Ministry of Health ServicesGoverment of British Columbia
Medical Services Plan
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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

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