Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.
Divisions of Family Practice
Divisions Dispatch
February 7, 2020

IN THIS ISSUE

PCN Steering Committee ToR Template

The PCN Steering Committee Terms of Reference (ToR) template has been developed as part of the GPSC’s ongoing commitment to support PCN communities to strengthen local collaborative partnerships and governance structures to enable successful primary care transformation. It responds to feedback received from communities asking for support to co-develop a robust Terms of Reference.

It provides guidance and suggestions to support PCN communities through the process of developing and refining local PCN Steering Committees structures. The content is based on the existing PCN Steering Committee Terms of Reference which have been developed by communities that are currently implementing PCNs.

This resource will continue to evolve based on learnings from local, regional and provincial partners. Your GPSC Liaison can provide further support and guidance to help determine or strengthen your local governance structures and partnerships as required.

Additional information and guidance can also be found in the following documents on the PCN toolkit:

If you have questions, please contact your GPSC Liaison or email gpsc@doctorsofbc.ca.

Back to top

PCN EOI information package

The PCN Expression of Interest (EOI) template and information is now available for future primary care network (PCN) partners in communities that are interested in submitting a PCN EOI, and those who have not yet formally started planning.

Please share with others who may also be part of any planning tables.

For any questions, please email gpsc@doctorsofbc.ca

Back to top

Register now for the Business Cost Premium

Physicians who are eligible to claim the new Business Cost Premium (BCP) can now register to receive the benefit, which comes into effect April 1, 2020.

The BCP was negotiated in the 2019 Physician Master Agreement to help offset some of the rent, lease, or ownership costs associated with running a community-based office.

To register, physicians will need to fill out forms to register their facility and attach themselves as a practitioner of the facility.

It is recommended that physicians complete and submit both forms in advance of the April 1, 2020 effective date.

Click here to learn more.

Back to top

Reminder: GPSC billing webinar on February 18 and 19

Family physicians are encouraged to join the next two billing webinars about GPSC fees and select MSP fees, as part of the six-session winter 2020 series. 

GPSC Billing Part 2
Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at 6pm | Register

The session will cover:  Complex Care (14033, 14075), and Chronic Disease Management (14050, 14051, 14052, 14053)

GPSC Billing Part 3
Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at 6pm | Register

This session will cover: Prevention/Personal Health Risk Assessment (14066), Mental Health (14043, 14044, 14045, 14046, 14047, 14048), Palliative Care (14063), and will recap of definitions and what can be done face-to-face vs. non face-to-face

Physicians are encouraged to join the live, scheduled webinars to receive information that is up-to-date information, advice that is relevant, and opportunities for real-time engagement. Webinars are not recorded.

Back to top

Clinic Cybersecurity message from Doctors of BC and the Ministry of Health

A recent article on the Doctors of BC website outlines best practices for clinical systems in order to lower the risk of cyberattack.

Doctors Technology Office (DTO) can provide direct support to clinics to implement best practices and safeguard against cybersecurity threats and breaches.

Click here to read the article.

Back to top

Call for applications to the Sue Harris Family Practice Research Grant

The Sue Harris Family Practice Research Grant supports research that contributes to women’s (cis- and trans-gender included) health within the discipline of family practice. The funding supports new researchers (family practice residents and/or physicians) to develop and carry out a pilot or simple research project.

The application process is aligned with the resident scholarship project and mentorship is available.

The deadline to apply is February 28, 2020.

Click here for more information about eligibility and application requirements.

Back to top

DTO resources for Windows 7 operating system support

As of January 14, 2020, Microsoft no longer provides security updates or support for PCs with the Windows 7 operating system. 
The Doctors Technology Office (DTO) has produced resources to help guide clinics during this transition: Tech Bulletin - Microsoft to End Windows 7 Support Bulletin in Jan 2020 and a Microsoft Windows 10 Upgrade Checklist.

DTO is available to provide additional guidance to clinics and to discuss best practices and next steps. It is also strongly recommended that clinics work directly with their local IT support to identify any hardware or software requirements needed to support this critical transition off of Windows 7, or any older Windows operating systems such as Windows XP.

Additional technical resources can be found on the DTO Website or contact dtoinfo@doctorsofbc.ca for questions or support needs.

Back to top

Registration open for 2020 Run for Rural Medicine

Medical students from the UBC Faculty of Medicine are hosting the 2020 Run for Rural Medicine on Sunday March 8, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at Jericho Beach Park. This  annual 5/10 km run raises funds for Hope Air, a charity which provides Canadians in financial need with free travel to medical care far from home.

Registration includes a dry-fit t-shirt, snacks, door prizes, and more, with all proceeds going toward Hope Air.

Click here to register, or visit the website for more information.

Back to top

Divisions in the news



DATE DIVISION PUBLICATION TITLE
January 25, 2020 South Okanagan Similkamen Vernon Morning Star Help sought in developing family practices in South Okanagan and Similkameen

The provincial communications team produces a twice-monthly newsletter designed to keep divisions up-to-date with the Divisions initiative. It is sent to local division executive directors, administration, physician leads, and board members. In order to minimize emails being sent these groups, we try to include as much in these newsletters as possible. We encourage you to share it with your division members at large. If you have a story you would like to submit for consideration, please contact Caroline McGechaen at cmcgechaen@doctorsofbc.ca.

Media coverage is monitored by the Divisions of Family Practice provincial communications team and compiled on the Divisions in the News page.

This issue can also be found on the Divisions of Family Practice website.
If you no longer wish to receive Divisions Dispatch, please click here to unsubscribe
Divisions in the News