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This healthcare service has 1 current healthcare service locations.
Gynecology Centralized Access - Facilitated Access to Specialized Treatment (FAST)   at
Central Zone and Area
Central Access Healthcare Service
Specialty: Gynecology
Estimated time to routine appointment: Not Available
Alberta Health Services - Central Zone
CENTRAL ACCESS SERVICES
Referrals for Gynecology in the Central Zone are accepted through this Facilitated Access to Specialized Treatment (FAST) central access and intake program. Referring providers can choose a next-available surgeon with the shortest waitlist; a specific surgeon, clinic, or site; or an out-of-zone provider. FAST receives the surgical referrals, reviews them for completeness and duplication, and then sends them to appropriate surgeons for triage and booking.
Referrals for Gynecology in the Central Zone are accepted through this Facilitated Access to Specialized Treatment (FAST) central access and intake program. Referring providers can choose a next-available surgeon with the shortest waitlist; a specific surgeon, clinic, or site; or an out-of-zone provider. FAST receives the surgical referrals, reviews them for completeness and duplication, and then sends them to appropriate surgeons for triage and booking.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Review reasons for referral table below for eligibility requirements.
Review reasons for referral table below for eligibility requirements.
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
1. Complete the referral form or a referral letter stating the reason for referral.
2. Attach all mandatory information to the referral (see Gynecology Adult Referral Pathway)
3. Fax completed referral to Central FAST at 1-833-627-7022.
You can also submit referrals through Alberta Netcare eReferral. Follow these instructions.
1. Complete the referral form or a referral letter stating the reason for referral.
2. Attach all mandatory information to the referral (see Gynecology Adult Referral Pathway)
3. Fax completed referral to Central FAST at 1-833-627-7022.
You can also submit referrals through Alberta Netcare eReferral. Follow these instructions.
REFERRAL PROCESS - FOR CONNECT CARE USERS
An Outgoing Referral is required for this service.
Change the referral class to “Outgoing Referral” on the Ambulatory Order and complete order.
Outgoing orders are not sent electronically and require processing in workqueue 5.
An Outgoing Referral is required for this service.
Change the referral class to “Outgoing Referral” on the Ambulatory Order and complete order.
Outgoing orders are not sent electronically and require processing in workqueue 5.
COMMUNICATION PROCESS
  • Referral receipt to referring source within 7 days.
ADDITIONAL SERVICE DETAILS
Request for Urgent Advice/Referral:
Patient may need to be seen immediately. Patients with conditions that require same day intervention and/or diagnostics but not hospitalizations and not life threatening. Call RAAPID:
  • For patients north of Red Deer:1-800-282-9911.
  • For patients in and south of Red Deer: 1-800-661-1700.
Request for Urgent Advice/Referral:
Patient may need to be seen immediately. Patients with conditions that require same day intervention and/or diagnostics but not hospitalizations and not life threatening. Call RAAPID:
  • For patients north of Red Deer:1-800-282-9911.
  • For patients in and south of Red Deer: 1-800-661-1700.
 
CENTRAL ACCESS REFERRAL PHONE
1-833-553-3278 ext 3
CENTRAL ACCESS REFERRAL FAX
1-833-627-7022
REFERRAL ADVICE
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
ASCUS on cervical pap smear
6 Months
Pathology Report
 
N/A

If available
  • Description of cervix abnormalities
  • If unable to complete pelvic exam, please include reason. Please refer to Trauma Informed Exam Guide
 
N/A
ASCUS on Pap Smear
(Includes Persistent)
  • Send referral to Zone FAST Team.

ASCUS on cervical pap smear with positive HPV DNA test
6 Months
Pathology Report
 
N/A

If available
  • Description of cervix abnormalities
  • If unable to complete pelvic exam, please include reason. Please refer to Trauma Informed Exam Guide
 
N/A
ASCUS on Pap Smear with Positive HPV Test
(ASCUS HPV +)
  • Send referral to Zone FAST Team.

