The Rapid Access Spine Triage Program identifies and triages patients who need to see a surgeon, and provides referring physicians and patients with evidence-based directions for care when a surgical consultation is not appropriate.

What to expect

Consistent with national standards and practices, senior advanced practice physiotherapists (APPs) with spine-specific advanced training work collaboratively with medical practitioners and spine surgeons and serve as the patient’s first clinical point of contact.

Patients receive a comprehensive clinical assessment by an APP to determine whether a consultation with a spine surgeon is required. The initial visit is not an appointment for physiotherapy treatment, but rather a detailed interview, physical examination, review of available diagnostic imaging and an identification of any issues that may require further discussion with a surgeon.

Resources

    • Rapid Access Spine Triage Program fact sheet

    • Blusson Spinal Cord Centre referral form

Patient benefits

Successfully piloted in 2017, the program decreases patient wait time for assessment and treatment of non-emergent spinal complaints.

Referring physicians receive a timely, detailed report outlining the clinical impression and recommended treatments.

Patients requiring a surgical consultation are booked on an expedited basis with the appropriate, next available spine surgeon.

This service is available at
This service is available at

Rapid Access Spine Triage Program at Blusson Spinal Cord Centre

818 W. 10th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9
See directions on Google Maps
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