Rapid Access Clinic

The Hip and Knee Rapid Access clinic, provides patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis faster access to assessment, related education and supports through self-management programs and other treatment approaches including surgery, if needed in consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon.

This program is part of Health Quality Ontario Quality Improvement initiatives.

To help reduce the time for patients to be seen and assessed, referrals to the Hip and Knee Rapid Access clinic are processed through one central intake point of contact.

What to Expect

• Patients have an assessment and a thorough clinical examination by an advanced physiotherapy practitioner with specialized orthopaedics training, to help determine the most appropriate personalized treatment plan.
• Patients may be referred to self-management programs including exercises to strengthen muscles and apply strategies to help reduce joint load and increase mobility. The clinic’s advanced physiotherapy practitioners support patients in creating individualized plans to better manage their condition and improve overall physical function. Patients may be scheduled for follow-up assessments to monitor their condition during this treatment. Learn more about self-management activities.
OR
• Patients may be recommended for potential surgical treatment, and are referred for an appointment to meet with an orthopaedic surgeon. Learn more about preparing for surgery.
• Patients are scheduled for follow-up assessments to monitor self-management exercise activities.
• Patients undergoing surgical treatment are scheduled for follow-up assessment at six weeks after the procedure.

What to bring to your appointment

When coming to your Rapid Access Clinic appointment, please remember to bring the following:

• Health Card
• List of medications that are currently being taken
• X-Rays (films or CD) of the affected body part that have been completed within 6 months
• If you have them, reports of other tests. For example, an MRI report
• Shorts and comfortable walking shoes

If you need to re-schedule your appointment, please contact the Rapid Access Clinic directly at the number provided.