Administrative Burdens

Doctors of BC has been working for many years to reduce the time physicians spend dealing with administrative burdens, such as paperwork, unnecessary tasks, and work that does not directly relate to patient care. In addressing burden challenges for physician members, Doctors of BC has undertaken three efforts:

1. Creating policy that reflects physicians’ experiences
2. Negotiating an agreement to reduce burdens
3. Provide practice resources for physicians

Creating policy that reflects physicians’ experiences

Doctors of BC engaged with members to create a policy that reflects the urgent need for real solutions. In our What We Heard report on physician burdens, members confirm they are frustrated by varied and mounting demands in their practice. 

Based on this feedback, our Policy team created a 2021 policy statement, and a 2022 policy paper, Creating space for doctors to be doctors: A cumulative impact lens on physician demands. It also launched the Doctors of BC-developed a burdens solutions tool which outlines steps to eliminate, or reduce the impact of burdens. 

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To create tangible improvements regarding administrative burdens, Doctors of BC ensured this topic was a major part of the 2022 Physician Master Agreement (PMA) (login required) from which the Administrative Burdens Working Group (ABWG) was formed. The ABWG consists of physician members and staff representatives from both Doctors of BC and the Ministry of Health and has the mandate and resources to address burdens for physicians. Currently the group is prioritizing three key areas in a pilot phase:

• Management of medical imaging appointments
• Special Authority (SA) forms and processes 
• BC Cancer Agency forms and processes 

The ABWG must present its recommendations to the Doctors of BC Board and the BC Health Leadership Council. After addressing these three areas, the ABWG will prioritize the next series of administrative burdens to address. 

Doctors of BC provides physicians throughout the province with a variety of practical and educational toolkits and information, as well as updates from partner organizations, that affect the everyday running of your clinic. 

• Doctors of BC provides tailor-made assistance for physicians who need support with business operations. From opening your clinic, to human resources and contingency planning toolkits, these resources can help streamline your operations and reduce administrative demands on you and your team. 
• Our Workplace requirements and information page streamlines access to important information from WorkSafeBC and ICBC, and includes information about the Community Physician Health and Safety Program which aims to support and enhance health and safety for physicians and support staff working in communities.

Doctors of BC also works with partner organizations to share physician perspectives and improve the user experience for doctors and medical teams.

WorkSafeBC 

Doctors of BC works with WorkSafeBC to streamline the billing process and ensure adequate compensation for physicians, including the 2022-2025 Physicians and Surgeons WorkSafeBC Services Agreement.

ICBC

In 2021, Doctors of BC worked with ICBC on the Enhanced Care Coverage Regulations, with regular input from physicians. A formal review of Enhanced Care will be completed in early January 2025 to identify areas of success, and improvements needed. Results will be shared in early summer 2025.

If you are experiencing an administrative burden that is affecting you, or a larger group of physicians, please use this contact form to share it directly with our Advocacy team.