Ortho rapid access clinics

Four rapid access clinics have been established in the Calgary area to reduce wait times for patients referred for orthopedic surgery consultation.

The clinics use multidisciplinary teams to diagnose, determine the need for surgical consultation, and provide non-surgical management strategies where appropriate.

Referrals for orthopedics should be submitted via Facilitated Access to Specialist Treatment (FAST) to 1.833.627.7023 — except for oncology and pediatric orthopedics and spine surgery. Spine referrals should be sent directly to the spine clinic or surgeon of your choice. Patients may be directed to rapid access clinics to reduce wait times.

The following orthopedic rapid access clinics are now operating in a pilot phase.

• Access orthopedics: Shoulder
• University of Calgary Sport Medicine Centre: Shoulder
• Banff Sport Medicine: Shoulder
• Alberta Hip and Knee Clinic (Gulf Canada Square): Hip and knee osteoarthritis

Download the orthopedic access pathway

Gynecology referrals:

• Due to long wait times for routine gynecology consultations, referrals submitted via FAST may be sent to clinics in areas surrounding Calgary for faster processing.
• Referrals submitted through FAST are distributed to the next available surgeon, which could include those in High River or Canmore, for example.
• If your patient is not able to travel to appointments, please include that information in the referral letter or on the referral form.
• FAST referrals should be sent to 1-833-627-7023.
• Download the gynecology referral form or the referral pathway.