Patients Served
The North East Joint Assessment Centre (NEJAC), implemented by the NE LHIN, was established to help reduce wait times for surgery for patients who suffer from hip or knee arthritis.
NEJAC is a an initiative of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's provincial Wait Times Strategy, which is committed to offering surgical dates to patients within 182 days of their initial consultation.
Overview
NEJAC requires a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner. A consultation with the Advanced Practice Physiotherapist (APP) will be organized by NEJAC Staff within 1-2 weeks of the received referral date.
At the Joint Assessment Centre, the APP will perform a comprehensive assessment. If it is determined that surgery is required, patients are given a choice between a preferred surgeon or the next available surgeon, thereby reducing the wait time. In order to optimize patients' surgical outcomes, the APP also assists patients in preparing for their joint replacement surgery.
If the patient isn't ready or if surgery is deemed to be unnecessary, the APP will work with these patients to develop a more conservative plan of care.
There is no fee associated with NEJAC.
Referral information
A referral is required. Please have your physician or nurse practitioner complete the referral form and fax it to us.