OPA has been keeping members updated on our work over the last two years to resolve issues facing clinics participating, through a Transfer Payment Agreement (TPA) with the Ministry of Health (MoH), in the Community Physiotherapy Clinic (CPC) program.

On March 26, 2024, TPA holders received an update from the Ministry of Health on the changes being made to the Community Physiotherapy Clinic Program and OPA is pleased to see many of the recommendations we made have been accepted.

In particular the following changes positively impact clinics’ costs and provide some flexibility to respond to changes in EOC allocations between contract periods:

  • An increase in fees: 3% in the first year of the TPA, and 2% in the second year
  • One diagnosis for one Episode of Care (EOC) rather than the current ‘whole body’ multiple diagnoses approach
  • Replacement of the annual Review Engagement Financial Statement with an annual attestation
  • Support access to virtual care as per College of Physiotherapists of Ontario guidelines
  • Enable reallocation of available EOCs when a clinic closes or identifies they are unable to fulfill all EOCs assigned, or when the Ministry chooses to allocate unused EOCs
  • Remove the requirement for referral from physicians or nurse practitioners

We are pleased to see an increase in the EOC fee, although it does fall significantly short of matching the inflationary costs affecting the program since its inception in 2013. The changes above will have a positive impact of reducing some of the costs, however, and should be factored in by TPA holders making decisions going forward.

It should be noted that an additional change will impact the eligibility requirements for the program through the removal of the need for an overnight stay at the hospital for those who need physiotherapy after a procedure/surgery.

OPA engaged very intensively and continuously with the Ministry to make the case for these needed changes. We will continue to be fully engaged in revising the Program’s Policies and Procedures, based on these changes. We will also push to initiate a more comprehensive and thorough review of the CPC program, including fees, so that it can be completed well in advance of the expiration of the next TPAs on March 31, 2026. With changes in eligibility criteria, a review is essential to evaluate the demand on the program and other impacts to resources.

Thank you to the members of the CPC working group whose insights, experience and dedication grounded this advocacy work, and enabled the Ministry to hear directly from physiotherapists.

If you have additional questions, please contact Amy Hondronicols.