News and announcements

Next steps in advancing key Alternate Payment Plans 

We are moving to the next phase of implementing Alternate Payment Plans (APPs) for Genetics, Geriatrics, Hospital Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Laboratory Medicine under the 2024–28 PSA. 

For several years, formal bilateral working groups have guided these APPs, engaging in complex policy discussions that provided a framework for negotiation and arbitration efforts, which paved a clear pathway for implementation. 

The next step is to transition the remaining APP-related work from the formal physician working groups to joint OMA–MOH staff-led implementation tables. This approach, part of the ongoing bargaining process, has been mutually agreed upon with the ministry. 

As a result, the formal bilateral working groups for Genetics, Geriatrics, Hospital Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Laboratory Medicine are winding down. APP implementation will remain under the jurisdiction of the arbitrator if the OMA and MOH are unable to reach agreement. 

Physician input will continue to be critical as the implementation tables engage with section executives and subject-matter experts. 

We sincerely thank all physicians who contributed their time and expertise to advancing fair, sustainable APP models that support patient care and physician practice across Ontario. Updates will be shared as we move forward on implementation. 

Start the new year with a cybersecurity tune-up

Read about simple steps to help safeguard you and your practice with 10 privacy and cybersecurity tips in a new blog from OntarioMD.

Looking for more suggestions on how to protect your practice? The OMD Advisory Service Team is just a phone call away, or email us at support@ontariomd.com.

CPSO rolls out new provisional class for physicians

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario introduced a new provisional registration class on Jan. 1 to better reflect physicians’ practice terms and professional standing.

The provisional class includes physicians whose certificates of registration have only limitations related to registration pathways (e.g., scope of practice limitations). The restricted class now only includes physicians whose certificates of registration have limitations relating to practice concerns or disciplinary action.

The change was automatic, so no action is needed. The CPSO has already notified eligible physicians.

2026 uninsured services resources now available 

Updated versions of the Physician’s Guide to Uninsured Services and 2026 Schedule of Fees are now online. 

Key changes, implemented by the OMA’s Uninsured Services Committee, include the 2026 multiplier of 2.90 used for calculating OMA suggested fees for uninsured services. A Suggested Form Fees 2026 entry has also been added. 

Find more information about billing for uninsured services on our website. There’s also an information poster for your patients, available for download in English and French.

COVaxON to be decommissioned March 13  

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore has advised in a memo that COVaxON will be decommissioned, effective March 13. All COVID-19 vaccine inventory and administration information will move to Panorama starting in April.   

Physicians who administer COVID-19 vaccines must continue recording patient and vaccine product information, as required by the COVID-19 Vaccination Reporting Act. Until March 13, information should be documented in COVaxON. Starting in April, all COVID-19 vaccine providers must document information in Panorama, including any doses administered during the transition period of March 14-31.   

Physicians who currently administer COVID-19 vaccines will be contacted directly regarding onboarding and training for Panorama. We have connected with Dr. Moore’s office to understand what this transition will mean for physicians and will keep you apprised of what we learn.    

Next phase of standardized eReferral clinical review to begin 

Ontario Health and Amplify Care will launch a new round of clinical consultations on standardized eReferral forms on Jan.14. General internal medicine, general pediatrics, general surgery, geriatrics, neurosurgery, sickle cell, vascular surgery, and BEACON assessment centres will be included.   

This builds on the previous clinical reviews and is part of a broader effort to reduce administrative burden, improve referral consistency, and ensure clinically meaningful information is captured at the point of referral.   

Read the letter from Ontario Health and Amplify Care for more information and email ereferral@amplifycare.com if you have questions.   

2026 OMA membership renewal opening

Starting Monday, you can renew your membership through your MyAccount profile. The process is easy and can be done by logging in using your OMA number or email address on file.  

Reminder: When you receive your renewal notice, you may see a small increase of 1.45 per cent added to your membership dues. This modest adjustment will ensure we can continue to provide you with an optimal professional association experience and deliver high-quality services, invest in new initiatives and expand our offerings to enhance the value of your membership. This increase is based on your membership category and does not apply to all categories.  

For more information on your membership benefits or the dues increase, please visit the membership renewal page or contact us at info@oma.org with questions.   

Idea submission process now open  

Have an idea that can make a meaningful impact across the health-care system, such as enhancing the physician experience or improving patient outcomes?   

We are seeking strategic ideas that align with the Health Policy, Advocacy, Communications & Engagement, and Compensation panels as part of the 2026 idea submission process. And new this year, we’re inviting targeted ideas focused on improving access to community-based specialists, addressing hospital physician workloads, or addressing fair OHIP billing.    

Submit your idea through the idea submission page by Feb. 10 at 11:59 p.m. On this page, you’ll also find updated details on this year’s intake process and the option to register for an idea workshop if you need help refining an idea.    

The shortlisted ideas will be prioritized by delegates at the 2026 PLG spring meeting, taking place May 30–31 in Toronto.