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Changes to the Schedule of
Benefits for Physician Services
Questions and Answers |
- What are the changes to the Schedule of Benefits for Physician Services?
Changes to the Schedule of Benefits include the introduction of two new fee
codes and fee increases to more than 80 existing codes to rebalance specialty
inequities. The changes will be introduced on August 1, 2003.
- Why are changes being made to the Schedule of Benefits?
These changes are required as part of the 4th year re-opener activities of the
Physician Services Agreement between the ministry and the OMA that is in
effect until March 31, 2004.
- How does the ministry decide what new services should be insured?
The ministry recommends the addition of new services that are required to
support ministry initiatives or in response to stakeholder advice. Many new
services and other changes are based on the advice of medical experts within
the OMA who can advise the ministry on changes in medical standards of
practice and technology. The ministry and the OMA jointly approve all
recommended changes arising from implementation of the Physician Services
Agreement.
- How will these changes be funded?
These changes will be covered by the existing 2% already committed under the
2000 Physician Services Agreement plus an investment of $90 million added to
the Physician Services Budget as a result of the 4th year re-opener
negotiations.
- What new services have been introduced into the Schedule?
Effective August 1, 2003, two new fee codes will be introduced into the
Schedule.
- What services have received fee increases in the Schedule?
Effective August 1, 2003, fee increases will be implemented to rebalance
specialty inequities in psychiatry, geriatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology,
general surgery, family medicine, and internal medicine including rheumatology
to ensure physicians are remunerated in a fair and equitable manner.
- When will these changes be effective?
The changes are effective August 1, 2003.
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