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A Warm Welcome to Our Newest Providers & Heartfelt Thanks to Our Retiring Physicians
We are thrilled to announce the arrival of two new physicians to our community. Please join us in warmly welcoming them as they begin their practices in the region:
Dr. Victoria Goodall
Dr. Goodall has officially joined the team at Qualicum Medical. We are also excited to support her transition to the new Primrose Medical Clinic when it opens its doors this fall.
Dr. Rehab Abou Elseoud
Dr. Abou Elseoud has joined West Memorial Medical, where she has taken over the practice of Dr. Mark Morris.
We feel incredibly fortunate to have such talented physicians choosing to serve our community, and we look forward to the expertise and compassionate care they will bring to local patients.
As we welcome new faces, we also take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to two long-standing members of our medical family who have recently retired from private practice:
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Dr. Mark Morris &
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Dr. Chris Kwiatkowski
While they are stepping away from clinical practice, we are pleased to share that both physicians will remain active members of our medical community. You may still see them contributing their knowledge and experience through local medical initiatives and community projects.
We extend our sincere thanks for the many years of dedicated care they have provided to their patients and our community. Please join us in congratulating them on this new chapter and expressing appreciation for their continued commitment to the health and well-being of our region.
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Action Required: Resubmit February 23 LFP Time Codes
Due to the recent implementation of generic patient data for LFP clinic and facility-based time codes, some February 23 time code submissions were inadvertently refused and physicians may need to resubmit.
Read more (BC Family Doctors login required)
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LFP Billing Update: Reminder to re-enrol in the LFP Payment Model by March 31
Reminder to re-enrol in the LFP Payment Model by March 31
ACTION REQUIRED: LFP re-enrolment
All physicians and locums enrolled in the LFP Payment Model need to re-enrol each year to continue billing under this model. If you do not submit an enrolment code by March 31, 2026, you will not receive any payments under the LFP Payment Model until it is submitted.
You only need to re-enrol once per year.
Step 1: Re-enrol in the LFP Payment Model
Step 2: Indicate the settings where you intend to bill LFP
In addition, all LFP physicians and locums must submit registration codes that identify the settings where they will be billing under the LFP Payment Model in 2026.
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Clinic-based services registration code (98002)
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Long-term care and palliative care facility services (98003)
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Inpatient services (98004)
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Facility-based pregnancy and newborn services (98006)
More information on the BC Family Doctors website (login required)
Reminder about 30% Non-Panel Limit
The LFP Payment Model includes a 30% limit on clinic services provided to patients who are not on your panel or the panel of another physician at your LFP clinic.
On March 31, 2026, the temporary exception for physicians actively transitioning their services expires, and the Transition Code (98001) will no longer provide an exception this requirement. On April 1, 2026, physicians must meet the 30% limit.
If you provide care to many patients who are not on your panel or the panel of another physician at your LFP clinic, you may be at the 30% threshold and need to make changes.
Read the full update on the BC Family Doctors website (login required)
Reminder that the 98101 temporary immunization code ends March 31
Between October 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, a temporary code (98101) was established to support immunization efforts for influenza, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses during the winter respiratory illness season. A reminder that March 31 is the last date of service for this code.
Detailed information is available on the BC Family Doctors website (member login required) and information is also available on the BC government website.
Reminder to submit your 2026 LFP panel payment claim form
Eligible physicians enrolled in the LFP Payment Model must submit an online claim form once per calendar year to claim the panel payment installments for that year.
If you haven’t already, submit the 2026 LFP panel payment claim form by April 10, 2026, to receive the first quarter (January 1 to March 31, 2026) installment by May 31, 2026.
In January, February, and March 2026, instructions for claiming the 2026 panel payment were emailed to individual physicians (if an email address was available) from fp.billing@doctorsofbc.ca under the subject line “Action Required—Claiming your 2026 Panel Payment.” If you did not receive this email and believe you are eligible, or if you have any questions, please email fp.billing@doctorsofbc.ca.
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Fee for Service billing update: CCFP-EM, additional eligibility with emergency medicine consultations
Physicians who provide emergency consultations are now eligible to continue billing many family practice fees, including specific maternity care fees, community hospital visits, and FPSC-initiated incentives available via portal codes for community longitudinal family physicians and locums, and family physicians with a focused practice in a long-term care facility.
Read more (BC Family Doctors login required)
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What's happening around BC for family physicians this April
Please click here to check out what's happening around BC for family physicians this April.
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CIDFP MOA Recruitment Pilot Project
We invite you to join a virtual Lunch & Learn to learn more about new MOA recruitment supports available through an upcoming CIDFP Division pilot project.
