Although this was to be in place 30 days after PMA ratification it has been delayed. With a computer switch over for billing at the Ministry we are looking at the Fall currently.

The two year pilot program will allow us to fill out a form if the patient states they have lived in the province for more than 3 months and get paid for services. This form will require a second signature from someone with no skin in the game in your FFS billing,  like the nurse or unit clerk or another Emergency Physician. A box will need to be filled out as to why you needed to see the patient. Example: Had to see the patient with abdo pain to ensure there was not a AAA or appendicitis etc. Or had to had to see with cellulitis to ensure not invasive strep…. There is also a section that allows you to write in other care providers that may be involved in their care like Ortho, or gen surgery, etc.  This will also include unconscious or psychotic patients that we believe to be BC residents.

This form will allow you to put a patient sticker on it. You may stamp or sign the form. A second sheet will contain your billings. Both these sheets will be mailed in…yes I know mailed not faxed nor emailed. We will then get paid through the plan as usual and I am assured that no money will be taken back from us if it is found that the patient is lying.

The HA will be required to try to get these patients enrolled so some onus from the government falls upon the HAs.

There is no limit on these and this is only available for patients seen in the Emergency Department.

Due to the delay in implementation, please pursue billing routes as usual, but hold onto these cases in case we are successful at getting these covered retroactively.