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Emergency Information 
Vascular Surgery Centralized Access - Facilitated Access to Specialized Treatment (FAST)   at
Central Zone and Area
Central Access Healthcare Service
Specialty: Vascular Surgery
Estimated time to routine appointment: Not Available
Alberta Health Services - Central Zone
CENTRAL ACCESS SERVICES
Referrals for Vascular Surgery in Central Zone are accepted through this Facilitated Access to Specialized Treatment (FAST) central access and intake program. Referring providers can choose a next-available surgeon with the shortest waitlist; a specific surgeon, clinic, or site; or an out-of-zone provider. FAST receives surgical referrals, reviews them for completeness and duplication, and sends them to appropriate surgeons for triage and booking.

NOTE: As there are no vascular surgeons in Central Zone, FAST will assign referrals to specialists in Calgary or Edmonton Zones based on the patient’s address or previous history.
Referrals for Vascular Surgery in Central Zone are accepted through this Facilitated Access to Specialized Treatment (FAST) central access and intake program. Referring providers can choose a next-available surgeon with the shortest waitlist; a specific surgeon, clinic, or site; or an out-of-zone provider. FAST receives surgical referrals, reviews them for completeness and duplication, and sends them to appropriate surgeons for triage and booking.

NOTE: As there are no vascular surgeons in Central Zone, FAST will assign referrals to specialists in Calgary or Edmonton Zones based on the patient’s address or previous history.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Review reasons for referral table below for eligibility requirements.
Review reasons for referral table below for eligibility requirements.
Referral instructions for primary care, community care, private
providers etc. who do not send referrals via Connect Care.
REFERRAL PROCESS - FOR NON-CONNECT CARE USERS
Complete the referral form or letter and fax it to the service using the contact information in this profile.  Please include all mandatory information to the referral (see Provincial Adult Vascular Surgery Referral Pathway for details).
Or submit referrals through Alberta Netcare eReferral: Follow these instructions.
Complete the referral form or letter and fax it to the service using the contact information in this profile.  Please include all mandatory information to the referral (see Provincial Adult Vascular Surgery Referral Pathway for details).
Or submit referrals through Alberta Netcare eReferral: Follow these instructions.
REFERRAL PROCESS - FOR CONNECT CARE USERS
An Outgoing Referral is required for this service.
Change the referral class to “Outgoing Referral” on the Ambulatory Order and complete order.
Outgoing orders are not sent electronically and require processing in workqueue 5.
An Outgoing Referral is required for this service.
Change the referral class to “Outgoing Referral” on the Ambulatory Order and complete order.
Outgoing orders are not sent electronically and require processing in workqueue 5.
COMMUNICATION PROCESS
  • Referral receipt to referring source within 7 days.
ADDITIONAL SERVICE DETAILS
Learn more about FAST at ahs.ca/FAST
Learn more about FAST at ahs.ca/FAST
 
CENTRAL ACCESS REFERRAL PHONE
833-553-3278 ext 3
CENTRAL ACCESS REFERRAL FAX
833-627-7022
REFERRAL FORMS
REFERRAL ADVICE
eReferral eConsult
RAAPID
PATHWAYS
CLICK + TO VIEW REFERRAL GUIDELINES
+-
Routine Reason for Referral
Access Targets convey the clinically appropriate timeframe patients should be seen within, by reason for referral and priority level.
Access Target
Required Information/Investigations
Investigation Timing
Additional Details
+-
Aneurysm of peripheral artery
12 Weeks
Ultrasound or CT scan (not both).
 
N/A
Alternate name: Peripheral Aneurysm - Asymptomatic

Process: Send referral to FAST Zone Team.
+-
Aneurysm of thoracic aorta
12 Weeks
Ultrasound or CT scan with measurement (not both).
 
N/A
Serum Creatinine
 
< 3 months
Alternate name: Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA)
Asymptomatic AP or Transverse Diameter ≤6.4cm

Process: Send referral to FAST Zone Team.

If ascending aorta, call cardiac surgeon-on-call via RAAPID.
+-
Aneurysm of visceral artery
12 Weeks
Ultrasound or CT scan with measurement (not both).
 
N/A
Serum Creatinine
 
< 3 months
Alternate name: Visceral / Renal Aneurysm - Asymptomatic

Access target: 2 to 12 weeks depending on size

Process: Contact ConnectMD to request non-urgent advice.

Send referral to FAST Zone Team.
+-
Carotid artery stenosis
N/A
 
N/A
Alternate name: Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis <50%

Process: Medical management of cardiovascular risk
+-
Carotid artery stenosis
26 Weeks
Serum Creatinine
 
< 3 months
Other relevant diagnostic imaging already completed.
 
N/A
Alternate name: Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis >50%

Process: Send referral to FAST Zone Team.
+-
Chronic mesenteric ischemia
Serum Creatinine
 
< 3 months
Other relevant diagnostic imaging already completed.
 
