RHEUMATOLOGY DEPARTMENT

AHS - RHEUMATOLOGY CENTRAL ACCESS & TRIAGE CLINIC

ALL RHEUMATOLOGY REFERRALS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO
Fax: 403.955.8199   Phone: 403.955.8734

ABOUT THE CALEO HEALTH RHEUMATOLOGY DEPARTMENT: A collaboration of local Rheumatologists.  The team consists of three (3) Rheumatologists, clinical nurses, medical office assistants and  Allied Health professionals.

We are a multidisciplinary patient-focused centre with a structured approach with an emphasis on diagnostic, risk stratification and treatment recommendations.  The Rheumatic Disease Unit process is designed to provide: single-site management of your condition(s), coordinate investigations and optimize care processes.

DR. SHARON LE CLERCQ & DR. BRITNEY JONES

200, 1402 8th Avenue N.W., Calgary, Alberta T2N 1B9

Phone: 403.930.3185

Fax: 403.984.5445

Please Do Not Fax Referrals to Caleo Health

DR. LIAM MARTIN

200, 1402 8th Avenue N.W., Calgary, Alberta T2N 1B9

Phone: 403.930.3180

Fax: 403.984.5445

Please Do Not Fax Referrals to Caleo Health

The Patient Experience

STEP 1

FAMILY DOCTOR REFERRAL

STEP 2

PATIENT CONTACTED

STEP 3

RHEUMATOLOGY ASSESSMENT

STEP 4

DIAGNOSIS

STEP 5

TREATMENT & FOLLOW-UP

Based on the historical outcomes data:

~75% of rheumatology patients referred to Caleo Health Rheumatologists do not have a connective tissue disorder and therefore no rheumatology consultation was required.

~ 25% of the patients assessed were determined to have a connective tissue or rheumatological condition.

“Urgent” Consultation

1%

“Routine” Consultation

24%

“No Rheumatologist Consult”

75%

ALL REFERRALS ARE REVIEWED AND TRIAGED AND ONLY PATIENTS WHO ARE FOUND TO HAVE STRONG EVIDENCE FOR A RHEUMATIC DISEASE WILL RECEIVE A FORMAL CONSULTATION WITH A RHEUMATOLOGIST.  Please be aware that a referral to a Rheumatologist does not mean you suffer with rheumatic or other connective tissue diseases.

PATIENTS THAT HAVE HAD RHEUMATIC AND OTHER CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASES RULED OUT WILL BE PROVIDED WITH APPROPRIATE TREATMENT RECOMMENDATION(S) OR REFERRAL.

The initial visit to Caleo Health focuses on evaluating your most critical area of complaint.  The goal is to provide you and your physician; with the most responsible diagnosis, subsequent care pathway recommendation(s) and/or the referral(s) necessary for the treatment of your condition.

As part of the assessment and management process a referral to one (1) or more of the following may be necessary:

  • Laboratory investigations (blood work)
  • Investigational & Electro-diagnostics Studies: such as MRI, X-Ray, CT, Ultrasound, EMG and NCS studies etc.
  • Pain Management Clinic: evaluation & treatment (medication management and joint injections, nerve blocks, etc.)
  • Allied Health Professional: such as specific and specialized physiotherapy and/or Chiropractic.
  • Other Medical Specialist: as deemed necessary by the assessment team
  • Follow-up: further consultation with the rheumatologist for ongoing management.

*We suggest all relevant lab reports, and imaging reports (X-rays, Ultrasound, MRI & CT) be included in the referral or provided prior to the first consultation. The referral should include all laboratory or diagnostic images completed outside an Alberta Health Services facility.

Some patients referred directly to the Rheumatology Department, by their family physician, are deemed to have a non-rheumatological condition.   The result is a significant delay in access to rheumatology care for patients that are truly suffering from rheumatic and/or connective tissue disease.  This in turn is frustrating for non-rheumatological patients that have waited long periods with little or no outcome for their condition.

Individual Rheumatologists have the right to decline direct referrals from time to time in an attempt to manage their waitlists.  the Rheumatology Department may also decline a referral if there is no clear indication that the patient will benefit from treatment.

Referrals will be triaged and waitlisted accordingly.  The referral review process at the Rheumatology Central Access & Triage clinic serves to rule out unnecessary referrals and to determine the urgency of rheumatology patients to prevent delays for patients with urgent conditions.

Consults will be booked via phone call, zoom (virtual) assessment, or in-person clinic appointment depending on physician preference and urgency.

NOTE: IF YOU HAVE AN ACTIVE WCB CLAIM FOR THIS INJURY YOU MAY PREFER TO HAVE YOUR PHYSICIAN FORWARD THE REFERRAL DIRECTLY TO WCB.

TO AVOID A NO-SHOW OR LATE CANCELLATION FEE A MINIMUM OF 48 HOURS NOTICE IS REQUIRED TO CHANGE OR CANCEL ANY APPOINTMENTS.

Changing or cancelling appointments in a timely manner allows for appointments to be filled efficiently and reduces wait times for others. Your cooperation is appreciated.  Thank you!