October 19, 2020 | The FPSC has approved $5-million in one-time funding for divisions to support them in active planning, implementation and monitoring of local and regional responses to COVID-19 through the fall and winter.
On Thursday, September 24, divisions of family practice and partners received the Primary Care COVID-19 Response Framework for fall 2020 from the Ministry of Health.
Strong coordination and collaboration between health authorities, divisions, and community partners are important to meet the primary care needs that will arise in fall. Divisions are encouraged to connect with health authority partners and public health through the partnership tables for planning and delivery of COVID-19 response services in communities.
With influenza season around the corner, many divisions and physicians are considering how they will approach flu vaccinations this year. A wave of COVID-19 and flu in the fall would be a double burden on seniors and other high-risk groups. With COVID-19 still circulating in the province, we anticipate that the need and demand for flu vaccinations will be high.
FPSC leaders are strongly encouraging family physicians who are participating in PSP services such as coaching or Panel Management to enrol with the Health Data Coalition (HDC).
On May 28, 2020, the Family Practice Services Committee and BC Family Doctors hosted a live webinar to discuss new temporary billing changes effective June 1, 2020. These changes include new age-adjusted Telehealth fees and temporary changes to chronic disease management (CDM) visits and 14066 in-person requirements.
Provided by Doctors of BC to help physicians in planning gradual re-opening of offices and clinics, “The Doctor is In: Recommendations for expanding in-person care in community-based physician practices” summarizes and compiles the guidelines from the Provincial Health Officer, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC, WorkSafeBC, and BC Centres for Disease Control.
May 20, 2020 | The Family Practice Services Committee (FPSC) and Doctors Technology Office (DTO) continues to provide support sessions and create resources to help physicians integrate virtual care into their practices. Recent supports include tips for getting patients back into the practice, Zoom for Healthcare resources, virtual care support sessions, and an e-faxing subsidy.
November 2020 update: The Facility Engagement Liaisons, Community Liaisons, FPSC Liaisons, and Regional Liaisons are now referred to as Engagement Partners.
A new collection of COVID-19 resources highlights the response by divisions of family practice to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Divisions throughout the province have created resources and shared them with the provincial office for inclusion in the collection. Resources include:
On Thursday, May 7 at 6 p.m. (PST) the Doctors Technology Office (DTO) is hosting “Getting Patients Back to Practice – Navigating the New Norm,” a physician-led webinar highlighting strategies for effectively communicating with patients to ensure that they are aware that virtual care is available, and are accessing appropriate and timely care.