First Five Years in Family Practice (FFYFP) – Manitoba

Welcome to practice in Manitoba!

Transitioning from residency to independent practice is an exciting step in your career. This guide will help streamline the process, making sure you have the tools, contacts, and resources to succeed in your first five years as a family physician in Manitoba.

Who's Who MB?

CPSM Licence to Practise

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba (CPSM) issues medical licences for Manitoba physicians.

Requirements for licensing:

  • Application form and fees
  • Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) certificate
  • Certification in the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP)
  • Two pieces of government-issued photo ID
  • Certificate of standing (if residency completed outside Manitoba)

If your LMCC or CCFP certificate is pending, a letter of readiness from your program director may work on a temporary basis.

Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA)

You must update your CMPA status from "resident" to "practising physician."

  • Contact: 1-800-267-6522 | cmpa-acpm.ca
  • Physicians transitioning to practice may defer membership fees for up to six months

Billing Number and Manitoba Health Registration

To bill for insured services, register with Manitoba Health.

The Practitioner Registry staff at Manitoba Health assists with physician registration, including:

  • Getting a billing number                 Managing payment cycles
  • Registering for locums Setting up electronic payments
  • Requesting a leave of absence Setting up and supporting electronic claims
  • Notifying software vendors Issuing Safenet tokens
  • Updating contact information Registering for laboratory and X-ray facilities.

For more details, please see Page 59 of the Manitoba Physician’s Manual under “contact information.”

  • Complete the Physician Registration Form and direct deposit form

Key points:

  • You have six months (180 days) to submit billing claims
  • For Worker's Compensation billing, contact Workplace Safety and Health at 1-855-957-7233

Hospital Privileges

Each hospital or regional health authority (RHA) grants privileges:

Documents typically required:

  • CPSM licence
  • CMPA insurance proof
  • Resume

Medical diploma

Job Opportunities

Explore positions through various platforms:

For rural incentives, review Manitoba's Rural Practice Program for benefits like recruitment bonuses, relocation funding, and retention incentives.

Billing and Practice Finances

Billing manual: Access the Manitoba Physician's Manual.

Direct billing services: For uninsured services, the MCFP suggests the guidelines available at Doctors Manitoba. You must be logged in through the Doctors Manitoba member portal to continue.

Family Medicine Plus (FM+): Doctors Manitoba has released the FM+ to include funding based on patient age and complexity. Review the FM+ Panel Billing Guide.

Claims processing: It is also important for physicians to regularly check the claims processing solution website for information and updates related to the process of fee-for-service claims.

Overhead costs (general estimate):

  • Rent: $15– $30/square foot/year
  • Electronic medical record (EMR): $200– $600/month
  • Medical supplies: $2,500– $4,500/year
  • Salaries: Memorandum of Agreement ($18– $25/hour), nurse ($35–45/hour)