Your primary care provider (a family doctor or nurse practitioner) will determine if you meet the program criteria. If you meet the criteria, they can refer you to the Rapid Access Clinic for an initial assessment. This may be for low back and/or related leg pain and will help determine the next steps in your care.

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Only primary care providers connected to the clinic can make referrals.

The pilot program is for patients who:

• Reside in the Fraser Health Region
• Are over the age of 18
• Have had low back pain and/or related leg symptoms, and
• Have had symptoms for at least 6 weeks but not longer than one year. 

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Patients with the following conditions are not eligible for the pilot program:

• Long-term low back conditions. (Back pain longer than 12 months in a row). 
• Pain from an accident where the injury is covered under an insurance claim. (Ex. if your injury is from a motor vehicle accident or workplace injury). 
• Pregnant or within 12 months after childbirth.
• Conditions that require urgent or emergency care.

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​Please speak to your primary care provider, who will confirm if you are eligible for the pilot program. 

After receiving your referral, a physiotherapy office closest to your home address will contact you to book your appointment. You can expect an appointment within four (4)weeks.​

An online Patient Intake Questionnaire will be emailed to you from the Pilot's Central Intake Office. To make the most of your time with your physiotherapist, please make sure to complete the questionnaire, which will take 20-30 minutes.

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If you don't have email access, the questionnaire can be completed at the physiotherapist's office on the day of your appointment. Please make sure to arrive 30 minutes early so you'll have time to complete the questionnaire.

If you need to change or cancel your appointment, please contact your physiotherapist’s office 24 hours before. The contact information will be provided to you at the time of your booking.​

If English is not your first language and you are concerned, please bring a friend or a family member to your appointment who can translate. It is important that you can easily speak with your physiotherapist during your appointment.

The initial assessment will be about one (1) hour long. It is recommended that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment.

Your physiotherapist is a regulated, health care professional, trained in low back care. They will: 

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• Ask specific questions about your condition and medical history. 
• Perform a physical examination, so wear comfortable clothes. 
• Talk to you about the likely causes of your low back pain. 
• Work with you to create a personal plan to help you better manage your low back pain. This will improve your ability to move, comfort, and function. Your self-management plan will include advice on staying active and instructions on specific rehab exercises.

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Please note:

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• Your physiotherapist will not provide you with hands-on treatment. They will educate you on your condition, which may include suggestions for treatment options to support your self-management plan. 
• Any suggested treatment options they recommend should be available from community providers.

Surgery or advanced treatment is based on your assessment and your response to initial management. If needed, you will be referred the appropriate care provider for this level of care. This includes a physiotherapist practice lead for the pilot program, a spine surgeon and pain specialist. 

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You may also receive a referral for an MRI or CAT scan, as required by your team.

No medication is prescribed or provided by the clinic's team members.

Your primary care provider will receive a written summary of your assessment, self-management plan, next steps, and follow-up appointments. Your physiotherapist may directly contact your primary care provider if required.

On average, the wait time for the clinic is less than four (4)weeks.