What you need to know: Update to Halton Physicians for eReferral Ontario
Dear Halton Physicians,
Ontario Health Central Region has released an update regarding eReferral Ontario, an initiative designed to significantly reduce the administrative burden associated with patient referrals.
For family physicians, referrals—particularly to underserved specialties—are among the most time-consuming administrative tasks. Referrals are frequently declined, and with limited information beyond past experience or word-of-mouth, multiple referral attempts are often required before a patient is seen. This challenge is further compounded for patients who, out of necessity, receive care from family physicians outside their geographic region, making it difficult to identify specialists who will accept out-of-region referrals.
eReferral Ontario aims to address these challenges by streamlining referrals, increasing transparency, and improving access to care.
OceanMD has been selected as the eReferral platform for the Central Region—a welcome choice, as many physicians already use Ocean for secure messaging and online appointment booking. No action required for existing users of OceanMD.
Standardized Referral Forms
The first phase of eReferral expansion has focused on developing standardized eReferral forms. Over the past year, Amplify Care has engaged physicians to inform this work. Standardized forms have now been completed for 11 specialties, with draft forms for an additional five currently in development.
Central Intake Expansion
The next phase—expected to have the greatest impact—is the expansion of Central Intake for eReferrals across all specialties, as well as for diagnostic imaging and mental health services.
- In the Central Region, Orthopedics is currently live through Central Intake.
- Mental Health and Addictions, Diagnostic Imaging (CT/MRI), and Cataract Surgery are next to launch.
This approach will improve wait-time visibility, enhance transparency, and support more equitable access to care for our patients.
Self-Serve Onboarding Pilot
Ontario Health and Amplify Care are also testing a self-serve onboarding and training model for eReferral Ontario, allowing providers to onboard at their own pace, with support available as needed.
- Eligibility: Up to 50 primary care clinicians or community-based specialists (MDs, NPs) using an EMR and new to Ocean eReferral or onboarding new users
- Benefits: Early access to onboarding and training and the opportunity to help shape future eReferral adoption processes
- Timeframe: December 2025 – January 2026
- Commitment: Completion of self-directed onboarding, 4–6 hours of administrative time, 1–3 hours of clinician time over ~2 weeks, and 1–2 hours of feedback via interviews, focus groups, or surveys
How to Apply
Please refer to the attached information package for additional details The link to apply is below:
eReferral Opportunity: Testing Self-Serve Onboarding (Page 1 of 4)
Regards,
Dr. Kris Martiniuk, Clinical Lead PCN Advancement CCHOHT Dr. Yasar Razvi, Clinical Lead Digital Projects CCHOHT
