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Primary Care Physician Compensation Model (PCPCM)

The PCPCM is a new compensation option for family physicians and rural generalists who deliver comprehensive, life-long patient care to a defined panel of patients.

PCPCM FAQ

Jointly developed by AMA's primary care physician leaders and Alberta Health, the Primary Care Physician Compensation Model (PCPCM) is a new compensation option for family physicians and rural generalists.

Helpful Tools and Resources:

Understanding the PCPCM

  1. STEP 1 | PCPCM Essentials Guide

    Co-created with Alberta Health, the AMA has developed a guide for physicians to better understand the PCPCM. Explore key features, payment overview and physician prerequisites.

    PCPCM Essentials Guide
  2. Step 2 | Compensation Overview

    Alberta physicians have options to align compensation with their unique practice styles, community needs and patient care goals. Explore how the PCPCM compares to existing compensation models.

    Model Comparison Table
  3. STEP 3 | Operations Manual

    Co-created by AMA and Alberta Health, the PCPCM Operations Manual is a comprehensive guide for physicians and teams to understand eligibility, billing rules, enrolment steps and more.

    PCPCM Operations Manual
  4. STEP 4 | Explore the FAQ

    AMA has compiled answers to physicians' most frequently asked questions. Check back regularly as new model details are shared and additional physician inquiries are addressed.

    PCPCM FAQ
  5. STEP 5 | Financial Estimates

    AMA members can utilize the new PCPCM Financial Calculator to estimate compensation levels by day or week as part of the decision-making process. In 2025, physicians will see new Alberta Health data in their Member Dashboard, accompanied by an instructional guide.

    NEW: Members of AMA's Clinic Managers Network can get access to the calculators. Existing members will get an email from AMA on obtaining your website login soon. We look forward to welcoming new members to the network and supporting the PCPCM transition - join today.

    PCPCM Financial Calculator
  6. STEP 6 | PCPCM Expression of Interest

    Physicians interested in the PCPCM must complete the Expression of Interest form via their AMA member dashboard (member login required).

    The PCPCM Expression of Interest is open to physicians who meet the eligibility criteria, as determined by Alberta Health data. If you cannot see the “PCPCM Expression of Interest Form” link on your dashboard, you are not currently meeting the prerequisites. Alberta Health provides monthly data updates to the AMA, so if your panel size has recently increased to exceed 500 and your data has not yet been updated, we encourage you to check back later.

    Application Process
  7. STEP 7 | Stay Informed

    New: PCPCM: Live & on Call with AMA
    Weekly sessions to support growing a strong network of informed physicians and clinical team leaders. Get insights, ask questions and get support for the PCPCM transition. Register today

    Sign up for our PCPCM In Progress Newsletter
    Regular newsletter with updates from the AMA on new resources, model updates and support. Sign up

Enrollment Support

One of the requirements for the PCPCM is participation in CPAR, a provincial system that captures the confirmed relationship between a primary provider and their paneled patients.

To learn more about CII/CPAR, including how you can access the CII/CPAR Acceleration Grant, visit AMA's CII/CPAR webpage.