In March 2017, the Patterns of Practice Committee (POPC) embarked on a new journey by providing educational opportunities to physicians relating to audit and billing. Communications were sent to all sections heads and divisions, offering physician groups the opportunity to invite one of our speakers to present at one of their regularly scheduled meetings, annual general meetings, or education days.

The following three CME-accredited audit and billing sessions are currently being offered:
•    Why an Audit: The Audit Process in BC Explained 
•    Avoiding Audit Pitfalls 
•    Introduction to Understanding Your Mini Profile

These three sessions are for physicians and are eligible for up to two Mainpro+ credits from the College of Family Physicians of Canada and up to two Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Section-1 credits from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

In 2017 there were 38 physician groups that expressed  interest or scheduled one of our sessions (Figure [9]). To date, we have spoken to 24 physician groups and approximately 553 physicians. There has been a tremendous amount of interest from physicians in hearing about the audit process and the common audit pitfalls revealed in audits. This unique opportunity allows physicians to be proactive and to make changes to their billing patterns if required.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Doctors of BC staff, the Patterns of Practice Committee members, and the Billing Integrity Program for their support to make these sessions such a success. The POPC looks forward to continuing to offer these accredited sessions in 2018 and beyond, and hopes to reach even more physician groups.
—Lorne Verhulst, MD
Chair, Patterns of Practice Committee

Some comments from the CME sessions held in 2017: 
•    Audit and billing, best talk of the decade. 
•    I will be incorporating these tips to avoid audit pitfalls.
•    Audit and billing information was extremely eye opening.
•    Start off billing correctly as I enter practice.
•    Very useful session for those new to practice.
•    I will review the Preamble and improve record keeping.
•    I will use more precise ICD-9 codes when billing.
•    Very informative session, will review billing rules and GPAC guidelines.
•    I will review my mini profile and the Preamble.
•    I will ensure my documentation supports my billings.

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This article is the opinion of the Patterns of Practice Committee and has not been peer reviewed by the BCMJ Editorial Board. For further information contact Juanita Grant, manager, audit and billing, Physician and External Affairs, at 604 638-2829 or jgrant@doctorsofbc.ca [10].