What is the Rapid Access Clinic Low Back Pain Program?
The RAC Low Back Pain program (formerly known as ISAEC) is an innovative, upstream, shared-care model of care in which patients receive rapid low back pain assessment (less than four weeks on average), education and evidence-based self-management plans. It is designed to decrease the prevalence of unmanageable chronic low back pain, reduce unnecessary diagnostic imaging as well as unnecessary specialist referral.
In April 2018, the RAC Low Back Pain program began rolling out across Ontario in a phased approach as part of the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care's exciting vision for musculoskeletal care.
Referral into the program is only available to patients whose family doctor or primary care nurse practitioner has enrolled in the program.
The RAC Low Back Pain program is funded by the Government of Ontario.
Is my RAC LBP appointment covered by OHIP?
Rapid Access Clinics services are fully covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). You MUST have a valid OHIP card to be assessed in this program.
Do I need a referral?
Your primary care provider, a family doctor or nurse practitioner, can refer you to a Rapid Access Clinic for an initial assessment of your low back pain and/or low back related leg pain, to determine the next steps in your care.
Please ask your Primary Care Provider (PCP) about being referred to the program.
NOTE: Referral into the program is only available to patients whose Primary Care Physician has enrolled in the program. Please check with your Primary Care Physician.
Am I a candidate for RAC-LBP?
The program is for patients who are over the age of 18 and have had low back pain and/or related leg symptoms (e.g., leg pain, numbness and/or tingling) for at least 6 weeks, but not longer than one year.
Patients with the following conditions are not candidates for the program:
• Long-standing low back conditions (greater than 12 months in a row of low back pain with no relief)
• Pain that is a result of an accident where the injury is covered under an insurance claim (for example, motor vehicle accident or workplace injury)
• Pregnant or within 12 months after childbirth
• Conditions that require urgent or emergency care
Please speak to your primary care provider who will be able to determine if your condition meets the program criteria.
How will my referral by handled?
Your assessment will be scheduled with the nearest available provider based on proximity to your home and availability. After receiving your referral, the Advanced Practice Provider’s office will contact you to book your appointment. You can expect an appointment within four weeks.
What happens during my RAC-LBP assessment?
• Dr. Koh will ask you standardized questions about your condition and medical history and will perform a physical examination. You will be provided with an explanation as to the likely causes of your low back pain and/or low back related leg symptoms.
• Dr. Koh will work with you to create a personalized plan to help you better manage your low back pain, improve your mobility and improve your overall physical function. These evidence-informed self management plans include advice on the importance of staying active as well as instruction on exercises and modified activities as needed.
• Under the context of the RAC-LBP program, Dr. Koh will not provide you with treatment (e.g., supervised therapeutic exercises or hands-on therapy), but will educate you on your condition and may recommend additional treatment options to support your self-management plan. These additional recommended options will be evidence informed and should be available from community providers.
How Do I Prepare for my ISAEC Appointment?
To optimize your time with Dr. Koh, we recommend that you download and complete the Initial Intake Form prior to your first appointment. For follow up appointments, please download and complete the Follow Up Intake Form
If you need to cancel your appointment, please contact our office AT LEAST 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment.
It is important that we understand your condition. If you are unable to clearly communicate your condition in English or French please bring a friend or family member who can translate on your behalf.
Question about your local RAC Low Back Pain program?
Rapid Access Clinics for Low Back Pain (RAC LBP) have rolled out across Ontario as part of the Ministry of Health's exciting vision for musculoskeletal care. Your region has diligently worked to make this program available for all patients that meet the program criteria. There are 16 RACs across Ontario, from Windsor to Thunder Bay, that have LBP providers who can facilitate referral to a RAC LBP close to you.
Please contact your region's central intake office (details below) for further information.
Central Couchiching Family Health Team North Simcoe Muskoka:705-735-0239 ext.2
Markham Stouffville Hospital Central: 905-472-7019
William Osler Health System Central West: 905-796-0040 ext. 7175
Trillium Health Partners Mississauga Halton: 905-338-2983 ext. 4912
Toronto St. Michael's Hospital
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Toronto Central: 416-967-8617
Toronto Western Hospital- UHN