Clear information before a referral or appointment
Answers for patients, families and referring clinicians about referrals, virtual consultations, clinic scope, privacy and contact information.
Do I need a referral?
Yes. A written referral from a physician or nurse practitioner is required before every new specialist consultation. Patients cannot self-refer.
Who can be seen by the clinic?
The practice provides adult referral-based virtual specialist consultations for patients who are physically located in Ontario at the time of care, when virtual assessment is clinically appropriate.
Does the clinic offer in-person appointments?
No in-person patient visits take place at the listed mailing address. If an examination or in-person service is required, the patient will be advised about an appropriate local pathway.
Does the nephrology service provide dialysis care?
No. Patients with end-stage kidney disease, dialysis-dependent kidney failure, or a need for dialysis planning or ongoing dialysis-program management should be considered for a hospital-based nephrologist or regional renal program.
Can the clinic arrange a kidney biopsy or dialysis vascular access?
No. Kidney biopsy and creation, assessment or management of dialysis vascular access—including arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and tunneled or non-tunneled dialysis catheters—require hospital-based procedural care.
What happens after my clinician sends a referral?
The referral is reviewed for clinical scope, completeness, urgency and virtual-care suitability. If accepted, the clinic contacts the patient with scheduling information.
How are urgent referrals handled?
Urgent referrals are reviewed promptly and prioritized according to clinical need and appointment availability. The reason for urgency and supporting clinical information should be clearly included. The clinic does not provide emergency services.
Will my referring clinician receive a report?
Yes. A consultation report with findings and recommendations is sent to the referring clinician.
Is the mailing address a patient clinic?
No. The Mississauga address is for administrative correspondence only. No in-person patient visits occur at that location.
Can I send medical information through a website form?
Do not send personal health information through an unsecured general website form. Referring offices should use the designated referral pathway and their usual secure clinical communication method.
Referral-based specialist care across Ontario
Referring clinicians may submit relevant clinical information through the clinic’s referral pathway.