eReferral and ophthalmology cataract central intake in Waterloo Wellington
Using eReferral and a centralized intake model leads to…
Reduced wait times
Research shows that using eReferral and implementing a central intake resulted in the reduction of wait times from 14 weeks to 4 weeks1
Quicker referral processing
eReferrals are processed approximately 22 days faster at central intake on average compared to fax referrals2
Improved communication
Patients and providers stay more informed through the automated email notifications that eReferral sends throughout the referral journey
Quick Facts
The central intake for ophthalmology cataract services triages referrals based on one of the following patient preferences:
- Shortest wait time
- Geography
- Provider
eReferral has been shown to support feasible, fast and safe patient referrals to ophthalmology services3
eReferral enables integrated communication through the eReferral solution – improving referrers’ ability to track referral status and communicate with specialists
Empowering referring providers with information on wait times and surgeons (available through Ocean eReferral) will improve the eye care pathway for patients. The regional central intake model is built around patient choice and will help us utilize surgical resources more effectively
Chryssa McAlister, MD
Waterloo Regional Eye Program
- Khan, A. A., Mustafa, M. Z., & Sanders, R. (2015). Improving patient access to prevent sight loss: ophthalmic electronic referrals and communication (Scotland). Public Health, 129(2), 117–123.
- Mohammed, H. T., Payson, L. A., & Alarakhia, M. (2020). The impact of integrating electronic referral within a musculoskeletal model of care on wait time to receive orthopedic care in Ontario. Plos one, 15(11), e0241624.
- Borooah, S., et al. (2013). Using electronic referral with digital imaging between primary and secondary ophthalmic services: a long term prospective analysis of regional service redesign. Eye, 27(3), 392-397.
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