July 5, 2023

Connecting unattached patients and family doctors

The purpose of this newsletter is to provide the latest updates on the implementation of the Longitudinal Family Physician (LFP) Payment Model. To submit questions or feedback on the payment model, please email LFP.Billing@doctorsofbc.ca.

Connecting unattached patients and family doctors

This afternoon, the provincial government and Doctors of BC will announce the expansion of the Health Connect Registry (HCR) to help bring together unattached patients with longitudinal family doctors who have capacity to expand their panels. The system will make it easier to build or increase patient panels for new-to-practice doctors, those returning to longitudinal care, and those who have capacity to take on new patients.

The expansion builds on the work that has been done in the last six months with the introduction of the Longitudinal Family Physician (LFP) Payment Model, and will support future steps to strengthen primary care.

How it will work

For the public:

The HCR website will be available for patients seeking a family doctor to register. Those who have already registered do not need to do so again.

For doctors:

As part of the expanded system, a registry will be open for longitudinal family doctors to input and maintain practice information, including panel data and capacity to accept new patients. Attachment coordinators will help to match patients in the Health Connect Registry to practices as capacity allows.

All longitudinal family doctors, not just those on the new payment model, will be asked to participate. This will include FFS and those on other payment models (e.g. group practice contract, population based funding, AP contract) who provide longitudinal care.

Medical directors and designated staff for longitudinal practices will also be asked to provide information into a Clinic and Provider Registry. This will provide an understanding of the care gaps and needs in a community to help with future planning.

Resources, including payment, to support physician and clinic participation in the new registries will be provided to physicians and medical directors. Details will be shared as soon as possible.

Key points:

Doctors will not be forced to increase their panel size.
Doctors will not be forced to take on new patients.
The final decision on whether a new patient is a good match is left with the physician and the patient.

Moving forward

In the coming weeks, you will learn more about the new system and how you can submit information for your practice. Training resources (including guides, videos, and invitations to webinars) will be sent in the near future.

Need more information about the Longitudinal Family Physician Payment Model?

Write us

Email: LFP.Billing@doctorsofbc.ca

View our information online (member login required)

Doctors of BC: doctorsofbc.ca/new-payment-model
BC Family Doctors: https://bcfamilydocs.ca/lfp-payment-model/
BC Government website: gov.bc.ca/MSP/LFP (login not required)