- Hip: Standing AP pelvis, AP and lateral view of the affected hip
- Knee: AP bilateral knees in standing/weight bearing, bilateral PA flexed at 30 degrees, lateral of knee flexed at 30 degrees, and skyline views of the affected knee.
Rapid Access Clinic
RAPID ACCESS CLINIC
Clinic At Lakeridge Health
About The Rapid Access Clinic ( RAC ) : Hip & Knee
Do you have hip or knee pain secondary to osteoarthritis?
If yes, you may benefit from a referral to the Rapid Access Clinic Hip and Knee at Lakeridge Health.
The Rapid Access Clinic (RAC) Hip and Knee is a provincial healthcare initiative implemented to provide all Ontarians with timely access to high quality, integrated musculoskeletal care for joint pain and disabilities related to hip and knee osteoarthritis.
What to Expect During Your Visit
During the clinic visit, the patient will receive a comprehensive joint assessment, education, and personalized evidence-based treatment recommendations by an advanced practice physiotherapist. These professionals have undergone specialized training and work collaboratively with the orthopaedic surgeons to deliver care.
Next Steps Following Assessment
If a consultation by an orthopaedic surgeon is required, patients will be referred after this visit. Those who do not need to be seen by an orthopaedic surgeon will be provided a self-management plan, and if needed referred to other specialists, directed to local services and/or followed up at the RAC.
For Providers : How to Refer a Patient ?
We accept referrals from physicians and nurse practitioners and aim to see patients within 4 weeks after a referral has been accepted.
1. Not using Oceans ?
Download and fax the RAC Hip and Knee Form to Central Intake at 1-833-222-9065
2. Refer via Ocean eReferral ?
If your patient requires urgent care, please fax the referral and mark "URGENT" in a visible location or where indicated
What Happens Next?
- Referrals are reviewed upon receipt.
- A referral acknowledgement is sent by fax to the referring physician.
- If additional information is required, a request will be included with the acknowledgement.
- Once an appointment date and time are available, the referring physician will be notified.
- If a referral is declined, the referring physician will receive the reason for the decision.
Target wait time: Patients are typically seen within 4 weeks of an accepted referral.
PREPARE FOR VISIT
RAC At Lakeridge Health
How to prepare for your visit:
Frequently Answered Questions that helps you prepare for Rapid Access Clinic (RAC) Visit.
What X-ray views do we require ?
Do you need an MRI and/or ultrasound for this visit ?
No. An MRI and/or ultrasound is not necessary to diagnose hip and/or knee osteoarthritis.
The appointment is approximately 1 hour in length, but if x-rays are required your visit may be longer.
- OHIP card
- It is important that you bring your X-ray images on a CD or code to access your X-ray images. Your doctor only sends the x-ray report with the referral not the images.
- Loose clothing to allow visibility of the lower extremities during the assessment(e.g. shorts or pants that can stretch and be rolled up above your knees).
- List of medications.
If additional or updated hip and/or knee X-rays are required, the advanced practice physiotherapist will refer you onsite during your visit.
Running late or need to reschedule ?
Please call the Lakeridge RAC Hip and Knee if you are running late or need to reschedule.
- T: 905-576-8711 ext. 12998
- F: 905-433-4821
Next Steps After Your Appointment
Following your assessment, your care team will recommend the most appropriate next step based on your individual needs.
What if I am a surgical candidate?
- Based on the assessment, the advanced practice physiotherapist will determine if you need to see an orthopaedic surgeon.
- They will then send your referral onto either the first available or your preferred orthopaedic surgeon. This will be discussed in detail.
What if I don’t need or want surgery?
-
Patients who don’t need or want surgery will be provided with education and treatment recommendations to help manage their hip and/or knee osteoarthritis
- Follow up visits may be indicated and provided based on the assessment findings
Contact Us
Lakeridge Health
905-576-8711