N/A
Alternate name: Mesenteric Occlusive Disease

Process: Send referral to FAST Zone Team.
+-
Consultation by vascular surgery service
N/A
 
N/A
Alternate name: Other Referral for Vascular Surgery

Process: Contact RAAPID to request non-urgent advice.

Send referral to FAST Zone Team.
+-
Critical lower limb ischemia
< 4 Weeks
Any relevant diagnostic imaging already completed.
 
N/A
Lower Limb Vascular non-invasive studies (segmental bp measure and/or arterial ultrasound) if available.
 
N/A
Upper limb vascular non-invasive studies (segmental bp measure and/or arterial ultrasound) if available.
 
N/A
Alternate name: Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia

Process: Review:
Send referral to FAST Zone Team.
+-
Critical upper limb ischemia
< 4 Weeks
Any relevant diagnostic imaging already completed.
 
N/A
Lower Limb Vascular non-invasive studies (segmental bp measure and/or arterial ultrasound) if available.
 
N/A
Upper limb vascular non-invasive studies (segmental bp measure and/or arterial ultrasound) if available.
 
N/A
Alternate name: Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia

Process: Review:

Send referral to FAST Zone Team.
+-
Disorder of aorta
N/A
 
N/A
Alternate name: Other Aortic Pathology

Process: Contact RAAPID to request non-urgent advice.
+-
Mild abdominal aortic aneurysm
N/A
 
N/A
Alternate name: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Mild
Asymptomatic AP or Transverse Diameter <4.0cm

Process: Contact ConnectMD to request non-urgent advice.
+-
Moderate abdominal aortic aneurysm
24 Weeks
Ultrasound or CT scan with measurement (not both).
 
N/A
Serum Creatinine
 
< 3 months
Alternate name: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) 
Asymptomatic AP or Transverse Diameter
Female 4.0-4.9cm size
Male 4.0-5.4cm size

Process: Send referral to FAST Zone Team.
+-
Peripheral artery disease
Any relevant diagnostic imaging already completed.
 
N/A
Lower Limb Vascular non-invasive studies (segmental bp measure and or arterial u/s).
 
N/A
Upper limb vascular non-invasive studies (segmental bp measure and or arterial u/s).
 
N/A
Alternate name: Asymptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease or Intermittent Claudication

Process: Review:

Risk factor reduction.

Send referral to FAST Zone Team
+-
Renal ischemia
Serum Creatinine
 
< 3 months
Other relevant diagnostic imaging already completed
 
N/A
Alternate name: Renal Vascular Occlusive Disease

Process: Send referral to FAST Zone Team.
+-
Severe abdominal aortic aneurysm
6 Weeks
Ultrasound or CT scan with measurement (not both).
 
N/A
Serum Creatinine
 
< 3 months
Alternate name: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
Asymptomatic AP or Transverse Diameter
Female 5.0-5.9cm
Male 5.5-6.4cm

Process: Send referral to FAST Zone Team.
+-
Varicose veins
52 Weeks
Relevant diagnostic imaging already completed.
 
N/A
Alternate name: Venous Disease Uncomplicated (Varicose Veins Without Complications)

Process: Send referral to FAST Zone Team.
+-
Vascular thoracic outlet syndrome
CTA Chest.
 
N/A
Chest X-ray confirming cervical rib OR diagnostic imaging suggesting thoracic outlet syndrome.
 
N/A
Alternate name: Vascular Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Definition: Evidence of axillary/subclavian DVT on imaging or evidence of subclavian artery compression or aneurysm

Process: Send referral to FAST Zone Team.
+-
Venous disease
6 Weeks
Relevant diagnostic imaging already completed.
 
N/A
Alternate name: Venous Disease Complicated (Ulceration or Bleeding)

Process: Send referral to FAST Zone Team.

Other information: Complications: bleeding varix, venous ulcer, recurrent episodes of phlebitis.

+-
Urgent Reason for Referral
Access Targets convey the clinically appropriate timeframe patients should be seen within, by reason for referral and priority level.
Access Target
Required Information/Investigations
Investigation Timing
Additional Details
+-
AMI - Acute mesenteric ischemia
N/A
 
N/A
Alternate name: Acute Mesenteric Ischemia

Process: Request emergency consultation: call surgeon-on-call via RAAPID.
+-
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
N/A
 
N/A
Alternate name: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) - Symptomatic

Process: Request emergency consultation: call surgeon-on-call via RAAPID.

Other information: Symptomatic: abdominal or back pain, tender to palpation, back or flank pain.
+-
Acute lower limb ischemia
Any relevant diagnostic imaging already completed
 
N/A
Lower Limb Vascular non-invasive studies (segmental bp measure and/or arterial ultrasound) if available.
 
N/A
Upper limb vascular non-invasive studies (segmental bp measure and/or arterial ultrasound) if available.
 
N/A
Alternate name: Acute Limb Ischemia

Process: Request emergency consultation: call surgeon-on-call via RAAPID.
+-
Aneurysm of peripheral artery
Ultrasound or CT scan (not both).
 
