January 31, 2023

Update on the launch of the Longitudinal Family Physician Payment Model

The purpose of this newsletter is to provide the latest updates on the implementation of the Longitudinal Family Physician (LFP) Payment Model, as we approach tomorrow’s launch.

With the February 1 launch of the new LFP Payment Model, we want to ensure you have all the information you need to begin billing. We are listening to your feedback and working with the provincial government to address your concerns. Below is updated information.

Update on requirement for 250 active patients

We have heard concerns from new-to-practice and other physicians about the requirement to have a panel of 250 active patients at the time of enrollment. After raising these concerns with the Ministry of Health, we now have agreement that you will have a period of four months after enrollment to build up to this minimum required panel size.

Update on 30% limit for services to non-panel patients

Similarly, physicians who currently provide episodic care and/or focused practice have indicated that the 30% limit on non-panel patient interactions is challenging. In response to this, the Ministry of Health is looking at a period of one year for transitioning your practice to meet this requirement. After that, you will need to ensure that no more than 30% of patient interaction codes are billed for non-panel services in your LFP clinic. More information will be shared as soon as possible.

If you are a physician who is practicing in a rural community that was receiving NIA premiums as of December 15, 2002, then you are not required to meet this requirement this year. This is to allow time for Doctors of BC, BC Family Doctors, and the Ministry of Health to develop a solution that reflects the realities of rural medicine.

Start billing under the LFP Payment Model this week

Family physicians will be able to start billing under the LFP Payment Model tomorrow, February 1. This is not a deadline for enrollment but the earliest date that a physician can start billing under the payment model.

To enroll:

Review the Initial Eligibility Criteria and Required Services in the LFP Payment Schedule (p. 1-2).
Review the Pathway to Enrolling in the Longitudinal Family Physician Payment Model.
Submit the Registration Code at least one business day prior to billing under the LFP Payment Model.

As the work to get the LFP Payment Model launched is happening rapidly, some EMRs and billing systems are still working on updates.

If your EMR or billing system does not recognize the new LFP codes, please contact your EMR vendor or billing provider directly. If they are unable to resolve the issue, please contact MSP/Health Insurance BC.
If your EMR or billing system does not recognize the ICD-9 code L23, you can use ICD-9 code 780 instead.

You may need to wait to submit your billing for a few days while your EMR or billing system is being updated.

Information webinars

Two information webinars took place last week. The recorded webinar is available for viewing. Please note that the information about the payment model is continuing to evolve. As a result, some of the information in the webinar is now out of date, but has been updated in the information above.

LFP Payment Schedule

Here is the LFP Payment Schedule, which provides detailed information about the payment model, including eligibility, enrollment, and billing codes. It is being updated to reflect the new information shared today.

Need more information?

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)