Abnormal uterine bleeding
  • Pelvic exam: Describe the abnormalfindings/abnormality or specify if there are none.
  • If unable to complete pelvic exam, please include reason. Please refer to Trauma Informed Exam Guide
  • CBC
  • Transvaginal ultrasound report
 
N/A

If available:
  • Ferritin can provide additional information that can aide with triage.
  • Pap Test
  • STI Screening
  • Endometrial biopsy (ifavailable) > 40 years old or < 40 years old with significant risk factors present.
 
N/A
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB)
Includes: Menorrhagia

Adenocarcinoma in situ of cervix
6 Weeks
Pathology Report
 
N/A

If available
  • Description of cervix abnormalities
  • If unable to complete pelvic exam, please include reason. Please refer to Trauma Informed Exam Guide
 
N/A
Adenocarcinoma In Situ of Cervix
(AIS)
  • Send referral to Zone FAST Team.

Amenorrhea
  • Pelvic exam or transvaginal ultrasound report if no pelvic exam completed.
  • Describe the abnormal findings/abnormality orspecify if there are none.
  • If unable to complete pelvic exam, please include reason. Please refer to Trauma Informed Exam Guide
 
N/A

If available:
  • Prolactin, TSH, B-HCG, total testosterone with SHBG to calculate free androgen index or Free Testosterone.
Ideally bloodwork occurs on day 3 of menstrual cycle
  • Treatments to date(progesterone challenge)
 
N/A

Atrophic vaginitis
  • Physical exam: Describe the abnormalfindings/abnormality or specify if thereare none.
  • If unable to complete pelvic exam, please include reason. Please refer to Trauma Informed Exam Guide
 
N/A

If available:
  • Treatments to date
     
    N/A
    • Send referral to Zone FAST Team.

    Atypical glandular cells on cervical Papanicolaou smear
    6 Weeks
    Pathology Report
     
    N/A

    If available
    • Description of cervix abnormalities
    • If unable to complete pelvic exam, please include reason. Please refer to Trauma Informed Exam Guide
     
    N/A
    Atypical Glandular Cells on Pap Smear
    (AGC)
    • Send referral to Zone FAST Team.

    Atypical squamous cells on cervical Papanicolaou smear cannot exclude high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion
    6 Weeks
    Pathology Report
     
    N/A

    If available
    • Description of cervix abnormalities
    • If unable to complete pelvic exam, please include reason. Please refer to Trauma Informed Exam Guide
     
    N/A
    ASC-H On Pap Smear
    (ASC-H)
    • Send referral to Zone FAST Team.

    Cancer risk reducing gynecological surgery
    Personal or Family history of cancer
     
    N/A

    If available
    • Confirmed high risk mutation (ie: BRCA)
    • Genetics report
     
    N/A
    • Send referral to Zone FAST Team.

    Cervical polyp
    Description of abnormality
     
    N/A
    Cervical Polyp
    • No colposcopy required
    • Send referral to Zone FAST Team

    Complication of surgical mesh
    • Pelvic exam findings including a description of findings such as:
      • Exposed foreign body or mesh
      • Patient symptoms (if any).
    • If unable to complete pelvic exam, please include reason. Please refer to Trauma Informed Exam Guide
     
    N/A

    If available:
    • Surgical history and OR report
     
    N/A
    Mesh Complications (From Previous Prolapse Repair or Incontinence Repair)
    • Send referral to Zone FAST Team.

    Consultation by gynecology service
    Include QuRE Quality referral letter to describe reason for referral.
     
    N/A
    Consult for Gynecology Surgery
    • Send referral to Zone FAST Team.

    Disorder of skin of vulva
    Include description of skin abnormality
     
    N/A

    Biopsy results if available
     
    N/A
    Vulvar Skin Abnormalities
    Includes: Rash, Lichen, Skin Discoloration, Pigmentation changes
    • Send referral to Zone FAST Team.

    Dysmenorrhea
    Transvaginal Ultrasound Report
     
    N/A

    If available:CBC and Ferritin if heavy menstrual bleeding.
     
    N/A
    Send referral to Zone FAST Team

    Endometrial hyperplasia without atypia
    Pathology report required to confirm that there is no atypia.
     
    N/A
    Endometrial Hyperplasia (without atypia) 
    Send referral to Zone FAST Team.

    NOTE: If pathology report indicates atypia, refer to Gynecologic Oncology.
    Send referral to the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre.

