Dear Members,
Work continues to advance implementation of the Physician Comprehensive Care Model (PCCM). Physician leaders and AMA staff are working hard to get everything in line for the go-live date in April 2025.
One of the necessary first steps for family physicians and rural generalists who are considering moving to the new model is to complete the PCCM Expression of Interest via the AMA member dashboard (member login required).
The PCCM Expression of Interest is open to physicians who meet the eligibility
criteria, as determined by Alberta Health data. If you cannot see the PCCM Expression of Interest link on your member dashboard, this means you do not currently meet 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.
Keep in mind that expressing your interest via your AMA member dashboard does not mean you have to move to the new model. AH requires that we gather at least 500 expressions of interest by March 1, and we are simply using this process to gauge the level of interest among physicians. Whether you already know you want to move to the new model, or are still considering it, please go ahead and declare your interest – there is no commitment in doing so, but it does indicate the level of uptake we are likely to get.
For more information on the application process and what comes next, please visit the PCCM Application Process page.
The next PCCM information session will be held on January 29 (6 – 7:30 p.m.) and will focus on eligibility and enrolment. Members can register here (member login required).
CPAR celebrates a milestone
One of the requirements to join the PCCM is participation in the Central Patient Attachment Registry (CPAR). CPAR is an important tool that allows health information from your community practice to follow your patients. CPAR improves continuity of care by sharing health care information between a patient’s family doctor or rural generalist and the other providers they see.
We've recently reached a significant milestone in Alberta: 86% of PCN physicians who carry a panel are now using CPAR. This is a big win for Alberta patients and another step toward a properly integrated, patient-centered health care system. The significant uptake in CPAR participation, along with the availability of PCCM as a compensation option, means more Albertans can benefit from receiving lifelong, comprehensive care.
If you need support getting onto CPAR, please contact [email protected].
Sincerely,
Shelley Duggan, MD, FRCPC
President, Alberta Medical Association