Orthopedics / Musculoskeletal (MSK) Rapid Assessment Clinic (RAC)

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The Mackenzie Health Musculoskeletal (MSK) Rapid Assessment Clinic is part of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s mandate that all patients referred for hip and knee joint replacement surgery will have an initial assessment. These assessments are done by an advanced practice practitioner who helps to determine if the patient is a candidate for surgery. The Central Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) has established a centralized referral system for hip and knee joint replacement patients at each of the region’s five Rapid Access Clinics (RAC). These are designed to help improve patient access and decrease wait times.

The key elements of the program include:

Central intake and referral management;
The ability to choose the hospital, specific surgeon or the first available surgeon;
Timely comprehensive assessments with advanced practice therapists;
A surgeon consult, if required;
Self-management support;
Referral to community resources.

The MSK Rapid Assessment Clinic is located at:

C-Wing, Level 2, Room 2705 (same as MUCC clinic)
10 Trench Street,
Richmond Hill, ON
L4C 4Z3

Referring a patient

A completed central intake referral form must be completed by your primary care provider. Visit our referral and consent forms page to download the referral form.

Physician’s offices can fax the form to our central intake team at (855) 346-9138.

How do I receive my appointment date and time?

A representative from the Mackenzie Health patient scheduling office will call you within two to four weeks of the referral being received to advise you of your appointment location, date and time, and your recommended arrival time.

Online convenience with MyChart

We’re pleased to offer our patients easy online access to their Mackenzie Health medical record through MyChart. This free online tool allows you to view your medical record from your personal device, including your phone, computer or tablet. Through MyChart, you have the ability to:

View your appointment calendars and details.
Update your patient demographic at any time and e-check in seven days before o your next appointment.
And receive post-appointment clinical notes and test results.

Patients can register for MyChart when scheduling an appointment or can sign up online at mackenziehealth.ca/mychart.

How do I prepare for my appointment?

You will receive a telephone reminder a few days before your scheduled appointment. Please ensure that you confirm or cancel your appointment through our automated system.

You should plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.

Please follow any preparation instructions provided at the point of scheduling. To prepare or your appointment, you should also bring:

Your valid health card.
A list of your medications.
Your x-ray disc.
Bring shorts or wear loose-fitting clothing to make it easier for our staff to assess your lower extremities during your assessment.
A family member or friend, if you wish.

Please remember that Mackenzie Health is a scent-free environment.

How long does the assessment take?

The assessment may take up to one hour.

What you can expect as part of the Musculoskeletal (MSK) Rapid Assessment Clinic (RAC)?

During your appointment at the MSK RAC, you can expect to:

Review your medical history with one of our advanced practice providers;
Ask questions about your pain, mobility and function (daily living activities);
Complete a physical assessment of your hip or knee;
Discuss and review the recommendations and plan developed for you.

Before your assessment, please sign into MyChart and complete our questionnaire.

Your assessment will be completed by an advanced practice provider who conducts a detailed review of your health history, performs a physical examination, and reviews your x-rays.

If you are a candidate for surgery and want to have a surgical consultation, you will be notified of your appointment with the orthopedic surgeon.

If you are a surgical candidate, you will attend a prehab class at Mackenzie Health Richmond Hill Hospital. This class will help to prepare you for what to expect before and after your surgery.

If you do not wish to proceed with a surgical consultation or surgery, you will be given strategies, exercises, education and recommendations to help you manage your symptoms.

To view your recommended exercise guides for both patients that are surgical candidates and those that are not proceeding with surgery, log in to MyChart or click one of the links below to download a copy:

What do I do when I arrive at the hospital?

Patients may park in the Visitors parking lot (North of the hospital) and enter through the D-wing, Emergency Department entrance. Click here for more information on parking services.
During peak hours, parking can take longer than expected. Please allow yourself extra time to accommodate this. Alternate options are to take public transit or get dropped off by a family member or friend.
Check in at Patient Registration located in C-Wing Level 2 (between the C-wing, main lobby and D-wing Emergency entrance) using our self-serve kiosks.
Once you have checked in, make your way to Room 2705 (same as the MUCC clinic) on level 2 of the C-Wing

How do I reschedule my appointment?

Please provide at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. You can cancel your appointment online using MyChart. However, you will need to reschedule by calling the patient scheduling office at 905-883-1212 ext. 2004 (from Richmond Hill) or 905 832 4554 ext. 2004 (from Vaughan).

Resources:

Hip & Knee Replacement with Dr. Mike Evans