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This healthcare service has 1 current healthcare service locations.
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Emergency Information 
Neurology Central Access and Triage   at
Calgary Zone and Area
Central Access Healthcare Service
Specialty: Neurology
Connect Care Department: CALGARY ZONE NEUROLOGY CAT
Estimated time to routine appointment: Not Available
Alberta Health Services - Calgary Zone
CENTRAL ACCESS SERVICES
Provides a central referral service for people who need to see a neurologist. If a patient is currently seeing a Neurologist, or has been seen with one year, please contact the office of that Neurologist directly.
  • For urgent assessment within 5 business days, refer to URGENT NEUROLOGY CLINIC directly
  • For urgent assessment of possible stroke or TIA, refer to STROKE PREVENTION CLINIC directly
  • For urgent or after hours advice from a neurologist: Call RAAPID (South: 1-800-661-1700) and ask for the neurologist on-call.
  • For same day advice (call returned within 1 hour), call Specialist Link at 403-910-2551 or 1-877-962-5456 during normal business hours (M-F: 8am-5pm; excluding statutory holidays)
Provides a central referral service for people who need to see a neurologist. If a patient is currently seeing a Neurologist, or has been seen with one year, please contact the office of that Neurologist directly.
  • For urgent assessment within 5 business days, refer to URGENT NEUROLOGY CLINIC directly
  • For urgent assessment of possible stroke or TIA, refer to STROKE PREVENTION CLINIC directly
  • For urgent or after hours advice from a neurologist: Call RAAPID (South: 1-800-661-1700) and ask for the neurologist on-call.
  • For same day advice (call returned within 1 hour), call Specialist Link at 403-910-2551 or 1-877-962-5456 during normal business hours (M-F: 8am-5pm; excluding statutory holidays)
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
NCAT provides service to people with neurological concerns from Southern Alberta (south of Red Deer) and surrounding area. Referrals north of Red Deer should be directed to the Edmonton Neurology Program.

Referrals must include a complete history, including symptom type and progression, duration, any related treatment(s) and a neurological examination. Incomplete referrals will be declined. 

Referrals will be triaged and assigned to the most appropriate neurology clinic (e.g. general neurology clinic versus a subspecialty clinic).  Sometimes NCAT referrals will be returned to the referring physician requesting more information or suggesting a specific clinical pathway to be tried prior to referral.
NCAT provides service to people with neurological concerns from Southern Alberta (south of Red Deer) and surrounding area. Referrals north of Red Deer should be directed to the Edmonton Neurology Program.

Referrals must include a complete history, including symptom type and progression, duration, any related treatment(s) and a neurological examination. Incomplete referrals will be declined. 

