January 21, 2025

Welcome to the first issue of PCCM In Progress!

Watch this newsletter for updates on the next steps in the implementation of the Physician Comprehensive Care Model (PCCM) for primary care, which was announced on December 19, 2024. We’ll be sharing a range of resources and information on upcoming events that will help members get ready for the April 2025 launch of the PCCM.

PCCM Details

The PCCM is a new compensation option for family physicians and rural generalists who primarily practice in community clinics and deliver comprehensive, life-long patient care. It recognizes the extensive training, experience and leadership of primary care physicians and aims to strengthen the financial viability of community clinics.

Learn more about the PCCM and explore Frequently Asked Questions.

PCCM So Far

January 8 Information Session

The first PCCM Information Session was held on January 8 and hosted by Dr. Sarah Bates, President of the Section of Family Medicine. The session provided an overview of the elements of the PCCM and included a demonstration of the PCCM financial calculators, which were created to help physicians estimate potential earnings as they consider transitioning into the model.

If you weren’t able to attend the first Information Session, or want to watch again, a video recording is available on the AMA website.

Panel Size Calculation

To apply for and maintain a PCCM Business Arrangement Number, physicians must meet and maintain a minimum panel size of 500 patients, alongside additional criteria. Learn how your PCCM panel size is calculated.

Two calculators are available for members to estimate compensation by week or by day (member login required).

Complete your Expression of Interest

IMPORTANT! Physicians interested in the PCCM must complete an Expression of Interest via their AMA member dashboard (member login required).

The PCCM Expression of Interest is open to physicians who meet the eligibility criteria, as determined by Alberta Health data. If you cannot see the PCCM Expression of Interest link on your dashboard, this means you do not currently meet the prerequisites. Alberta Health provides monthly data updates to the AMA, so if your panel size has recently increased to exceed 500 and your data has not yet been updated, we encourage you to check back later.

After expressing your interest via your dashboard, the next step will be to receive and complete the Primary Care Physician Compensation Model Clinical Alternative Relationship Plan (ARP) Application Form. The AMA will email the application form to physicians who have completed the EOI in March 2025.

Review the PCCM Application Process page for information on the steps to apply for PCCM.

Don’t delay – we want to make sure we reach the 500 expressions of interest that Alberta Health requires by March 1!

Up Next

Our next PCCM information session is planned for January 29 and will focus on eligibility and enrolment: REGISTER TODAY (member login required).

January 29, 2025
6 to 7:30 p.m.
Zoom/Virtual - AMA members only

NOTE: This information session is for AMA Members who are family physicians and rural generalists. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about eligibility and what’s involved in enrolling in the PCCM.

Not a Member? Apply today to attend, or wait for the information session recording to be posted on the AMA website.

Recently Added

If you’ve already explored some of the PCCM information, as a heads-up, we’ve just added a new resource: PCCM In-Basket Fee Codes, which includes PCCM Health Service Codes (HSC) and their descriptions.

Resources

The AMA has developed a range of support tools, information sessions and resources to assist with the PCCM launch and transition. These resources will help you decide if the PCCM is right for your practice, offer guidance on the enrolment process, explain changes to billing, provide panel management requirements and more.

PCCM Essentials Guide
PCCM Financial Calculator - Member login required
PCCM FAQ for Physicians
Alberta's Physician Compensation Comparison Table
PCCM Information Session
PCCM Panel Prep Webinar Series