A new central access and intake program for managing non-urgent referrals called Alberta Facilitated Access to Specialized Treatment (FAST) is rolling out across the province. FAST has launched for the following:
* North Zone – Orthopaedics and urology<https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/about/aop/ahs-aop-asi-fast-launch-nz-primary-care-providers.pdf>
* Central Zone – Orthopaedics, urology and cataracts<https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/about/aop/ahs-aop-asi-fast-launch-cz-primary-care-providers.pdf>
* South Zone – Urology (orthopaedics launch Oct. 19)<https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/about/aop/ahs-aop-asi-fast-launch-sz-primary-care-providers.pdf>
Calgary Zone will launch on Oct. 11 for urology and orthopedics. The existing Edmonton Zone FAST program continues to be the central intake for referrals to general surgery, plastics, ENT/otolaryngology, colposcopy, shoulder, upper limb, hand/wrist and elbow. Edmonton Zone FAST will expand to include all orthopedic referrals on Oct. 31.
A few benefits of the program:
* One toll-free fax number for non-urgent urology and orthopedics referrals
* When referring, providers can choose:
o Next available provider with the shortest waitlist
o A specific provider by name
o An out-of-Zone referral
* Each referral is checked for completeness before being sent to the specialist
* A more predictable and timely surgical journey for patients and providers
Referring providers, find out how you can start using FAST. It is as easy as changing a fax number: ahs.ca/specialtyaccess<http://www.ahs.ca/specialtyaccess>.