FAQs: Referring MDs & NPs

• Improves patient access to timely endoscopy (single-point of access)
• Addresses the backlog of patients awaiting for endoscopy as a result of COVID.
• Ensures priority is given to patients who need the procedures the most
• Ensures that patients are taken care of in the facility and by the specialists which are the most appropriate for them
• Reduces the number of unnecessary procedures through the adoption of evidence-based guidelines
• Enhances communication between care providers & create a system that provides real-time data
• Eliminates the need to send multiple referrals to various providers

• Reduces patient wait time by ensuring completeness of referrals
• Reduces inappropriate referrals by inclusion of best practice guidelines
• Provides equitable access to specialized care for patients regardless of geography, co-morbidities, or demographics
• Reduces risk of lost, misdirected or illegible faxes
• Provides senders with access to wait time data and other performance indicators
• Provides user updates and an awareness of status of sent referrals
• Provides a secure communication channel between providers connected to patient care

At the moment, the Central Intake Program solely supports cancer screening and surveillance colonoscopy. For consultation with a specialist, please forward the request directly to the specialist of choice.

• Abnormal FITs
• Screening – Family History of Colorectal Cancer Screening
• Surveillance – Post-polypectomy colonoscopy

Yes, you may request a specific specialist, as well as a hospital.

The Endoscopy results will be sent directly to the referring physician and patients can expect discharge instructions following their procedure.

Referrals for the indications / procedures listed below can be sent directly to a specialist:

• Symptomatic (e.g., rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, etc.)
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
• Gastroscopy
• Sigmoidoscopy
• Upper Endoscopy
• Ulcerative Colitis/Crohn's with a diagnosis & treatment of less than 8 years