Referrals will be triaged and assigned to the most appropriate neurology clinic (e.g. general neurology clinic versus a subspecialty clinic).  Sometimes NCAT referrals will be returned to the referring physician requesting more information or suggesting a specific clinical pathway to be tried prior to referral.
Referral instructions for primary care, community care, private
providers etc. who do not send referrals via Connect Care.
REFERRAL PROCESS - FOR NON-CONNECT CARE USERS
Complete the referral form and fax it to the service using the contact information on this profile.
Complete the referral form and fax it to the service using the contact information on this profile.
REFERRAL PROCESS - FOR CONNECT CARE USERS
Send an Internal Referral using the Ambulatory Referral Order to Neurology, type CALGARY ZONE NEUROLOGY CAT in the “To Department” section and complete order.
Send an Internal Referral using the Ambulatory Referral Order to Neurology, type CALGARY ZONE NEUROLOGY CAT in the “To Department” section and complete order.
COMMUNICATION PROCESS
  • Referral receipt to referring source within 7 days.
  • Acceptance via appointment details or wait list status letter to referring source and patient within 14 days.
  • Wait list status update every 90 days.
  • Appointment outcome to referral source within 30 days.
ADDITIONAL SERVICE DETAILS
Current triage urgency and appointment type for General Neurology Clinic:
  • URGENT (assessment within 5-7 days): NCAT will forward to Urgent Neurology Clinic.
  • SEMI-URGENT: Phone or In-person consultation within 8 weeks
    • Any patients with evolving/progressive neurological (including pain) symptoms that if not seen within 4 or 8 weeks would likely need ER/hospital admission
  • ROUTINE:
    • Currently offering in-person and or phone consultations for all new routine referrals.
    • All referrals to neurology are to be made through Neurology Central Access and Triage (NCAT).
    • Referrals to neurologists not involved with NCAT should be sent directly to their private offices.
    • Referrals made directly to clinics or neurologists will not be processed.
    • Referrals are to be sent directly to NCAT.
Please Note:
  • If the patient’s clinical presentation worsens while awaiting their appointment, please send any updated referral information to the program / clinic the referral has been triaged to, as indicated on the Letter of Acceptance / Waitlist, Waitlist Status Update or Notification of Appointment.
  • All patients seen by a Neurologist belonging to NCAT within 3 years will be referred directly to the same neurologist when possible.
  • Referring providers are encouraged to review any existing clinical pathways prior to submitting a referral. Clinical Pathways can be found at Specialist Link. eReferral or Advice Request are also available.
Programs included within Neurology Central Access and Triage (NCAT):
  • ALS
  • CHAMP (Headache)
  • Cognitive Clinic
  • Epilepsy Clinic
  • General Neurology
  • Movement Disorders
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Neuroimmunology
  • Neuromuscular
  • Neurovestibular
Clinical pathways are available on the Specialist Link website:
  • Peripheral Neuropathy
  • Vertigo
  • Headache
  • Suspected Essential Tremor
  • Suspected Parkinson's Disease
Current triage urgency and appointment type for General Neurology Clinic:
  • URGENT (assessment within 5-7 days): NCAT will forward to Urgent Neurology Clinic.
  • SEMI-URGENT: Phone or In-person consultation within 8 weeks
    • Any patients with evolving/progressive neurological (including pain) symptoms that if not seen within 4 or 8 weeks would likely need ER/hospital admission
  • ROUTINE:
    • Currently offering in-person and or phone consultations for all new routine referrals.
    • All referrals to neurology are to be made through Neurology Central Access and Triage (NCAT).
    • Referrals to neurologists not involved with NCAT should be sent directly to their private offices.
    • Referrals made directly to clinics or neurologists will not be processed.
    • Referrals are to be sent directly to NCAT.
Please Note:
  • If the patient’s clinical presentation worsens while awaiting their appointment, please send any updated referral information to the program / clinic the referral has been triaged to, as indicated on the Letter of Acceptance / Waitlist, Waitlist Status Update or Notification of Appointment.
  • All patients seen by a Neurologist belonging to NCAT within 3 years will be referred directly to the same neurologist when possible.
  • Referring providers are encouraged to review any existing clinical pathways prior to submitting a referral. Clinical Pathways can be found at Specialist Link. eReferral or Advice Request are also available.
Programs included within Neurology Central Access and Triage (NCAT):
  • ALS
  • CHAMP (Headache)
  • Cognitive Clinic
  • Epilepsy Clinic
  • General Neurology
  • Movement Disorders
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Neuroimmunology
  • Neuromuscular
  • Neurovestibular
Clinical pathways are available on the Specialist Link website:
  • Peripheral Neuropathy
  • Vertigo
  • Headache
  • Suspected Essential Tremor
  • Suspected Parkinson's Disease
 
CENTRAL ACCESS REFERRAL PHONE
403-956-3461
CENTRAL ACCESS REFERRAL FAX
403-476-8771
REFERRAL FORMS
CENTRAL ACCESS LINKED SERVICES
AFFILIATED SERVICES
LINKED SPECIALISTS
CLICK + TO VIEW REFERRAL GUIDELINES
+-
Routine Reason for Referral
Access Targets convey the clinically appropriate timeframe patients should be seen within, by reason for referral and priority level.
Access Target
Required Information/Investigations
Investigation Timing
Additional Details
+-
Abnormal gait
Complete neurological examination
 
At time of referral
Onset of symptoms
 
Since symptom onset
Description
 
Since symptom onset
Rate of progression
 
Since symptom onset
Other accompanying systemic symptoms
 
Since symptom onset
Other accompanying neurologic symptoms
 
Since symptom onset
Previous neurologists seen (if applicable, and consultation notes)
 
Since symptom onset
Other specialists involved (if applicable)
 
Since symptom onset
Past Medical History & Complete Medication List
 
At time of referral
+-
Cognitive impairment
Complete neurological examination
 
At time of referral
Onset of symptoms
 
Since symptom onset
Cognitive areas of concern
 
Since symptom onset
Functional impairment
 
Since symptom onset
Rate of progression
 
Since symptom onset
Other accompanying systemic symptoms
 
Since symptom onset
Other accompanying neurologic symptoms
 
Since symptom onset
Previous neurologists seen (if applicable, and consultation notes)
 
Since symptom onset
Other specialists involved (if applicable
 
Since symptom onset
Past Medical History & Complete Medication List
 
At time of referral
A MOCA or MMSE must be included or the referral will be sent back.

