New WCB Deal
361 words / 1.5 min read
Doctors Manitoba has entered into a new agreement with the Workers Compensation Board (WCB), benefiting both family physicians who monitor and treat workers’ recoveries, as well as surgeons, anesthetists, and physicians who assist with surgery.
WHY IT MATTERS: While the rates for most clinical services are set by the Manitoba Physician’s Manual, certain reporting and administration fees for WCB cases are negotiated separately. The last WCB agreement expired in 2021, with rates unchanged since then. The new five-year agreement improves rates and makes other changes that are important to physicians.
GENERAL RATE INCREASES: The new agreement includes increases each year, including:
2.0% effective Jan 1, 2022
2.5% effective Jan 1, 2023
2.5% effective Jan 1, 2024
3.0% effective Jan 1, 2025
3.0% effective Jan 1, 2026
Increases apply retroactively and payment will be processed shortly after ratification. Members do not need to take any action with WCB to receive their retroactive payments.
CONSULTATIONS: Where WCB requests an expedited consultation, they will pay $300 if the service occurs within 15 business days, or $250 if within 16 to 30 business days. This will come into effect on February 1, 2025.
SURGICAL IMPROVEMENTS:
The new agreement creates new fees for expedited surgery, which will pay competitive rates for surgeons and anesthetists. These new benefits cannot be combined with a non-expedited surgery benefit. This will come into effect on February 1, 2025.
It also includes a new administration fee for surgical assistants of $153.55, effective retroactively to January 1, 2024. Members who have provided surgical assistant services will be eligible to submit retroactive claims up to December 31, 2025.
Reducing administrative burdens for physicians is a new addition to this agreement. WCB has agreed to work jointly with Doctors Manitoba to reduce burdens faced by physicians when providing service to WCB claimants.