The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is establishing a new Manager of Physician Relations position within the Department of Health and Community Services to continue strengthening its relationship with the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association (NLMA).
NLMA members, including individual physicians, clinics, and physician groups, often request additional information regarding the department’s Medical Care Plan (MCP) adjudication. The new position will ensure NLMA members receive:
- Timely information on MCP adjudications;
- Clear reasons on decisions to adjust or reject claims; and
- Guidance on how physicians can avoid future adjustments.
The position is part of the Shared Agenda for Family Medicine, which addresses issues related to the retention of the province’s family physician workforce. The agenda, created earlier this year, outlines plans for:
- Physician recruitment and retention;
- Collaborative community care teams;
- Addressing human resource shortages; and
- Improving the way emergency medicine services are provided.
Numerous initiatives, such as establishing an Office of Recruitment and Retention within the department, the blended capitation payment model, and the creation of physician marketing and recruitment programs have already begun, while work continues on other initiatives to be completed later in 2023.
More information on the Shared Agenda is available here. Recruitment for the Manager of Physician Relations position has begun and the department anticipates filling the position this summer.
Quotes
“We all recognize the value of physicians in this province, and the importance of compensating them for the insured service they provide to patients. We also recognize the importance of the adjudication process of MCP claims. Introducing this new position will help build a stronger relationship with physicians by ensuring they receive clear information on decisions related to MCP claims and how to avoid issues in the future.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services
“The NLMA is encouraged that the government recognizes the need to enhance relations between MCP and physicians. We hope this position will help foster a common understanding about MCP processes, provide guidance and improve communication on MCP claims and audits. Ensuring physicians are paid on a timely and accurate basis consistent with the services they have provided is a priority for the NLMA and is key to improving recruitment and retention.”
Dr. Kris Luscombe
Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association
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Learn more
Shared Agenda for Family Medicine
Work in Newfoundland and Labrador Health
Provincial Government and NLMA Sign Shared Agenda for Family Medicine
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