Committees under the Medical Services Commission (MSC)
A
number of committees assist the MSC in the management of the Medical Services
Plan (MSP). Recommendations of advisory committees are not binding; the MSC retains
the authority to make final decisions.
Advisory
Committee on Diagnostic Facilities
The Advisory Committee on Diagnostic
Facilities consists of representatives from the College of Physicians and Surgeons
of B.C., the Ministry of Health and the public. The Committee reviews applications
for approval for payment of diagnostic services such as medical laboratories and
radiology units.
Audit and Inspection Committee
The Audit and Inspection Committee is a panel composed of representatives of the
British Columbia Medical Association (BCMA), the College of Physicians and Surgeons
of B.C., the public and MSP. The panel approves audits of physicians' services
and billing practices, reviews all audit reports and makes recommendations to
the MSC with regard to whether recovery of funds should be pursued.
Guidelines
and Protocols Advisory Committee
The Guidelines and Protocols Advisory
Committee (GPAC) was established by the MSC to oversee and coordinate the development
and implementation of guidelines and protocols to contribute to the effective
use of medical resources. Members include representatives from the BCMA and MSP.
Joint
Utilization Committee
The Joint Utilization Committee advises the MSC
on matters relating to utilization and management of medical services. The Committee
reviews policies and procedures that impact the use of medical services. The committee
consists of an equal number of representatives from the BCMA and the Ministry
of Health.
Patterns of Practice Committee
The BCMA Patterns of Practice Committee was established to educate physicians
concerning their practice and billing. The Committee provides an annual summary
version of a profile, called a mini-profile, to every practicing physician in
the province including non-BCMA member physicians. The Committee also provides
advice to MSP regarding inappropriate billing and scrutinizes MSP's process of
detecting and deterring inappropriate billing.
Reference
Committee
The Reference Committee reviews disagreements between MSP and
physicians about specific services rendered under the MSC Payment Schedule and
makes recommendations to resolve these disputes. Membership is limited to representatives
of the BCMA.
Last Revised: July 21, 2005
