Board of Directors’ Message

July 2026

As we begin the 2026–27 membership year, the Board of Directors of the Ontario Association of Cardiologists (OAC) would like to thank our members for their continued support and engagement.

The past year has been an important one for Cardiology in Ontario. Through advocacy, education, quality improvement initiatives, and member engagement, the OAC has continued to advance the interests of cardiologists and support the delivery of high-quality cardiac care across the province.

Reflecting on 2025–26

• Implemented Major OHIP Schedule of Benefits Changes

April 1, 2026 marked the permanent implementation of funding associated with Year 3 of the previous Physician Services Agreement (PSA) and Year 1 of the current PSA. These changes included targeted increases to a number of consultation, assessment, and inpatient cardiology services and represented one of the most significant developments affecting cardiology practice in recent years.

• Advanced Cardiology’s Next Round of Fee Modernization Proposals

The OAC continued to lead Cardiology’s participation in the Physician Payment Committee process, advancing proposals for implementation on April 1, 2027. These proposals seek to strengthen patient-facing services, modernize the Schedule of Benefits, and better reflect the complexity and intensity of contemporary cardiology practice.

• Advocated for Improved Resources to Support Outpatient Cardiac Care

The OAC actively participated in Ontario’s Technical Fee Committee process and advanced proposals aimed at improving support for outpatient cardiac diagnostic services. These efforts are intended to strengthen access to community-based testing and support timely, high-quality patient care.

• Responded to Emerging Issues Affecting Cardiology Practice

The OAC continued to monitor and respond to issues affecting cardiologists, including billing policy interpretation, TAVI funding and payment matters, relativity implementation, and other emerging issues affecting professional practice and patient care.

• Supported Practical Implementation of EQI Accreditation Requirements

The OAC remained a trusted stakeholder in Ontario’s Echocardiography Quality Improvement (EQI) Program through ongoing engagement with Accreditation Canada, educational webinars, and member communications.

• Delivered High-Impact Education and Member Engagement

Nearly 90 physicians, clinic managers, trainees, and industry representatives participated in the 2026 Clinical Practice and Financial Management Seminar. The OAC also continued its webinar program and member communications, providing practical updates on advocacy, accreditation, compensation, and other issues affecting cardiology practice.

• Expanded Member Benefits and Practice Resources

The OAC continued to negotiate preferred pricing arrangements and member benefit programs designed to help reduce practice overhead and improve access to products and services used in the delivery of cardiac care, including diagnostic equipment and imaging-related products. Additional partnership opportunities remain under active development.

 Looking Ahead to 2026–27

The coming year presents an opportunity to build on the progress made over the past twelve months. The OAC will continue to advocate for appropriate funding and support for cardiology services, practical solutions to the challenges facing cardiologists, and improved access to high-quality cardiac care across Ontario.

Key priorities for the coming year include:

• Advancing Cardiology’s April 1, 2027 professional fee proposals;
• Continuing advocacy to improve resources and funding support for community-based cardiac diagnostic services;
• Improving patient access to advanced cardiac imaging services, including cardiac CT angiography and cardiac MRI;
• Addressing workforce and recruitment challenges affecting community cardiology practices across Ontario;
• Supporting members through the EQI accreditation process; and
• Expanding member services, educational programming, and preferred pricing opportunities.

Your Role in Our Future

The OAC’s effectiveness depends on the support and engagement of its members. We encourage you to participate in our educational programs, share your perspectives on emerging issues, and remain engaged in the important work of strengthening cardiology practice and cardiac care in Ontario.

In Closing

We are proud of what we have accomplished together over the past year and optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead. The Board remains committed to ensuring that Cardiology continues to have a strong and effective voice in discussions affecting patient care, healthcare policy, and professional practice.

Thank you for your continued support of the Ontario Association of Cardiologists.

Board of Directors
Ontario Association of Cardiologists