March 26, 2020

Dear Colleagues,

FEE-FOR-SERVICE INCOME STABILITY

MSPEI has been working with Health PEI and government to help bring forward solutions that will provide some income stability assurances during COVID-19. These solutions will need to evolve over time as we better understand the impact. 

We understand short-term solutions for salary and contract-for-service physicians were previously communicated by Health PEI—continue to submit your hours in the ordinary course and you will be compensated as per your contract. 

Until today, fee-for-service physicians did not have that built-in protection and, thus, we have been working on getting base assurances for those physicians as well.

Today, MSPEI, HPEI and government came to an agreement on a Base Financial Compensation package to support fee-for-service physicians whose income has been or will be impacted by either the need to self-isolate or the move to essential services. It is in recognition that they are independent medical service providers and required to pay overhead expenses to keep their practices open. Health PEI shared a Fact Sheet on this arrangement directly with fee for service physicians earlier today. If you are salaried or contract, please continue to bill as otherwise instructed.

MSPEI, Health PEI and government recognize this is only part of the solution and continue to work on more comprehensive solutions to income stability. The role you are playing today, and in the weeks to come, is invaluable. Thank you for your service.


VIRUTAL CARE
We are also working to expand platforms and fee codes to support more care being provided virtually (and compensated). We will provide more information as it becomes available.

VOTE CLOSES ON FRIDAY FOR MASTER AGREEMENT
While we work to secure COVID related income stability, the strongest foundation for your compensation over the long term is our Master Agreement. For the 30 per cent of the members who have not yet voted, we strongly encourage you to do so before the voting window closes tomorrow (Friday, March 27) at 8 p.m. Contact donna@mspei.org if you need voting instructions.

Sincerely,

David J. Bannon, Jr., MD, FACS
President
Lea Bryden
CEO