SGFP Digital Health Update

Dear SGFP Members,

This week, my Chair’s letter features a special update from our SGFP Digital Health Lead, Dr. Kevin Brophy, to provide you with important information on recent developments in digital health and our ongoing advocacy efforts.

Before passing it over, there are two corrections to last week’s (March 21) letter. First we missed the link to the video by our Tariff Lead, Dr. Salesh Budhoo explaining the changes to fee codes coming on April 1: April 2025 Fee Code Changes

It was also brought to our attention that our communication had incorrect GP grouping titles for the upcoming temporary relativity-based adjustment from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026. The grouping titles used reflect the April 1, 2023 increases. As part of the procedural and implementation agreement, the groupings were redefined as follows:

GP-1: Capitation 11.7513%
GP-2: Fee-for-service 12.7535%
GP-3: Salary and Contracts 13.5477%

Apologies for any inconveniences.

Dr. Kevin Brophy, Digital Health Lead

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to highlight the progress of our emerging SGFP Digital Health Team, including our release of an important document for any member involved with digital health initiatives.

Team Mandate and Development

Our Digital Health Team's mandate focuses on establishing the SGFP and family physicians as leaders in the digital transformation of healthcare. This mandate was developed with valuable input from our members through our survey and focus group, the results of which are represented in a concept map of the findings. Your SGFP Digital Health team will advocate for and drive the implementation of practical digital health solutions, ensuring that family physicians' needs are prioritized in decision-making processes and data governance, while recognizing the burden of innovation and adoption. We’re making great strides in elevating the voices and needs of family physicians at various tables across Ontario in close alignment with OntarioMD.

Digital Health Principles Document

The team has created a Digital Health Principles document, designed to empower those working on Digital Health (DH) initiatives. These principles aim to leverage the collective power of family physicians by providing unifying values, concepts, and common language to advocate for. Key areas of focus include:

• Physician Leadership and Engagement: Family physicians must be involved in all stages of DH initiatives, from decision-making to evaluation.
• Patient-Centered Approach: Patients should be involved in DH policy, design, implementation, and evaluation, with support for accessing tools and improving digital health literacy.
• Health Data Governance: Family physicians must be engaged as decision-makers in data governance processes, respecting the unique care relationship between physicians and patients.
• Innovation and Implementation: DH technologies should enable seamless information flow, support efficient workflows, and consider the financial and technical implications for family physician clinics.

Connect with the Digital Health Team

Are you leading a DH initiative or want to comment on or endorse the DH principles? Send an email to the Digital Health Team.

Digital Health Team

We are excited to announce the formation of our Digital Health Team. The great response to our Expression of Interest demonstrates the passion our members have for advancing digital health in family medicine. Drs. Anushiya Ganeshalingham, Naila Kassam, Stan Spacek and Keith Thompson are joining us and will help expand our influence and advance our mandate through their contributions.

Your SGFP Member Contributions Matter

Your contributions to the SGFP discretionary fund made our digital health progress possible. These funds power our surveys, focus groups, and the development of our Digital Health Principles document—work that falls outside OMA-funded meetings. Haven't contributed yet? Your support now will help us continue this momentum.

Support SGFP

We are committed to simplifying the digital landscape, improving patient care, and reducing administrative burdens on family physicians. Your ongoing engagement and support are vital to our success in this rapidly evolving field.

We look forward to continuing to bring you updates on how we are advancing digital health in family medicine.

Sincerely,
Dr. Kevin Brophy

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