Starting RAMQ billing: Deadlines for Quebec family physicians and specialists

Key takeaways

1. PTEM applications follow a fixed calendar: Quebec family medicine residents should submit initial applications between December 1 and 15, 2026.
2. January brings important recruitment decisions: DTMFs communicate initial decisions on January 29, 2027, with candidates given five days to respond.
3. Specialist recruitment follows different timelines: PEM recruitment requirements vary by establishment, specialty, and available positions.

Before entering independent practice, new physicians must secure their practice arrangements, obtain medical licences, and complete registration with the RAMQ. Key deadlines differ by specialty: family physicians follow the PTEM (formerly PREM) process, while specialists navigate Medical Staffing Plans (PEM).

So, when should Quebec medical residents start preparing to bill the RAMQ?

If you're approaching the end of residency, or will be next year, it's time to note key dates for prompt billing registration.

Use this guide to get the important dates in the 2026–2027 calendar, as well as the steps to take before submitting your first RAMQ claims.

1. Key dates for starting medical practice in Quebec in 2026–2027
2. Family medicine recruitment: What are the PTEM deadlines for 2027?
3. Specialist recruitment: When should you start applying for PEM positions?
4. When should you register with the RAMQ to begin billing?
5. Your first RAMQ billing deadline: What happens after you start practice?

Key dates for starting medical practice in Quebec in 2026–2027 

Moving from residency to independent practice takes preparation. Some deadlines are fixed, while others depend on your specialty, practice location, or intended start date.

Family medicine recruitment: What are the PTEM deadlines for 2027? 

Quebec's Territorial Medical Staffing Plans (PTEM), formerly known as PREM, regulate the distribution of family physicians across the province.

Physicians planning to practice primarily in a particular territory generally need a notice of compliance from the relevant Territorial Department of Family Medicine (DTMF, formerly DRMG).

• Note: Securing your PTEM also ties into your Specific Medical Activities (AMP) commitments. These dictate a portion of your clinical practice (such as hospital care or CLSC coverage) during your first few years.

Here are the main deadlines for the 2027 recruitment cycle:

December 1–15, 2026: Initial PTEM applications

The initial application window runs from December 1 through December 15, inclusive.

• Applications submitted during this period are considered received on December 15.

Before applying, review available positions and contact the DTMFs in your preferred territories.

January 4–29, 2027: Interviews and selection

Where interviews are required, they're scheduled between January 4 and 29.

On January 29, DTMFs communicate their initial decisions. Candidates then have a maximum of five days to respond in writing.

Failing to respond is treated as declining the offer.

February 27, 2027 onward: Remaining opportunities

Available positions enter a first-come, first-served process. Candidates receiving offers during this period have ten days to respond.

• Consult the FMRQ's official PTEM calendar for the applicable deadlines.

Specialist recruitment: When should you start applying for PEM positions?  

Unlike family physicians, specialists don't follow the PTEM application calendar.

Medical Staffing Plans (PEM) determine the number of authorized specialist positions within Quebec healthcare establishments.

Recruitment timelines vary according to the establishment, specialty, and available positions.

To prepare for independent practice:

• Start reaching out early: Initiate contact with department heads and hospital leadership 6–12 months before you finish residency. Informal discussions often take place well before appointment postings.
• Review available positions: Track official postings from Quebec's Ministry of Health and Social Services and identify authorized PEM opportunities.
• Confirm appointment requirements: Work with the establishment's Direction des services professionnels (DSP) to understand credential timelines, Council of Physicians, Dentists, and Pharmacists (CPDP) approval schedules, and any relevant ministerial authorization steps.

Stay informed! The Quebec government maintains information about available specialist positions.

Tip: Don't wait for your final year's spring deadlines to explore specialist positions.

Explore more: 11 Medical billing terms Quebec physicians should know

When should you register with the RAMQ to begin billing?  

As your recruitment plans take shape, it's time to prepare the administrative requirements for receiving payment.

Whether you're a family physician or specialist, the main steps include:

1. Obtain your medical licence: Meet the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) requirements for independent practice.
2. Receive your RAMQ professional and reference numbers: After your licence is issued and you're registered with the CMQ, the RAMQ opens your file and sends your identifiers.
   • Allow approximately five to seven business days for the letters to arrive.
3. Complete RAMQ registration: Activate your online account and confirm your participation in the public healthcare plan.
4. Prepare your administrative information: Confirm your practice details, banking information, and applicable billing arrangements.
5. Choose your medical billing solution: Decide whether you'll manage claims independently or work with a specialized billing agency.

Remember: You must complete the applicable RAMQ registration requirements before submitting claims during independent practice.

Your first RAMQ billing deadline: What happens after you start practice? 

Once you're practicing independently, you generally have 90 days from the date of an insured service to submit your claim to the RAMQ.

• The RAMQ issues payments on a biweekly schedule, according to its billing calendar.

During your first months of practice, establish a routine for tracking submissions and reviewing rejected claims, as well as reconciling payments. These habits reduce payment delays and protect your revenue.

Start strong from day one with Xacte 

Your first year of independent practice should be exciting. Don't let billing make it stressful.

Xacte is here to help you start practice confidently. Access industry-leading features and personalized support from Quebec-based experts to start strong.

• Enjoy claim management and remuneration optimization to simplify billing and improve claim accuracy.

Your future awaits. Let's plan on success.

FAQs: Starting RAMQ billing in Quebec

When is the PTEM application deadline for Quebec family medicine residents?

The initial application period runs from December 1 to 15, 2026. Applications submitted after this window are processed according to the subsequent allocation rules and remaining availability.

Do medical specialists follow the same recruitment deadlines as family physicians?

No. Specialists follow PEM recruitment processes tied to individual healthcare establishments. Deadlines vary by specialty, position availability, and establishment.

Can I register with the RAMQ before finishing residency?

Some residents already have RAMQ access for specific professional activities. However, independent billing requires the appropriate medical licence and completion of the applicable RAMQ registration steps.

How long does it take to receive a RAMQ professional number?

After your licence is issued and you're registered with the CMQ, the RAMQ generally allows five to seven business days to send the letters containing your professional and reference numbers.

How long do physicians have to submit RAMQ claims?

The general submission deadline is 90 days after providing an insured service, subject to applicable exceptions. Regular claim submission reduces the risk of missed deadlines and delayed remuneration.