Michael Garron Hospital's Rapid Access Clinic (RAC) provides assessment and treatment recommendations for people with hip and/or knee arthritis issues referred into the Hip and Knee Arthritis Program (HKAP). This service is covered by OHIP for patients who meet the criteria.
The HKAP program provides comprehensive services for patients with hip and/or knee arthritis. This includes assessment, education, referral to treatment programs and consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon when required. HKAP includes:
- Central Intake of referrals
- Rapid Access Clinic (RAC) for assessment
- Advanced Practice Physiotherapists
- Surgical consultation
- Post-operative care
Advanced Practice Physiotherapist
An Advanced Practice Physiotherapist (APP) aims to assess patients within two to four weeks of referral with an accelerated intake and a comprehensive assessment, providing faster access to care.
During the assessment, education is provided about the problem with the affected joint or joints. Treatment options ranging from evidence-based non-operative strategies to joint replacement surgery are discussed. The process involves a detailed assessment and individualized treatment recommendations. Patients who need to consult with an orthopaedic surgeon about hip or knee replacement may see a surgeon on the same day as their RAC assessment, although not all patients require consultation for surgery the same day.
Advanced Practice Physiotherapists also see patients who have had a hip or knee replacement at their six-week post-operative appointment, typically in tandem with the surgeon.
This program is part of Health Quality Ontario Quality improvement initiatives. Assessment in the RAC and any surgery and post-operative physiotherapy is covered by OHIP.
Appropriate Imaging to bring to your appointment
Please include existing X-ray reports for relevant joint(s) done in last 6 months
Recommended views include:
- Knee: AP standing, lateral of knee flexed 30 ⁰, skyline
- Hip: AP pelvis, AP and lateral of affected hip
An MRI is not necessary to diagnose hip or knee arthritis. In most cases, an X-ray is sufficient.
How to prepare for your appointment
Our RAC is in the fracture clinic on the main floor of the legacy building in the G wing. Please sign in at Patient Registration before coming to your appointment. Please ensure you bring your health card, list of medications you take and recent imaging on a CD or online code if you have been asked to bring them.
Prior to meeting an Advanced Practice Physiotherapist, you will be asked to complete an intake package. If you are having an X-ray before your assessment, you will be directed to the Diagnostic Imaging department.
The Advanced Practice Physiotherapist will take a detailed history about your joint problem, examine your joint and review any tests that have been done, for example, X-rays. The assessment typically includes a sit-to-stand test and/or a walking test to provide information on your functional level. The Advanced Practice Physiotherapist will then discuss the results of the assessment and provide individualized treatment recommendations and education about arthritis. They will also answer any questions you may have.
Evidence based individualized treatment recommendations may include:
- How to manage your hip and/or knee arthritis symptoms
- Specific therapeutic exercises
- Activity recommendations
- Programs or services that may help you manage your arthritis
- Advice on consulting with a surgeon about your joint problem, therapeutic injections and/or preparing for surgery
If you need to reschedule your visit call 416-469-6580 ext 6161.
Referrals from primary care
We now accept eReferrals from primary care providers! Find us on the Ocean Healthmap.
If you are a primary care provider and want to sign up for the Ocean eReferral Network, complete the online form or email @email.
Feedback
If you would like to provide feedback about the Rapid Access Clinic at MGH, please contact one of the following individuals:
- Sherri Stevenson, Advanced Practice Physiotherapist Lead: @email or 416-469-6580 ext. 3019.
- Sharon Armstrong, APP Lead at MGH: @email.