    Endometrium thickened
    Transvaginal Ultrasound
     
    N/A
    Endometrial thickening (post-menopausal)
    Includes:
    • No bleeding: endometrial thickening ≥ 11mm and/or other positive findings on ultrasound
    • With bleeding: endometrial thickening ≥ 5 mm
    Send referral to Zone FAST Team.
    For more information on post-menopausal bleeding, refer to the Provincial Post-Menopausal Bleeding Primary Care Clinical Pathway

    Gender affirmation hysterectomy
    N/A
     
    N/A
    Reconstructive Affirming Hysterectomy
    • Send referral to Zone FAST Team.
    Additional Resources include:

    HSIL on cervical pap smear
    6 Weeks
    Pathology Report
     
    N/A

    If available:
    • Description of cervix abnormalities
    • If unable to complete pelvic exam, please include reason. Please refer to Trauma Informed Exam Guide
     
    N/A
    HSIL on Pap Smear
    (HSIL)
    • Send referral to Zone FAST Team.

    IUD - Intrauterine device procedure
    • Specify procedure required (insertion/removal/both).
    • IUD Removal:
      • Pelvic Exam. If strings visible, no other investigation is needed.
      • If strings not visible, patient should have pelvic ultrasound. If IUD is in the uterus, no further investigations needed.
      • If IUD is not in the uterus on pelvic ultrasound, an abdominal x-ray should be performed
     
    N/A

    If available:
    • IUD Insertion: Reason for IUD
    • Extra information will include history of IUD insertion attempts and complications
     
    N/A
    Intrauterine Device Procedure
    IUDs Insertion and Removal

    For straightforward IUD insertion and removal: Patient self-referral to sexual & reproductive health clinic if available within zone. See Alberta Referral Directory for information of services
    provided.

    Send referral to Zone FAST Team.

    Infertile
    N/A
     
    N/A
    Infertility
    • For General Gynecology care refer to Zone FAST Team.
    • For Fertility Specialist care refer as per local zonal processes.

    Initiation of contraception
    N/A
     
    N/A
    Contraception
    Includes: Birth control, request for tubal ligation.
    • Send referral to Zone FAST Team.
    • Patient self-referral to sexual & reproductive health clinic if available within zone. See Alberta Referral Directory for information of services provided.

    LSIL on cervical pap smear
    6 Months
    Pathology Report
     
    N/A

    If available:
    • Description of cervix abnormalities
    • If unable to complete pelvic exam, please include reason. Please refer to Trauma Informed Exam Guide
     
    N/A
    LSIL on Pap Smear
    (Includes Persistent)
    • Send referral to Zone FAST Team.

    LSIL on cervical pap smear with positive HPV test
    6 Months
    Pathology Report
     
    N/A

    If available:
    • Description of cervix abnormalities
    • If unable to complete pelvic exam, please include reason. Please refer to Trauma Informed Exam Guide
     
    N/A
    LSIL on Pap Smear with Positive HPV Test
    (LSIL HPV +)
    • Send referral to Zone FAST Team.

    Malignant neoplasm of vulva
    Pathology Report
     
    N/A
    Vulvar Lesion
    (Confirmed Malignancy) Pathology confirms malignancy

    Send referral to gynecologic oncology at the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre.

    Malignant tumor of pelvis
    • Tumor markers (CA125, CEA)
    • CT abdomen, chest, and pelvis
     
    N/A
    Pelvic Mass
    (Confirmed Malignancy)
    • Refer to Gynecology Oncology as per current zonal practice.

    Menopausal vasomotor symptoms
    Treatments to date
     
    N/A

    Recent mammogram, please order if not up to date.
     
    N/A
    Vasomotor Symptoms
    • Send referral to Zone FAST Team.

    Oligomenorrhea
    • Pelvic Exam Findings or transvaginal ultrasound Report if no pelvic exam completed.
      • Describe the abnormal findings/abnormality or specify if there are none
    • If unable to complete pelvic exam, please include reason. Please refer to Trauma Informed Exam Guide
     
    N/A

    If available:
    • Prolactin, TSH, B-HCG, total testosterone with SHBG to calculate free androgen index or Free Testosterone.
    • FSH/LH/Estradiol
      • Ideally bloodwork occurs on day 3 of menstrual cycle.
    • Treatments to date (progesterone challenge).
     
