NLMA Update on CorCare Link
The NLMA extends its thanks to the community physicians who took the time to attend the NLHS CorCare Link demonstration and to those who subsequently reached out to share their perspectives with the NLMA. The thoughtful, detailed feedback provided was helpful in defining the practical implications for community-based practice and in ensuring that physicians’ voices are clearly and accurately represented. Based on the extensive feedback, the NLMA wrote to NLHS outlining physicians’ concerns and recommendations. The NLMA also met with NLHS to discuss member feedback and advice. NLHS was engaged, listened carefully, and expressed a willingness to address physician concerns. This builds on feedback the NLMA has communicated over the past year, reflecting ongoing input from physicians as planning for CorCare Link has progressed.
Recent Developments
The NLMA acknowledges recent movement on some key issues, including confirmation from NLHS that laboratory and plain film diagnostic imaging orders will continue to be accepted through existing methods currently used by physicians, in addition to accepting orders through CorCare Link. NLHS also committed to expand a community provider workgroup post–Go-Live to develop standardized lab and plain film panels within CorCare Link. CorCare Link will still be required for referrals and diagnostic imaging modalities other than plain films.
The Association has also discussed the issue of compensation for CorCare training with the provincial government and has formally submitted a financial proposal. Discussions between NLHS and the Department of Health and Community Services regarding compensation for physician training are ongoing, and we expect a response to our proposal soon.
Given that CorCare is an NLHS program, ultimate decision-making authority regarding its design, timelines, and implementation rests with NL Health Services. However, the NLMA will continue to ensure that physicians’ concerns are heard and formally documented, and that risks to patient care, physician sustainability, and system capacity are fully understood by decision-makers.