Question: How do I refer a patient to the Facilitated Access to Specialized Treatment (FAST) program?
Context: As part of the Alberta Surgical Initiative (ASI), a central access and intake program called Facilitated Access to Specialized Treatment (FAST) has been implemented across Alberta. The FAST program is responsible for reviewing referrals for completeness and assigning them to a next available provider with the shortest waitlist, a specific provider, clinic or site, or an out-of-zone provider.
FAST is currently accepting referrals for the following specialties (depending on zone):
- Calgary, South, Central and North Zones: Adult Urology, Non-urgent Orthopedic Surgery and Spine (excluding urgent, oncological and pediatrics)
- Edmonton Zone: Colposcopy, General Surgery, Hand/Wrist/Elbow Surgery, Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Shoulder Surgery
- Note: Urology referrals for Edmonton Zone are to be submitted through Alberta Netcare eReferral.
All other surgical specialties will be joining the FAST program over the next few years. FAST referrals are currently accepted via fax, Alberta Netcare eReferral and Connect Care. For more information about FAST go to ahs.ca/FAST.
Answer: In the North, Calgary, Central, and South Zones, referrals to FAST for the above-noted specialties are ordered in Connect Care as outgoing referrals; in the Edmonton Zone, they are ordered as internal referrals. To ensure you are submitting your FAST referral correctly using Connect Care, please follow the instructions in the tip sheet.