine workshop

February 21 - 24

Clinical Teacher Series: Antiracism in the clinical setting

February 29 & March 7

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:

Black History Month

Pink Shirt Day

February 28

Recommend a special date.

Last issue's top stories

- Should I invest in a TFSA or leave excess funds in my corporation? 

- Share your voice to help government and the public understand the crisis in family care

In the February 15
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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