To support equitable access to a high quality continuum for musculoskeletal care, the Mississauga Halton LHIN in partnership with Halton Healthcare and Trillium Health Partners operates the Hip & Knee Rapid Access Clinic (RAC) for patients with moderate to severe hip and knee arthritis.
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 Orthopedic Central Intake – Central Region
Fax Referrals
1 (833) 230-6623 – Complete the form in full (note: only completed referrals will be accepted)
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 |
Mandatory Referral Information
- Patient Information
- Referring Provider Information
- Family Physician Information (if different than referring provider)
- Reason for Referral (indicate which area and side)
- Diagnosis
- X-ray report completed within the last 3 months (MRIs are not accepted)
- Mandatory X-ray views
- Hip: AP pelvis, AP and Lateral of affected hip
- Knee: AP weight bearing bilateral knees, lateral of knee flexed at 30º bilateral knees, skyline view bilateral knees, PA standing flexion
- Mandatory X-ray views
Click HERE to review the guidelines to support you in determining the appropriate imaging for hip and knee osteoarthritis
Benefits for Patients
- Timely assessment and consultation
- Education regarding assessment findings and treatment options
- Individualized treatment plan
- Maintenance of patient choice of hospital, surgeon, or next available for surgical candidates
Benefits for Primary Care Providers
- One point of contact for referrals (hip, knee, and low back pain) and clear referral criteria
- Enhanced communication between providers
- Assistance with conservative management of patients
- Maintained provider and patient choice
Benefits for Surgeons
- Increase in appropriate referrals
- Necessary information on patient’s clinical history, physical exam findings, and indications of patient’s readiness to proceed with surgery
- Assistance with supporting patient through education and management options during wait time for surgery
Rapid Access Clinic Locations
Halton Healthcare
Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital
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
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
Collingwood General and Marine Hospital
459 Hume Street
Collingwood, ON L9Y 1W9
Phone: 705-445-2550
Headwaters Health Care Centre
Headwaters Heath Care Centre
100 Rolling Hills Drive Orangeville, ON, L9W 4X9
Phone: 519-941-2410 (not a direct line to RAC)
Brampton Civic Hospital
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
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