Physician Referrals

Standard Referrals Fax: 1 (825) 540-4071

• Download and complete the referral form (see forms above)

• Include all required clinical information and recent test results

• Fax the completed form with supporting documentation

Step 1: Complete referral documentation (see requirements below)
Step 2: Fax referral to 1 (825) 540-4071
Step 3: Our team will acknowledge receipt within 7 days and complete triage within 14 days (or sooner based on urgency)
Step 4: Patient will be contacted directly within 14 days of accepting referral (or sooner based on urgency) to schedule appointment
Step 5: Consultation report sent back to referring physician within 30 days of visit

Timeline Expectations:

• Routine referrals: 4-12 weeks

• Urgent referrals: 1-2 weeks

For urgent medical opinions, referring physicians can contact GIMs through Specialist Link.

Common General Internal Medicine Conditions:

• Complex diabetes management and complications

• Complex hypertension diagnosis and management

• Hypertension - resistant or secondary causes, difficult management

• Lipid disorders and metabolic syndrome

• Cardiovascular risk assessment

• Unexplained symptoms requiring systematic evaluation with associated lab or diagnostic imaging abnormalities

• Medication optimization and polypharmacy management

• Pre-operative medical review for high-risk patients or medical assistance around procedures

Subspecialty Services:

• Thrombosis Medicine: Venous thromboembolism, anticoagulation management, bleeding risk management

• Obesity Medicine: Complex weight management, bariatric surgery evaluation, metabolic complications, post bariatric surgery review

• Clinical Pharmacology: Complex medication interactions, adverse drug reactions

• Hypertension Medicine: Complex hypertension diagnosis and management

• Perioperative Medicine: Pre-operative risk assessment, post-operative complications

We Do Not Typically See:

• Patients referred to other subspecialist consultants for the same condition who are either awaiting consultation or on a long waiting list

• Routine follow-up of stable chronic conditions

• Acute care issues requiring immediate intervention

• Conditions requiring subspecialty referral (cardiology, nephrology, etc.)

• Primary care or preventive health screening

• Chronic fatigue, long COVID, or undifferentiated symptoms without lab abnormalities

Patient Demographics:

• Full name, date of birth, Alberta Health Care number

• Current address and phone number

• Preferred contact method

Clinical Information:

• What are your main concerns regarding this patient?

• What diagnosis are you considering or hoping to confirm?

• Is there a specific question you would like us to address?

• Medical history including comorbidities

• Current medications including dosages

• Allergies and adverse drug reactions

• Social history including smoking, alcohol, and occupation

Recent Investigations:

• We will review relevant labs through Netcare

• Please attach imaging, consult notes, or labs not available on Netcare

Consultation Reports:

• Detailed consultation report sent to referring physician after appointment and uploaded to Netcare

• Includes comprehensive assessment, recommendations, and follow-up plan

• Copy sent to referring physician and patient's family physician (if different)

Ongoing Communication:

• For urgent questions about referred patients, call clinic directly

• Non-urgent questions can be submitted by fax

• Consultation notes provide clear recommendations for ongoing care and follow-up management

Coverage Area: Calgary and surrounding areas.

Cancellation Policy:

Please note that patients who do not attend a confirmed appointment or cancel with less than 24 hours notice may be subject to a missed appointment fee. This helps us respect the time of all patients and maintain access for those in need.

A fee may apply for missed or late-cancelled confirmed appointments.

Billing:

• Direct billing to Alberta Health Care

• No patient fees for insured services

• Uninsured services billed separately if applicable

• Patients without active Alberta healthcare coverage must arrange prepayment of services prior to their clinic appointment

Wait List Management:

• Patients are contacted directly when appointments become available

• Updates on patient status are appreciated including consultation with other specialists, resolution of referral indication, or significant demographic changes

• Referrals remain active until the patient is seen, cancels their appointment, or cannot be contacted after two attempts. Patients who are not seen will have their referral returned to the referring physician