Can someone briefly explain FM payment models in Ontario?

[blueskyguy]

Hi all,

I was hoping someone could explain and differentiate the different payment models for FM physicians in Ontario.

From my understanding, there is the "fee-for-service" model, and "FHT/FHO" model. Which is the predominant model? Does "fee-for-service" still widely exist?

Also, what is the payment model for a walk-in clinic? Is it possible to partake in both models? (For example, be apart of an FHT/FHO that also serves as a walk-in clinic that does fee-for-service, etc.?)

If you are opening a FM practice, do you get to choose which model you want? Or are all initial practices essentially fee-for-service?

ALSO: In terms of income, what is the average income for "fee-for-service" FM physicians in Ontario compared to "FHT/FHO" FM physicians in Ontario? Are they around the same?

 

Any clarification on these points would be much appreciated! 

[medigeek]

FFS is what most family doctors do. Many are in a FHG (family health group) which increases billings by a little bit. FHT is just a FHO + other professions on the team, aka same thing for the doctor. In a FHO, you receive a certain amount per patient monthly/annually. 

To answer your questions, yes you can do other stuff if you're in a FHO but you have to meet your FHO requirements which has after hours clinic coverage. If your patient visits a walk in, you lose that money. You can open a FFS/FHG very easily. You can join a FHO with moderate difficulty. And same for creating one but that depends if you're geographically flexible. 

Income depends on you. The average is like 250k for FFS and more for a FHO but there are FFS doctors making double that and FHO doctors making triple. 

[windsormd1]

On 6/5/2019 at 1:40 AM, medigeek said:

FFS is what most family doctors do. Many are in a FHG (family health group) which increases billings by a little bit. FHT is just a FHO + other professions on the team, aka same thing for the doctor. In a FHO, you receive a certain amount per patient monthly/annually. 

To answer your questions, yes you can do other stuff if you're in a FHO but you have to meet your FHO requirements which has after hours clinic coverage. If your patient visits a walk in, you lose that money. You can open a FFS/FHG very easily. You can join a FHO with moderate difficulty. And same for creating one but that depends if you're geographically flexible. 

Income depends on you. The average is like 250k for FFS and more for a FHO but there are FFS doctors making double that and FHO doctors making triple. 

Average billings is actually much higher; I agree 250k might be average 'net.'