September

The Billing Integrity Program (BIP) uses two main methods to monitor payments for services rendered by practitioners who bill MSP on a fee-for-service basis: service verification audits (SVAs) and practitioner profile reviews. This article focuses on SVAs and the fundamental differences between SVAs and on-site audits. 

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Invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections have been reportable in BC since 1997. Since that time, two periods of heightened activity have been observed: in 2008 when 259 confirmed cases were reported, and the period since late 2015.

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The Mental Health Act (MHA) and the Adult Guardianship Act (AGA) are intended to protect vulnerable adults by permitting involuntary admission and treatment. While the Acts contain some similar provisions, each aims to protect a different vulnerable population (Table).

As a member of the Board of Directors of the Laurel Foundation, may I express my appreciation of the June 2001 issue of the BCMA Journal dedicated to autism spectrum disorders and at the same time put in a plug for the foundation. The Laurel Foundation is the fundraising arm of the Laurel House Society, known as the Laurel Group, which has been providing services for children with autism spectrum disorders for 31 years. The Laurel Foundation—tel: (604) 942-7574—would very much appreciate hearing from anyone who would like to assist in its goals.

With reference to my letter published in your March issue [BCMJ 2001;43(2): 68] and Dr Mador’s comments that appeared in June [BCMJ 2001;43(5): 263] I would like to remind readers, physicians, and patients alike, that our Canadian medical insurance system is fundamentally different from that in Great Britain. (I am unaware of the legal implications in other countries.)