This session will introduce Canadian-based service providers who offer different approaches to supporting clinics with MOA recruitment and retention. This includes full-cycle recruitment, virtual MOA support, and flexible staffing models designed to help address capacity challenges in clinics.
Session Details:
📅 April 16, 2026
🕛 12:00–1:00 PM
💻 Virtual
To Register: CLICK HERE (a link to the meeting will be provided after registering)
To view attached poster: CLICK HERE
Each provider will deliver a 10–15-minute overview of their services, including how their models work in practice, followed by time for questions and discussion.
Service Providers:
People Prodigy – https://peopleprodigy.com/
A Canadian recruitment firm that supports clinics with end-to-end hiring. Their services include sourcing and screening candidates, coordinating interviews, and supporting onboarding. They focus on matching clinics with qualified MOAs and administrative staff based on clinic needs and culture, helping reduce the time and effort required for hiring.
Sherritt Services – https://www.sherrittservices.ca/
A Canadian provider offering virtual MOA support. Their team can assist with tasks such as appointment booking, patient communication, EMR administrative work, and general front-end support. This model offers flexible coverage, which can be helpful for clinics experiencing staffing shortages, onboarding delays, or needing short-term or part-time administrative support.
Pilot Project Process:
Following the session, clinics will be invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to participate in the Division-funded pilot project.
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A limited number of clinics will be selected to participate
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Selected clinics will be contacted directly following the review process
We hope you can join us to learn more about these supports and how they may benefit your clinic.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Amanda Salvage, asalvage@cidivision.ca
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Send a service request to Caregiver Rx through Pathways
The Family Caregivers of BC Caregiver Rx program (Pathways login required) is a province-wide social prescribing program that supports caregivers.
Service Requests can now be sent directly to the program through Pathways by clicking the “Send Service Request” blue button at the top of the Caregiver Rx program. They will connect directly with the caregiver and provide wraparound supports.
For more information, users can access Message Feature tutorials in the Pathways Training Videos & Materials section.
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Providence Health Care internal medicine review course
The Internal Medicine Review for Family Physicians 2026 is organized by the Providence Health Care Department of Medicine and will be held from May 11 to May 14, 2026, at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver.
Participants will receive 1-on-1 learning with industry professionals and engage in small-group sessions, with discussion topics including nephrology, gastroenterology, pulmonary, and general internal medicine.
This is an accredited activity for up to 20 Mainpro+® credits.
Register online here
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Island Health - Division Communications
Island Health Bariatric Clinic is pleased to announce improved access to its comprehensive bariatric/metabolic surgery services, with eligible patients now facing an approximate six-month wait for initial assessment — down from over four years pre-pandemic. This allows timely referral for life-changing procedures such as Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass, which deliver an average 35% total body weight loss and often cure major conditions like Type 2 Diabetes. The program provides full wrap-around pre- and post-operative care (including lifestyle and medication management) for up to 12 months after surgery. Patients qualify with a BMI >40 or BMI >35 plus at least one obesity-related comorbidity (e.g., Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea); primary care FPs and NPs are encouraged to refer via the referral form (also found on Pathways).
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Important Update: BC Cancer Breast Screening Notices
As of April 1, 2026, BC Cancer Breast Screening will mail a letter to patients only if follow-up or action is needed. Breast screening results that are normal, and no follow-up is needed, will not be automatically sent in the mail to patients. BC Cancer Breast Screening will continue to mail reminder letters when the patient is due for screening and when follow-up is needed.
Patients can still get their breast screening results (including normal results) in other ways: online on Health Gateway, by contacting their health care provider or by calling the Breast Screening Services Centre at 1-800-663-9203.
Refer to BC Cancer Screening’s Common Reminder and Result Notices Resource for the latest overview of notices sent to patients and health care providers from all four cancer screening programs.
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Hereditary Cancer Program referral and testing criteria updates
Eligibility criteria for genetic testing and assessment through the BC Cancer Hereditary Cancer Program (HCP) have been updated. Advances in cancer treatment and expanding clinical indications have increased the number of patients seeking hereditary cancer evaluation. Criteria have been refined to maintain timely access for those most likely to benefit, prioritizing people with higher hereditary cancer risk, such as those with a known familial pathogenic variant, a relevant personal history of cancer, tumours or polyps, people with a first-degree relative with specific cancers, or those with a greater than 5–10% predicted hereditary cancer
risk using validated tools. Patients who are already referred and do not meet the updated eligibility criteria will receive written notice from their provider.
See the BC Cancer Hereditary Cancer Program website for information and the updated referral form.
