Research Program

  1. ADTI Fee Items
  2. Graphic Algorithm
  3. Optional Sections of ADTI SA Forms
  4. UVic Forms Package
  1. Research Program Qs & As
  2. Statistical Overview
  3. Information for Medical Office Assistants
  4. Billing Rules

Dear Physician:

On behalf of the Ministry of Health Services, I am pleased to provide you with information and materials on the Alzheimer’s Drug Therapy Initiative’s Research Program.

Over the past few months, Pharmaceutical Services and the British Columbia Medical Association have been working together to facilitate physician participation in research into the effectiveness of cholinesterase inhibitors for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

In recognition that participation in the research program falls outside regular physician activities, the ministry, in consultation with the BCMA, has established remuneration payments for physician participation in this research program for informing, referring and providing follow-up information to the University of Victoria’s Centre on Aging. To facilitate a streamlined remuneration process, new research program participation fee items were created to allow direct billing through MSP. Funding for these fees is independent of the existing available amount. Please note that participation in this program is voluntary and these fees are payable over and above established billing for office visits. The fee items come into effect on July 1, 2009, and may be billed after July 6, 2009.

The attached materials outline the process for both physicians and specialists to follow when participating in this research program, including the fee items, algorithm and samples of the research documentation.

An example of how the statistics generated through the Initiative is adding to our understanding of treatment of this disease is provided in the attached Preliminary Statistical Overview. The information provided by physicians has been very helpful in generating these results.

If you have any questions about this information, please see the attached Qs and As or visit the ADTI website at www.health.gov.bc.ca/pharmacare/adti/clinician/index.html. If you still have questions, please call the ADTI’s Project Office at 250 952-1594.

Your participation in this program is greatly appreciated. Working together, we can improve the knowledge, understanding and support required to accommodate the increasing number of British Columbians affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.

Sincerely,

Eric Lun, PharmD
Executive Director, Drug Intelligence

 

Please note that residents of extended care facilities are not eligible to participate in the Seniors' Medication Study (SMS). If you have any questions regarding patient eligibility, please contact the UVic Study Office at 250 721-6574.