Exclusion:
  • If <50 years old and does not meet dementia criteria
  • Normal cognition but fear of Alzheimer’s (with or without family history)
  • Cognitive symptoms after concussion or traumatic brain injury
  • Static cognitive impairment after other neurological or medical disease (e.g. cardiac arrest)
+-
Headache
Complete neurological examination
 
At time of referral
Onset, frequency of headaches
 
Since headache onset
Presence of any red flag features
 
Since headache onset
Acute treatments tried and response
 
Since headache onset
Preventative treatments tried and response
 
Since headache onset
If >50 years old with new headache: include CRP, CBC
 
Since headache onset
Past Medical History & Complete Medication List
 
At time of referral
Headache diary to be completed by patient and brought to appointment
 
Since time of referral
Migraine referrals require failure of 2 preventative migraine prophylaxis
 
See clinical pathway specialist link website
If headache attributable to trauma of head/neck suggest Chronic Pain Clinic Referral
 
See Chronic Pain Clinic ARD
Red Flags:
• Systemic symptoms
• Neurological symptoms
• Onset to peak 10/10 pain in < 1 min
• Older age > 50 with new headaches
• Positional (standing headache, AM headaches)
• Pregnancy, Papilledema, Progressive
Specialist Link Clinical Pathway
+-
Neuropathy
Complete neurological examination
 
At time of referral
Onset of symptoms
 
Since symptom onset
Pattern of involvement
 
Since symptom onset
Rate of progression
 
Since symptom onset
Other accompanying systemic symptoms
 
Since symptom onset
Other accompanying neurologic symptoms
 
Since symptom onset
Previous neurologists seen (if applicable, and consultation notes)
 
Since symptom onset
Other specialists involved (if applicable)
 
Since symptom onset
Past Medical History & Complete Medication List
 
At time of referral
Vitamin B12, SPEP, TSH, 2 hour glucose tolerance test/ HbA1c
 
Within 6 months
Red Flags:
• Bladder/Bowel dysfunction
• New onset acute on chronic symptoms (especially motor) progressing over days to weeks
• Asymmetry in presentation
• Asymmetry in progression
• Functionally limiting weakness

Specialist Link Clinical Pathway
+-
Seizure
Complete neurological examination
 
At time of referral
Onset of events
 
Since symptom onset
Description of events
 
Since symptom onset
Frequency of events
 
At time of referral
Other accompanying neurological symptoms
 
Since symptom onset
Medications trialed and response
 
Since symptom onset
Previous neurologists seen (if applicable, and consultation notes)
 
Since symptom onset
Pregnant or planning pregnancy
 
At time of referral
Past Medical History & Complete Medication List
 
At time of referral
If patient is having seizures:
  • Counsel patient not to drive (and restriction is expected to be months)
  • Counsel of seizure safety precautions
+-
Tremor
Complete neurological examination
 
At time of referral
Onset of tremor
 
Since symptom onset
Symmetric or asymmetric
 
Since symptom onset
Action, intention, resting components
 
Since symptom onset
Other accompanying neurological symptoms
 
Since symptom onset
Medications trialed and response
 
Since symptom onset
TSH
 
Since symptom onset
Past Medical History & Complete Medication List
 
At time of referral
If essential tremor suspected: 
A trial of 3 medications from specialist link clinical pathway is necessary prior to referral (unless contraindicated)
+-
Vertigo
Complete neurological examination
 
At time of referral
Description of vertigo
 
Since symptom onset
Associated hearing loss/tinnitus (if present, requires audiogram to be included in referral)
 
Since symptom onset
Response to vestibular PT (duration trialed)
 
Since symptom onset
Medications trialed and response
 
Since symptom onset
Past Medical History & Complete Medication List
 
At time of referral
Individuals with vertigo must trial vestibular physiotherapy in the community prior to referral.
Specialist Link Clinical Pathway
+-
Weakness
Complete neurological examination
 