    N/A

    Pain in pelvis
    • Pain history
      • for example: previous treatments, duration, and results.
    • Pelvic exam: Describe the abnormal findings/abnormality or specify if there are none.
    • Transvaginal ultrasound report
    • If unable to complete pelvic exam, please include reason. Please refer to Trauma Informed Exam Guide
     
    N/A
    Pain in the Pelvis
    Chronic (>6months) and not related to menses, if related to menses refer to dysmenorrhea
    • Send referral to Zone FAST Team
    Additional Resources while awaiting consult:

    Pelvic mass
    • Tumor markers (CA125, CEA)
    If tumor markers are normal:
    • Transvaginal ultrasound report
    If tumor markers are abnormal:send to Gynecologic Oncology with the following additional information:
    • CT abdomen and pelvis ordered
     
    N/A
    Pelvic Mass
    (Includes adnexal mass -structures of the adnexa include fallopian tubes, ovaries, broad ligaments and associated areas (e.g., ovarian cyst)).

    Suspected Benign (normal tumor markers) send referral to Zone FAST Team.

    Pelvic organ prolapse
    • Pelvic Exam findings including a description of findings such as:
      • Size of prolapse
      • Relevant findings
      • Previous treatment initiated
    • If unable to complete pelvic exam, please include reason. Please refer to Trauma Informed Exam Guide
     
    N/A

    If prolapse is stage 4 (uterus is grapefruit to basketball size) order creatinine to rule out post-renal obstruction.
     
    N/A
    Pelvic Organ Prolapse
    • Send referral to Zone FAST Team.

    Polycystic ovary syndrome
    N/A
     
    N/A
    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
    (PCOS)
    • Refer to reason for referral that aligns with patient’s symptoms.
    • Refer to CLINICAL PATHWAY: Provincial PCOS Primary Care Clinical Pathway
    • For Amenorrhea, please refer to the reason for referral for process.
    • For Oligomenorrhea,  please refer to the reason for referral for process.
    • For Infertility,  please refer to the reason for referral for process.

    Post gender affirmation surgery problem
    N/A
     
    N/A
    Post Reconstructive Concerns
    • Send referral to Zone FAST Team
    Additional Resources include:

    Postmenopausal bleeding
    • Pelvic exam: Describe the abnormal findings/abnormality or specify if there are none.
    • Transvaginal Ultrasound Report
    • If unable to complete pelvic exam, please include reason. Please refer to Trauma Informed Exam Guide
     
    N/A

    • Endometrial biopsy is not required. If available, please send results.
    • CBC and Ferritin.
     
    N/A

    Primary ovarian failure
    • FSH >40 x2 (minimum one month apart) for initial diagnosis
    • TSH
     
    N/A

    If available:
    • Extent of symptoms
     
    N/A
    Management of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
    (Premature Ovarian Failure)
    EXCLUDING INFERTILITY ISSUES
    • Send referral to Zone FAST Team.

    Recurrent pregnancy loss, not pregnant
    Pregnancies and outcomes
     
    N/A
    Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
    Definition: 2 or more losses and includes non-consecutive and biochemical losses (excludes: ectopic and molar pregnancies)
    • For General Gynecology care refer to Zone FAST Team.
    • For Fertility Specialist care, refer as per local zonal processes.

    Suspected benign neoplasm of cervix
    If available
    • Description of cervix abnormalities
    • If unable to complete pelvic exam, please include reason. Please refer to Trauma Informed Exam Guide
     
    N/A
    Cervical Lesion Suspected Benign
    • Send referral to Zone FAST Team.

