Physician Participation FAQs

1.   Can I participate in and be reimbursed for more than one PSP module? How many?

Yes, physicians can participate in more than one module, in addition to the practice self-assessment questionnaires. There is no limit on the number of modules a physician can take.

2.   Can GPs practicing in a walk-in clinic participate and be reimbursed?

Yes, but only if the physician is providing longitudinal care for patients.

3.   Can locum physicians participate and be reimbursed?

Yes, but only if long term at one practice (3 months or more)

4.   Can specialist physicians attend and be reimbursed for participating in PSP modules? 

No, the PSP is funded by the GPSC non-compensation allocation for GPs.

5.   Can hospitalist general practice physicians participate and be reimbursed?

No, only GPs practicing in the community can participate. If a hospitalist has a part-time practice in the community, they can participate and be reimbursed.

6.   Do I have to attend every LS?

Yes. If a physician is unable to attend a scheduled LS, HA support staff may be able to assist with make-up sessions or materials.

7.   Can I be reimbursed for a partial Action Period (AP)? 

No.

8.   When can I get reimbursed for an AP?

Physicians are eligible to claim for an AP after implementing changes identified in the previous LS and reporting on experiences at the following LS, i.e. implement changes learned in LS2 and report at LS3.

9.   When can I be reimbursed for travel and accommodation? Can my MOA be reimbursed as well?

Mileage is reimbursed if travel exceeds 50km one way (>100km travelled). Airfare and accommodation expenses require pre-approval from BCMA. This applies to MOAs as well as physicians.

10.   Can I attend LS and AP in another Health Authority (HA) than where I practice?

As a general rule, no. In unique circumstances, and with the approval of both HAs, special arrangements can be made.

11.   How long will it be before I receive payment?

If all necessary information is submitted with the claim and the attendance list has been received from the HA coordinator, payment is made via direct deposit within four weeks of the session.

12.   Can I be reimbursed if I implement a PSP module from the website, without attending LSs and APs?

No, attendance at scheduled LSs and participation in APs are required for reimbursement.

13.   Can physicians be reimbursed if they attend short CME sessions on PSP topics without enrolling in the full module?

No.

MOA Participation FAQs

14.   How many MOAs can attend each Learning Session (LS)?

Reimbursement is available for MOAs/staff persons who attend Learning Sessions with their physician. There is no longer a one MOA/Staff Person limit. All MOAs/Staff Persons who attend will be reimbursed via the Physician.

15.   How will my MOA be reimbursed?

MOAs participation will be reimbursed at a rate of $20/hr (max. $80 per half-day LS). Physicians are paid for MOA attendance via direct deposit. Physicians will claim the payment as an expense and then reimburse the MOA (no taxes removed).

16.   Can I bring a nurse or office manager instead and how much will they be reimbursed?

Nurses, office managers and other practice staff are welcome to attend. Again, physicians are reimbursed for only one MOA/staff person per LS ($20/hr).

17.   Can my MOA/practice staff attend learning sessions without me?

Yes, MOAs/practice staff may participate in PSP learning sessions without physician participation. Physicians will claim compensation for MOA participation using the same process as when the physician attends. Specifically, payment for MOA attendance goes to the physician via direct deposit. Claim the payment as an expense, and if the MOA attends outside office hours, please reimburse the MOA (no taxes removed). Compensation for MOA participation is $20/hour.

18.   What is the policy for attending the Mental Health First Aid course?

MOAs/practice staff may not attend the Mental Health First Aid course unless their GP is a participant in the Mental Health module and attends the learning sessions. Reimbursement is available for only one MOA/staff person per physician. More than one MOA/staff person may attend (without reimbursement), only if the class size does not increase beyond what was agreed to with the CMHA (small/large), and is approved by the BCMA.

19.   Can MOAs/staff be reimbursed separately for APs?

No, only physicians can claim for the AP payments, which include GP and MOA activities in the practice.

Chronic Disease Management Module FAQs

20.   Which chronic conditions are eligible for participation in the CDM module?

Currently, the following conditions are eligible: Diabetes, Congestive Heart Failure, Hypertension, Chronic Kidney Disease and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

21.   What do I do if I have fewer than 20 patients with the condition I have chosen?

Add a second condition, and aim to add all of your patients with that condition as well.

22.   If I have already developed a patient registry, can I still participate in the CDM module?

Yes, but you must choose a new chronic condition from the eligible list.

23.   Is use of the CDM Toolkit mandatory for participation in the CDM module?

No, but the development of patient registries and tracking of QI measures are still mandatory.