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Dear Dr. Manitoba,
I am pleased to report that the proposed Physician Services Agreement has been approved by members with a record turnout and strong support. Below, you will find a summary of what happens next as significant increases and enhanced remuneration come into effect.
First, all fully licensed physicians will receive a $21,000 Special Retention Payment, to recognize your continued service to Manitobans, escalating costs in physician practices, and to acknowledge remuneration increases in the first year are not retroactive. To be eligible, you must hold a full certificate of practice from CPSM as of today and be a member of Doctors Manitoba. We will follow up within the next few weeks about how you will receive your payment.
Most of the new and enhanced remuneration in this Agreement takes effect October 1, 2023. This includes market adjustments to existing tariffs and alternate funded remuneration as well as several new fees and alternate funded arrangements. Our staff will share details in September with you through new billing guidance and seminars.
On April 1, 2024, the first of three annual across-the-board 2% increases will be applied to all tariffs and alternate funded agreements. There are also a few other new models being implemented at that time, including Family Medicine Plus longitudinal practice, and a new specialist tariff for continuing management of care for patients with a designated long-term diagnosis.
We will be with you through all the changes that affect you, every step of the way, to ensure you are ready to take advantage of the new funding and remuneration tools to support your practice.
For some physicians, there are issues that have not yet been settled despite the best efforts of our staff. A new Joint Physician Services Agreement Committee has been established to continue to address issues of concern, including some alternate funded agreements that are not yet finalized. Our team at Doctors Manitoba will continue their unwavering advocacy on these issues in the weeks and months ahead.
I know these last few years have been challenging for many physicians as you faced uncertainty, heavy demands, escalating costs, and record levels of burnout. Many physicians haven’t felt heard or valued by the health system or province. This Agreement won't solve all this overnight, but we are sincerely optimistic this marks a turning of the page as we look forward with meaningful steps towards physician engagement and dispute resolution mechanisms.
If you have questions about how the new Agreement will affect you, you can continue to access details at DoctorsManitoba.ca/PSA. You can also contact our negotiations team at practiceadvice@doctorsmanitoba.ca.
In much more sombre news, I am saddened to share that a beloved physician in the Morris community died this weekend under very tragic circumstances. Our Doctors Manitoba CEO has reached out to Southern Health and directly to physicians in the area to share our Doc360 Physician Health supports during this difficult time. If you, a colleague, or a family member, is affected by this tragedy and needs assistance, please review our Doc360 resources or contact Physicians At Risk directly by calling 204-237-8320.
Sincerely,
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