Specialty Access makes it easier for patients to get the specialty care they need. It starts with a conversation between a patient and their family doctor. From there, the doctor can:
If surgery is required, Facilitated Access to Specialized Treatment (FAST) ensures referrals include the right clinical information for triage. Patients can then choose the first available surgeon or a surgeon of their choice.
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The document outlines the Specialty Access initiative. The goal is to reduce referral burden, improve transparency, and ensure patients receive timely, coordinated care across Alberta.
View summaryThis document explains how the Specialty Access team works with family doctors, specialists, patients and other partners to co-design better, province-wide referral and clinical pathways.
View documentThe infographic summarizes the progress made by Specialty Access programs as of July 2025.
View infographic
Facilitated Access to Specialized Treatment (FAST)Transforming healthcare, one referral at a time
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Alberta’s Pathway HubTransforming healthcare, one pathway at a time
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Specialty Advice Transforming healthcare, one conversation at a time
Non Urgent Telephone Advice:
Non-Urgent Electronic Advice: eReferral
Electronic Referral Solution Transforming healthcare, one technology at a time
ERS, or Electronic Referral Solution, involves the integration of multiple Information Technology (IT) systems to support electronic referral submission and management. ERS supports health care providers creating referrals, specialists delivering that care and the patient receiving that care.
Specialty Access programs are a collaboration between the Government of Alberta, Primary Care Alberta, Acute Care Alberta, Alberta Medical Association’s Accelerating Change Transformation Team (ACTT), primary care, specialty care, allied health and the patient and family advisors groups. Indigenous representatives and organizations from across Alberta have also been involved in this work.
