Single-Entry Model for Diagnostic Imaging Referrals

MRI and Ultrasound launched in fall 2023

Surgeons and Primary Care Providers who are onboarded to the e-referral tool have the ability to choose ultrasound as a service, in addition to MRI, under the Diagnostic Imaging (DI) Provincial Queue on the Ocean Healthmap. Read the full memo here.

eReferrals are the provincial standard for sending surgical, MRI and ultrasound requisitions. As an Action for Health priority, all onboarded primary care providers (PCPs) are expected to use the tool for sending referrals to these services. If not onboarded, please submit your request here.

More information is available on the Nova Scotia's eReferral Resource Hub.

Help is available.

Primary care providers can request in-person clinic visits to support onboarding, training and adoption of Ocean eReferrals.
If you have any questions about eReferrals, complete the contact form at www.referralsns.ca/contact-us

Want more information?

The Nova Scotia eReferral Resource Hub has an extensive library of support materials, including how-to-guides for senders. Visit www.referralsns.ca/faqs

We are dedicated to listening and learning from providers.

A number of enhancements have been made to the eReferrals tool and processed since the launch of eReferrals for surgery in March. Learn more at eReferrals Enhancements – updated Aug. 29

Watch for additional updates as ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scan are expected to follow before 2024.

Questions can be submitted at www.referralsns.ca/contact-us

Direct eReferral Support for Radiologists

The Diagnostic eReferral project team has developed a dedicated support plan for radiologists using eReferrals for MRI and ultrasound.

Hours of availability: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Submit a ticket here.

Doctors Nova Scotia Webinar on MRI Ocean eReferrals: Recording & Q&A

Thank you to all who attended the Doctors Nova Scotia Webinar on MRI Ocean eReferrals on Monday, September 18. In case you missed it:

Click here for the full recording
Click here for the Q&A

About Diagnostic Imaging eReferrals

Nova Scotia is implementing Diagnostic Imaging eReferrals as a key component of our commitment to improve access, reduce administrative burdens throughout the healthcare system, and achieve national targets for exam wait times.

Moving away from paper requisitions to electronic referrals is exciting and will allow for:

more equitable and timely access to services
improved tracking of requests
identification of duplicate requests
centralized, accurate and up-to-date wait list to support health services planning
standardized requisition forms that support complete and appropriate referrals

Diagnostic Imaging eReferrals will create a single point of entry requisition model, with the booking of appointments continuing to be completed by clerical/administrative staff at diagnostic imaging sites throughout the province.

The tool supporting this change (Ocean), is also being used to support the new single-entry intake model rolled-out for surgical referrals. Providers set up to use Ocean will be able to use the tool for both surgical and diagnostic imaging referrals.

Project Leads

Dr. Judy Rowe, Radiologist and Physician Lead, Diagnostic Imaging Informatics, Nova Scotia Health

Kimberley Anderson, Network Leader, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services Network, Nova Scotia Health.

They will be looking for your engagement and feedback to make this project a success. Please watch for further information as planning unfolds.