At time of referral
Onset of symptoms
 
Since symptom onset
Description (e.g. bulbar, focal, distal, proximal)
 
Since symptom onset
Rate of progression
 
Since symptom onset
Other accompanying systemic symptoms
 
Since symptom onset
Other accompanying neurologic symptoms
 
Since symptom onset
Previous neurologists seen (if applicable, and consultation notes)
 
Since symptom onset
Other specialists involved (if applicable)
 
Since symptom onset
Past Medical History & Complete Medication List
 
Since symptom onset
Investigations (MRI, EMG/NCS, CK, TSH IF already completed)
 
At time of referral
Red Flags:
• New onset acute on chronic symptoms (especially motor)
• Rapid progression over days to weeks
• Bladder/Bowel dysfunction
• Respiratory involvement
• Bulbar symptoms
• Functionally limiting weakness


The primary purpose of the All Locations list is to let the user easily access any location of a healthcare service without going back to the main search screen.

The locations listed have 3 background colors:
  • Green means the healthcare service@location has referral information attached to it.
  • Brown means the healthcare service@location never had referral information attached to it, or it has unpublished referral information.
  • Red means
    • IA changed the healthcare service@location's status to something other than Current
    • It was deleted if it is an ARD healthcare service@location.
Green  and Brown are always at the top of the list. These are the Healthcare Service@Locations with the status of Current.
The Red list at the bottom consists of non-current Healthcare Service@locations that once had Published referral information in the ARD.
If the referral information was never published in ARD the Healthcare Service@location will not show in the Red list.

The secondary purpose of the All Locations list is to allow ARD Administrators to recover (copy) referral information from the non-current Healthcare Service@Locations to ones that are current.

Common Scenario:
A Healthcare Service moves from one location to another. In this case the IA Healthcare Service@Location record will be made defunct (non-current) and a new Healthcare Service@Location record will be created with a current status. In this scenario the captured referral guidelines in ARD can become "orphaned" as they are not attached to any current IA healthcare service.

Categories of non-current or orphaned referral guidelines: INDIVIDUAL and COMMON.
The REFERRAL GUIDELINES section of the profile has the prefix INDIVIDUAL or COMMON to help you choose the method below when transferring referral guidelines from a non-current Healthcare Service@Location to a current healthcare service@location.

Individual referral process
  1. Click on a non-current (Red) Healthcare Service@Location at the bottom of the All Locations list.
  2. The non-current referral info is displayed with the link Copy this Referral Process to another Healthcare Service@Location link on the upper right hand corner. Click on the copy link.
  3. Choose a current location (Green or Brown) from the All Locations list. This will be the Healthcare Service@Location you are pasting the referral info into.
  4. The system will display the Edit Referral Info screen populated with the referral info from the non-current Healthcare Service@Location you viewed in the first step.
  5. Click Save and the referral info is transferred from the non-current Healthcare Service@Location to the current one.
  6. Repeat these steps for each Healthcare Service@Location that needs attention.

Common referral process - 2 sub cases.
Case 1: At least 1 current Healthcare Service@Location with common referral info is with current status for this healthcare service; One or more Healthcare Healthcare Service@Locations where replaced by new one.
  1. Click on any current Healthcare Service@Location whether it has referral info (Green) or not (Brown).
  2. The healthcare service location opens in the Edit Referral Info screen populated with the current common referral info.
  3. Save it. 
  4. All locations will be updated with the common referral information, including all the locations that don't have referral info yet (Brown). The non-current referrals (Red) will also be updated.
Case 2:  All Healthcare Healthcare Service@Locations for a healthcare service are set to a non-current status and replaced by new ones. In this case there is no current additional referral info to copy from, so the only alternative is to pick up the non-current common referral process (Red). Follow the steps described in the section Individual Referral Process above to copy/paste the non-current common referral info to the current healthcare service locations.
Generally we want to replicate current common referral info to new or replaced healthcare service locations. We only resort to copying non-current common referral info if there is no other option.

Remember: Some fields can be location specific with the common referral process:
Parking Instructions, Directions, Parking Map, Wait Time, Referral Phone or Referral Fax.
To update these items you have to edit each Healthcare Service@Location separately.

ADDITONAL NOTES:
  • The info icon after the All Locations drop down will be visible to ARD Administrators.
  • The system doesn't allow you to copy referral information from one non-current Healthcare Service@Location to another.

 

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