What should you do if your doctor recommends a specialist (referral)?

Obtaining a referral to a specialist is an important step in healthcare that requires an understanding of the process and knowledge of your rights as a patient. In Calgary, the referral system is organized through modern electronic platforms and centralized services that provide quick and transparent access to specialized care.

1. Understanding the referral process

1.1. What is a medical referral?

A medical referral is an official request from your family doctor or another healthcare professional to a specialist for consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. The referring doctor must:

• Discuss the purpose of the referral with the patient and obtain their consent
• Inform the patient of any costs not covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan
• Conduct basic examinations within their competence
• Provide a complete written request for consultation

1.2. Alberta Netcare eReferral System

Alberta Netcare eReferral is the province's primary electronic referral system:

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• Completion time: ~3 minutes
• Real-time status tracking
• Blocking of incomplete forms
• “advice request” option (up to 30% of referrals)

2. Central access programs

2.1. FAST (Facilitated Access to Specialized Treatment)

Program for surgical referrals:

• Specialties: general surgery, gynecology, orthopedics, vascular surgery, urology

1. The physician sends a fax to 1-833-627-7023
2. FAST enters the data into eReferral
3. The referral is distributed among available surgeons

• Contact information for physicians:
• Phone: 1-833-553-3278 ext. 4
• Email: [email protected]

2.2. CAT (Central Access and Triage)

Several specialized CAT programs in Calgary:

3. After receiving a referral

3.1. Status tracking

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The following are available through MyHealth Records (My Personal Records):

• Date and status (Submitted, Received, In review, Accepted, Queued)
• Referring physician
• Reason for referral

Physicians can view the status in the Alberta Netcare Portal through the Clinical Document Viewer.

3.2. Expectations from the specialist

According to CPSA standards:

• Acknowledgement of receipt within 7 days
• Appointment details within 14 days
• Consultation report within 30 days

4. Estimated waiting times

4.1. By specialty (Good Caring Canada)

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4.2. Orthopedics (Alberta Bone & Joint Health Institute)

To reduce your wait, choose the next available surgeon.

5. Patient rights

5.1. Second opinion

Right to a second opinion if:

• Surgery is recommended
• Risky treatment
• Undetermined diagnosis

Steps:

1. Ask another specialist
2. Transfer all records
3. Discuss the results with your primary doctor

5.2. Complaints and advocacy

6. Alternative options

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6.1. Virtual consultations

• Specialist Link — telephone consultations (5–10 min, response within 1 hour)

6.2. Private options

7. Practical tips

• Before your visit:
• List of symptoms and medications
• Test results
• Questions for the specialist
• If your referral is delayed:

1. Contact FAST: 1-833-553-3278 ext. 4
2. Check MyHealth Records
3. Contact your family doctor
4. Contact Open Arms Advocacy

• Emergency:
• Urgent Care Centre (South Calgary Health Centre: 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.)
• Call 911 or ER

8. Helpful resources

Conclusion: The referral process in Calgary is based on the eReferral electronic system and centralized FAST/CAT services. Actively track your status, know your rights, and use alternatives (second opinions, private consultations) for faster and more comfortable access to specialists.