Learn more here
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Upcoming ISAR Cultural Safety Spring Learning Sessions
Upcoming ISAR Cultural Safety Spring Learning Sessions
The Joint Collaborative Committees (JCCs) are hosting spring Community-Based Experiential Learning sessions in collaboration with Len Pierre Consulting.
These sessions teach cultural safety and humility through immersive learning and offer opportunities for ongoing relationship-building with Indigenous communities.
Sessional time, dinner, and mileage exceeding 50 km one-way are provided. Registrations are welcome from interprofessional team members (ITMs) involved in team-based care, and there is a stipend for ITMs who are not salaried. Space is limited to 60 people.
Register and find more info via the links below:
Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 5-9 pm: Whistler
Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 5-9 pm: Westbank/Kelowna
Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 5-9 pm: Tsawwassen
Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 5-9 pm: Burnaby
Wednesday, June 10, 2026, 5-9 pm: Quesnel
Please email the JCCs at jcc@doctorsofbc.ca with any questions.
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When the Math doesn’t Math: Why I Didn’t Want to Share my Practice Data
Dr. Lawrence Yang, Health Data Coalition (HDC) Medical Director, offers a candid reflection on a fear many family physicians quietly carry: the anxiety of looking at their own practice data. Drawing on his early years in practice, he explores how the sudden absence of supervision, combined with the responsibility of caring for thousands of patients, can turn data into something that feels threatening rather than helpful. Through peer learning, taking on leadership roles, and tools like HDC Discover, Dr. Yang describes how his relationship with data shifted from avoidance to insight.
HDC is funded by the Family Practice Services Committee one of four Joint Collaborative Committees.
Read the story here.
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Subspecialties Review Course for Primary Care Providers
Looking for a focused multi-subspecialty practical update? Registration now open
INTERNAL MEDICINE REVIEW COURSE FOR PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS
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Small‑group clinical sessions, case‑based learning (6–8 participants) and Practical Sessions learning
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Direct access to local subspecialists from St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia
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Designed to deliver "clinical pearls" immediately applicable to practice
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Accredited for up to 20 Mainpro+® credits
Subspecialties: Addiction Medicine, Dermatology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, General Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, Hematology, Infectious Diseases, Nephrology, Neurology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Palliative Care Medicine, Respirology and Rheumatology.
The Internal Medicine Review Course for Primary Care Providers is a concentrated, in‑person learning experience designed for clinicians who want practical updates for primary care providers.
Unlike larger, broad‑topic CME conferences, this course emphasizes small‑group case discussions, direct interaction with subspecialists, and immediately actionable clinical guidance.
Ideal for primary care providers who want to refine decision‑making at the primary care–specialist interface.
The Internal Medicine Review Course for Primary Care Providers is explicitly organized by the Providence Health Care Department of Medicine and held at St. Paul’s Hospital, using PHC/UBC subspecialists as faculty.
KEY DETAILS
📍 Location: St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC
📅 Dates: May 11–14, 2026
🎓 Credits: Up to 20 Mainpro+® credits
👥 Format: In‑person | Small‑group learning
👉 Register here
Should you have any questions, please contact phcdeptmedicine@phc.ca
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LTC Behavioral Support Team (LTC BeST) Has a New Name: LTC Person-Centered Support (LTC PCS)
Island Health’s LTC Behavioural Support Team (LTC BeST) – also known as the Complex Behaviour Support Team – has a new name: LTC Person-Centred Support (LTC PCS). The only changes are to the team name and email (LTCPCS@islandhealth.ca).
What Stays The Same
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LTC PCS team continues to be staffed by two Clinical Nurse Educators, Clare Fletcher and Ashley Johnston, who provide complex care planning assistance, non-pharmacological interventions, resource-sharing, and education.
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When cases referred to LTC PCS team are beyond the scope of the Clinical Nurse Educators and appropriate for Adult Psychiatry or Addiction Medicine consultation, LTC PCS team will collaborate with the resident’s MRP for referral to Dr. Lucas Dellabough or Dr. Alicia Pawluk, respectively.
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All consults are conducted through BC Virtual Visit and are available Island-wide.
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Note: Private pay LTC homes are not part of this service.
Adult Psychiatry Support
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A reminder that MRPs can bypass straight to an Adult Psychiatry consult by contacting LTCPCS@islandhealth.ca and requesting Dr. Dellabough’s direct referral form. This option is recommended when:
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MRP requires support with titrating psychiatric medications.
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MRP has determined that all non-pharmacological interventions have been exhausted and support with non-pharmacological care planning and education, as offered by LTC PCS team, would not be sufficient to meet the resident’s needs.