N/A
Alternate name: Peripheral Aneurysm - Symptomatic

Process: Request emergency consultation: call surgeon-on-call via RAAPID.

Other information: Symptomatic: tender to palpation, evidence of distal clot embolization (signs of ischemia to distal tissue beds).
+-
Aneurysm of thoracic aorta
Ultrasound or CT scan with measurement (not both)
 
N/A
Serum Creatinine
 
< 3 months
Alternate name: Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA)
Descending Thoracic, symptomatic or AP or Transverse Diameter ≥6.5cm

Process: Request emergency consultation: call surgeon-on-call via RAAPID.

If ascending aorta, call cardiac surgeon-on-call via RAAPID.

Other information: Symptomatic: chest and back pain.
+-
Aneurysm of visceral artery
N/A
 
N/A
Alternate name: Visceral/Renal Aneurysm - Symptomatic

Process: Request emergency consultation: call surgeon-on-call via RAAPID.

Other information: Symptomatic: abdominal pain.
+-
Carotid artery disease
N/A
 
N/A
Alternate name: Symptomatic Carotid Artery Disease

Process: Call RAAPID to arrange urgent referral.

If stroke or stroke-like symptoms, call neurologist via RAAPID.
+-
Severe abdominal aortic aneurysm
Relevant diagnostic imaging already completed with measurement (if available).
 
N/A
Alternate name: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
Asymptomatic AP or Transverse Diameter
Female ≥6.0cm
Male ≥6.5cm

Process: Call RAAPID to arrange urgent referral.


The primary purpose of the All Locations list is to let the user easily access any location of a healthcare service without going back to the main search screen.

The locations listed have 3 background colors:
  • Green means the healthcare service@location has referral information attached to it.
  • Brown means the healthcare service@location never had referral information attached to it, or it has unpublished referral information.
  • Red means
    • IA changed the healthcare service@location's status to something other than Current
    • It was deleted if it is an ARD healthcare service@location.
Green  and Brown are always at the top of the list. These are the Healthcare Service@Locations with the status of Current.
The Red list at the bottom consists of non-current Healthcare Service@locations that once had Published referral information in the ARD.
If the referral information was never published in ARD the Healthcare Service@location will not show in the Red list.

The secondary purpose of the All Locations list is to allow ARD Administrators to recover (copy) referral information from the non-current Healthcare Service@Locations to ones that are current.

Common Scenario:
A Healthcare Service moves from one location to another. In this case the IA Healthcare Service@Location record will be made defunct (non-current) and a new Healthcare Service@Location record will be created with a current status. In this scenario the captured referral guidelines in ARD can become "orphaned" as they are not attached to any current IA healthcare service.

Categories of non-current or orphaned referral guidelines: INDIVIDUAL and COMMON.
The REFERRAL GUIDELINES section of the profile has the prefix INDIVIDUAL or COMMON to help you choose the method below when transferring referral guidelines from a non-current Healthcare Service@Location to a current healthcare service@location.

Individual referral process
  1. Click on a non-current (Red) Healthcare Service@Location at the bottom of the All Locations list.
  2. The non-current referral info is displayed with the link Copy this Referral Process to another Healthcare Service@Location link on the upper right hand corner. Click on the copy link.
  3. Choose a current location (Green or Brown) from the All Locations list. This will be the Healthcare Service@Location you are pasting the referral info into.
  4. The system will display the Edit Referral Info screen populated with the referral info from the non-current Healthcare Service@Location you viewed in the first step.
  5. Click Save and the referral info is transferred from the non-current Healthcare Service@Location to the current one.
  6. Repeat these steps for each Healthcare Service@Location that needs attention.

Common referral process - 2 sub cases.
Case 1: At least 1 current Healthcare Service@Location with common referral info is with current status for this healthcare service; One or more Healthcare Healthcare Service@Locations where replaced by new one.
  1. Click on any current Healthcare Service@Location whether it has referral info (Green) or not (Brown).
  2. The healthcare service location opens in the Edit Referral Info screen populated with the current common referral info.
  3. Save it. 
  4. All locations will be updated with the common referral information, including all the locations that don't have referral info yet (Brown). The non-current referrals (Red) will also be updated.
Case 2:  All Healthcare Healthcare Service@Locations for a healthcare service are set to a non-current status and replaced by new ones. In this case there is no current additional referral info to copy from, so the only alternative is to pick up the non-current common referral process (Red). Follow the steps described in the section Individual Referral Process above to copy/paste the non-current common referral info to the current healthcare service locations.
Generally we want to replicate current common referral info to new or replaced healthcare service locations. We only resort to copying non-current common referral info if there is no other option.

Remember: Some fields can be location specific with the common referral process:
Parking Instructions, Directions, Parking Map, Wait Time, Referral Phone or Referral Fax.
To update these items you have to edit each Healthcare Service@Location separately.

ADDITONAL NOTES:
  • The info icon after the All Locations drop down will be visible to ARD Administrators.
  • The system doesn't allow you to copy referral information from one non-current Healthcare Service@Location to another.

 

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