To support equitable access to a high quality continum for musculoskeletal care, Ontario Health in partnership with Central Region Hospitals operates the Rapid Access Clinic (RAC) for patients with moderate to severe Osteoarthritis.
The Rapid Access Clinic provides patients with an assessment by an Advanced Practice Provider within 4 weeks of when the completed referral is received by the Central Intake Program. An Advanced Practice Provider is a Regulated Healthcare Professional such as a Physiotherapist, Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner or Chiropractor with additional training in orthopaedic care.
The Advanced Practice Provider conducts a standardized assessment and based on results, patients will be referred for surgical consult or provided with non-surgical recommendations. Along the care continuum, Primary Care Providers will receive updates on their patient’s journey.
Referral Process
Ocean eServices
Primary Care providers can now submit referrals through Oceans. Find us in the Ocean Health Map under Regional Central Intake Hub – Orthopedics (OH Central)
Referral Criteria
Only completed referrals will be accepted with supporting Diagnostic requirements.
Mississauga Halton: Download the Referral Form
Central West: Download the Referral Form
Central Hip & Knee: Download the Referral Form
Central Shoulder/Ankle/Foot: Download the Referral Form
North Simcoe Muskoka: Download the Referral Form
| INCLUSION CRITERIA | EXCLUSION CRITERIA |
|---|---|
| Patient MUST Be 18 years of age or older | Urgent Referrals Characterized by: Prior Arthroplasty with peri-prosthetic fracture infection, recurrent dislocation |
| Moderate to Severe Hip and Knee Arthritis | Urgent Referrals Characterized by: An immediate threat to role and independence, potentially requiring hospitalization within 4 weeks |
| Mild Osteoarthritis | |
| Revisions | |
| Out of Province |
Mandatory Referral Information
Patient Information: Last Name, First Name, DOB, OHIP, Address, Phone Number
Primary Problem: Indication of which side (left, right or bilateral) and joint (hip, knee and/or both)
Diagnosis: At least one must be selected
Clinical Information: X-Ray report on the corresponding joint completed within the last 9 months (MRIs or Ultrasounds are not acceptable)
Referring Provider: Name, Address, Phone number, Fax number, Billing number, Signature
Cumulative Patient Profile (CPP) – not mandatory but Central Intake is to request for all referrals, document attempt in the Central Intake banner, if referral is otherwise complete route to RAC. Once CIP receives CPP after routing they are to attach to referral. (Mandatory for Surgeons Offices)
Click HERE to review the guidelines to support you in determining the appropriate imaging for hip and knee osteoarthritis
Central Region Rapid Access Clinic Locations
Halton Healthcare
3001 Hospital Gate
Outpatient Rehab Clinic – 1st Floor North
Oakville, ON L6M 0L8
Phone: 905-845-2571 ext.4008
Trillium Health Partners
190 Sherway Drive, Suite 308
Etobicoke, ON M9C 5N2
Phone: 416-521-4175
Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre
201 Georgian Drive
Barrie, ON L4M 6M2
Phone: 705-735-0239
Orillia Soldiers Memorial Health Centre
169 Front Street South, 1st Floor
Orillia, ON L3V 4S5
Phone: 705-259-7663 ext. 3168
Collingwood General and Marine Hospital
459 Hume Street
Collingwood, ON L9Y 1W9
Phone: 705-445-2550
Headwaters Health Care Centre
100 Rolling Hills Drive
Orangeville, ON, L9W 4X9
Phone: 519-941-2410 (not a direct line to RAC)
Brampton Civic Hospital
2100 Bovaird Drive East, Brampton, ON L6R 3J7
(Main entrance, leaf elevator, South building, second Level, room S.2 666)
Phone: 905-494-6218 ext. 1
Etobicoke General Hospital
115 Humber College Blvd
Etobicoke, ON M9V 1R8
(Located across the parking lot from Etobicoke General Hospital, Fourth Level)
Phone: 905-494-6218 ext. 1
Markham Stouffville – Oak Valley Hospital
381 Church St, Markham, ON L3P 7P3
Phone: 905-472-7031
Southlake Regional Health Centre
465 Davis Dr, Suite 403 (Tannery Mall)
Newmarket, ON L3Y 2P9
Phone: 905-895-4521 ext 2468
North York General Hospital
4001 Leslie St. E, 1st Floor West
(Inside the Specialty Care Clinic)
Phone: 416-756-6675 ext. 1
Humber River Hospital
Fracture Clinic
1235 Wilson Avenue, Toronto ON M3M 0B2
Phone: 416-242-1000 ext 23408
Mackenzie Health
Fracture Clinic
10 Trench Street
Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 4Z3
Phone: 905-494-6218 ext. 1