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Adult Psychiatry can support residents <75 years of age.
Addiction Medicine Support
If you have any questions about this service, please contact LTCCoach@islandhealth.ca.
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New motor vehicle accident billing under LFP Payment Model and Fee-for-Service
Billing for care related to motor vehicle accidents (MVAs)is shifting to MSP, with new rules for both the LFP Payment Model and Fee-for-Service (effective February 28). ICBC reports will continue to be billed directly to ICBC, either by report or by invoice.
Read more about LFP MVA billing (BC Family Doctors login required)
Read more about Fee-for-Service MVA billing (BC Family Doctors login required)
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Register now for BC Rural Health Conference
Registration is now open for the BC Rural Health Conference, May 29-31, 2026, in Prince George. The conference is hosted by the Rural Coordination Centre of BC (RCCbc) and supported by the Joint Standing Committee on Rural Issues (JSC), a partnership of the BC Government and Doctors of BC.
Register here by April 6 for early-bird rates.
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Registration is open for Physician Health Program support groups
Registration is open for Physician Health Program support groups
The BC Physician Health Program helps physicians navigate challenging times. Through education, skills development, and shared experiences with peers, these sessions aim to enhance physician well-being.
Upcoming sessions:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Skills Group
Tuesdays, April 14–June 2 from 5:15–7:00 p.m.
To register, complete the CBT Skills interest form.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Insomnia
Four-week cohorts: Wednesdays from 7–8:30 p.m.
Cohort 2: April 22–May 13, 2026
Cohort 3: October 14–November 4, 2026
To register for the sessions above, complete the CBTi interest form.
BIPOC Peer Support Group
Wednesday, May 13–June from 4:30–6 p.m.
To register, complete the BIPOC registration form.
Raising Resilient Kids
Wednesday, April 8–May 27, 5:15–7:15 p.m.
To register, complete the Raising Resilient Kids interest form.
Email groups@physicianhealth.com for questions about these groups.
Learn more here.
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New LFP Time Code billing process
All LFP clinic and facility-based time codes are now submitted using one standardized set of “patient” information, streamlining billing and reducing privacy concerns. This update replaces the previous approach of using the first patient of the day.
Read more (BC Family Doctors login required)
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BC Family Doctors: Free Menopausal Hormone Therapy in BC
National Pharmacare now fully covers many menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) options. This is an opportunity to reduce barriers to perimenopause and menopause treatment and support equitable access.
Read more on the BC Family Doctors website
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Updates to the Overview of Syphilis for Healthcare Providers in BC course
The self-directed, online syphilis overview course is designed for health care providers in British Columbia who are involved in the case management and follow-up of individuals diagnosed with syphilis and their contacts. The course increases capacity for syphilis diagnosis and management and offers further resources and tools.
New resources are available:
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Epidemiological updates
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Updated requisition forms
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Certified practice syphilis decision support tool
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New syphilis toolkit
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New case studies
Learners who have already obtained a certificate of completion will need to re-register for the course to access the updated course and/or the additional practice case studies.
Continuing Professional Development Credits
The course is accredited by the Division of Continuing Professional Development, University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine (UBC CPD) for up to 2.0 Mainpro+/MOC Section 3 credits
Self-registration is available through LearningHub
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New adult ADHD care pathway now available on Pathways BC
A new adult ADHD care pathway is now live on Pathways BC. This tool is designed to help BC primary care providers identify, diagnose, and manage uncomplicated adult attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Work on this tool was led by the North Shore Division of Family Practice, and developed in collaboration with family physicians, psychiatrists, and nurse practitioners.
Funding for this project was provided by the Shared Care Committee, one of four Joint Collaborative Committees.
Pathways is funded by the Family Practice Services Committee one of four Joint Collaborative Committees.
Access the adult ADHD care pathway here
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Oceanside Hospice Society
The Oceanside Hospice Society serves individuals and families experiencing end-of-life, care-giving and bereavement in the area stretching from Deep Bay to Nanoose, and west to Errington and Whiskey Creek
We strive to provide links in the continuum of care by supporting care giving at home, in hospital or the palliative care unit at Trillium and at community care facilities.
Please contact us at 250.752.6227 or visit www.oceansidehospice.com for further information.
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Divisions Dispatch
The latest news from the provincial team and complementary organizations.
Please click here for updates including:
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LFP Payment Model updates
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Webinars and continuing medical education (CME)
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Divisions in the News
Divisions in the News
See what is going on in other divisions around BC:
https://divisionsbc.ca/provincial/news-and-events
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