Preparing to Transition Out of Family Practice: LFP Panel Transfers and Payments
Our Division would like to share important information regarding the Longitudinal Family Physician (LFP) Payment Model panel transfer process and quarterly payments administered through the Family Practice Services Committee (FPSC).
When a physician is transferring their full patient panel to another physician, both the incoming and outgoing physicians can submit the LFP Panel Transfer Form, available through the Doctors of BC member login.
Key Submission Requirements and Timelines
To ensure panel transfers are processed within the intended quarterly payment cycle, physicians should keep the following requirements in mind:
Submission deadline: Both the incoming and outgoing physicians must submit the panel transfer form before the quarterly claim form cut-off date. Submitting by the deadline helps ensure the transfer is processed within that quarter’s cycle and that any eligible payment adjustments for the incoming physician are remitted in the same cycle.
Late submissions: Missing a quarterly cut-off does not mean eligible payments are forfeited. FPSC processes eligible payments retroactively in subsequent payment cycles.
Eligibility requirements: The incoming physician must meet the eligibility criteria to receive the panel payment.
Consistent transfer dates: Both physicians must indicate the same panel transfer date on their respective submissions. If the dates do not match, FPSC will hold processing and contact the physicians to reconcile the discrepancy.
Full panel transfers only: The transfer must include the entire patient panel. Partial panel transfers are not eligible for payment adjustments.
Quarterly Cut-Off and Remittance Dates
Physicians are encouraged to review the quarterly claim cut-off and remittance schedule when planning a panel transfer.
Physicians planning a transfer should ensure both submissions are completed before the applicable deadline.
Requirements for Outgoing Physicians
Panel payments compensate physicians for the size and complexity of their patient panels. To avoid duplicate compensation, the outgoing physician’s panel payment is prorated to the panel transfer date.
This applies when a physician retires, transitions to locum practice under the LFP Payment Model, or otherwise withdraws from the LFP model.
Outgoing physicians must also submit the Practice Change Declaration Form to notify FPSC that they are no longer eligible to receive the panel payment. Physicians who cannot access the form behind the Doctors of BC member login can email fp.billing@doctorsofbc.ca for access.
Important Reminder
When arranging a full patient panel transfer, both physicians should confirm their eligibility, ensure their transfer dates match, and submit the required forms before the quarterly cut-off date. These steps can help prevent processing delays and ensure eligible payment adjustments are handled appropriately.