What’s Changing for FFS Family Doctors: Agreement, Arbitration and Advocacy Work

Dear SGFP Members,

Many have asked what applies to Fee-for-Service (FFS) family doctors. As of July 2, here’s what’s been agreed or submitted for arbitration:

Agreed

• General Rate Increases:
  • Year 1 (Relativity-adjusted): 12.7535%
• Elimination of Negation: Supports greater collaboration among family physicians across models
• Patient Attachment Bonus (effective July 1, 2025): Applies to FHG, CCM, FHN, FHO, and all other Patient Enrolment Models
  • Ranges from $100–$500 based on patient complexity, RIO score, and physician type (e.g., new PEM grad)

Awaiting Arbitrator Decision

• General Rate Increases (Years 2–4):
  • Government position: 6%
  • OMA position: 11.25% (plus targeted increases)
  • Final relativity applied at OMA Board discretion
• FHG Premium increase (from 10% to 20%)
• New fee for Community Practice Overhead (excludes FHOs)
• HOCC (Hospital On-Call Coverage) expansion and increase
• CPOC (Community Palliative On-Call) review with proposed increased funding
• Targeted funding to address the gender pay gap

The Broader Context‍

While these developments represent significant progress, the full story for FFS physicians is still unfolding.

• The Negotiations Task Force (NTF) determines overall fee increases, while specific fee code adjustments are negotiated later through the Physician Payment Committee (PPC).
• Many of the operational questions, especially those tied to targeted services, paperwork, and after-hours work, will be shaped in the PPC phase.
• The Ministry of Health has not agreed to increases for FFS family physicians above normative thresholds at this stage.

We understand that these unresolved details directly affect your day-to-day practice. SGFP and OMA are continuing to bring FFS priorities forward through established channels, and we're committed to developing targeted advocacy strategies that reflect your needs.

With the introduction of FHO+, previous barriers or limitations around the FHO model may be shifting, making it a more attractive option for some FFS physicians to explore. SGFP encourages you to consider whether elements of FHO+ align better with your practice needs and future planning. You can check out the OMA’s FHO+information page, which includes an FAQ and calculator. Next week, there are also two informational webinars on FHO+, see below for the registration links.

As PPC discussions progress and arbitration decisions are finalized, we’ll continue to keep you informed and engaged. Your feedback and questions remain vital as we shape the next phase of this work together.

Warm Regards,
Dr. Dave Barber
Chair, SGFP

FHO+ Webinar Registration:

July 15 (7pm) – OMA FHO+ Webinar: Webinar Registration - Zoom‍

July 16 (8am) - OMA FHO+ Webinar: Webinar Registration - Zoom