    Suspected malignant neoplasm of cervix
    2 Weeks
    If available:
    • Description of cervix abnormalities.
    • If unable to complete pelvic exam, please include reason. Please refer to Trauma Informed Exam Guide,
     
    N/A
    Cervical Lesion Suspected
    Malignant
    (Solid, Friable, Fungating)

    Send referral to Zone FAST Team

    Suspected malignant neoplasm of vulva
    < 3 Weeks
    • Physical exam: Describe the abnormalfindings/abnormality or specify if there are none.
    • If unable to complete pelvic exam, please include reason. Please refer to Trauma Informed Exam Guide,
     
    N/A
    Vulvar Lesion (Suspected Malignancy)

    Send referral to gynecologic oncology at the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre

    Transgender related consultation
    N/A
     
    N/A
    Transgender Care
    • Send referral to Zone FAST Team
    Additional Resources include:

    Urethrovesical fistula
    • Detailed History:
      • Surgery
      • Obstetrical History
      • Pelvic Intervention
    • Pelvic exam: Describe the abnormal findings (e.g., abnormal appearing vaginal mucosa, evidence of female genital cutting) or specify if there are none.
    • If unable to complete pelvic exam, please include reason. Please refer to Trauma Informed Exam Guide
    • No imaging required for referral
     
    N/A
    Vesico-Urethral Fistula
      • Send referral to Zone FAST Team.
      • Any imaging will be ordered by specialist as necessary. 

    Urinary incontinence
    • Previous treatment initiated (if any)
    • Within course of illness:
      • Urinalysis
      • Urine Culture
    • Pelvic exam: Describe the abnormal findings (e.g., description of vulva, leakage with coughing, description of prolapse) or specify if there are none.
    • If unable to complete pelvic exam, please include reason. Please refer to Trauma Informed Exam Guide,
     
    N/A
    Urinary Incontinence
    (Female)

    Uterine adenomyosis
    • Available Imaging results
    • CBC if abnormal bleeding.
    • Pelvic exam: Describe the abnormal findings/abnormality or specify if there are none
    • If unable to complete pelvic exam, please include reason. Please refer to Trauma Informed Exam Guide
    • Ferritin can provide additional information that can aide with triage.
     
    N/A
    Adenomyosis
    • Send referral to Zone FAST Team.
    • If related to Infertility, please refer to the reason for referral for process.

    Uterine fibroid
    • Transvaginal ultrasound report
    • CBC if abnormal bleeding
    • Pelvic exam: Describe the abnormal findings/abnormality or specify if there are none.
    • If unable to complete pelvic exam, please include reason. Please refer to Trauma Informed Exam Guide
    • Ferritin can provide additional information that can aide with triage.
     
    N/A
    Uterine Fibroid
    Symptomatic and Clinically Concerning
    • Send referral to Zone FAST Team
    • If related to Infertility, please refer to the reason for referral for process

    Uterine polyp
    • Transvaginal ultrasound report
    • CBC if abnormal bleeding
    • Pelvic exam: Describe the abnormal findings/abnormality or specify if there are none.
    • If unable to complete pelvic exam, please include reason. Please refer to Trauma Informed Exam Guide
    • Ferritin can provide additional information that can aide with triage.
     
    N/A
    Uterine Polyp
    • Send referral to Zone FAST Team.
    • If related to Infertility ,please refer to the reason for referral for process.

    Vaginitis
    Vaginal Swab Results
     
    N/A

    Previous treatment and number of treatments and response
     
    N/A
    Vaginitis
    Includes: Recurrent bacterial vaginosis (BV)
    • Send referral to Zone FAST Team.

    Vulval pain
    • Pain history
      • For example: previous treatments, duration, and results
    • Pelvic exam: Describe the abnormal findings/abnormality or specify if there are none.
    • If unable to complete pelvic exam, please include reason. Please refer to Trauma Informed Exam Guide
     
    N/A

    If available:
    • Transvaginal ultrasound report
     
    N/A
    Vulvar Pain Disorders
    • Send referral to Zone FAST Team.
    Additional Resources while awaiting consult:
    • Consider pelvic floor physiotherapy.
    Promote to your patients if appropriate: The National Vulvodynia Association


    Vulvovaginal disorder
    • Physical exam: Describe the abnormal findings/abnormality or specify if there are none.
    • If unable to complete pelvic exam, please include reason. Please refer to Trauma Informed Exam Guide
     
    N/A

    If available:
    • Previous treatment and number of treatments and response.
     
    N/A
    Vulvar/Vaginal Abnormalities
    Includes: Anatomic abnormalities, Labia hypertrophy (symptomatic), Obstetrical trauma, Agglutination
    • Send referral to Zone FAST Team.


    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.

     

    V6.5