Connecting you with local and national services to support patient care
Referral and Support Services
Diabetes
Canada
Diabetes Canada is a leading organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by diabetes through education, advocacy, and research. They provide resources, support, and programs to help individuals manage Type 2 diabetes.
National Indigenous Diabetes Association
The National Indigenous Diabetes Association is dedicated to improving diabetes care and outcomes for Indigenous communities across Canada. They provide the Pathway to Wellness handbook for Indigenous Peoples living with diabetes.
Canadian Dietitians Society
The Canadian Dietitians Society supports T2D healthcare providers with up-to-date nutritional education and resources, helping them apply the latest dietary strategies for managing Type 2 diabetes effectively.
Banting & Best Diabetes Centre
The Banting and Best Diabetes Centre supports T2D healthcare providers with essential resources and educational programs, enhancing management and patient care through the latest research and clinical guidelines.
Diabetes Centres and Other Community Support Programs
Do You Need Help Navigating Health Services?
HealthLink BC is your go-to resource for comprehensive health information and support. Offering expert guidance, practical resources, and connections to healthcare professionals, HealthLink BC is dedicated to helping you manage your health effectively and make informed decisions about your well-being.
Do You Need a Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner?
Residents of British Columbia seeking a family doctor or nurse practitioner should register with the Health Connect Registry. Establishing a stable, long-term relationship with a primary care provider is crucial for maintaining good health for you and your family.
Do You Need to Talk to a Dietitian?
Registered dietitians at HealthLink BC provide telephone, email, and web-based services to assist B.C. residents and health professionals with food and nutrition needs. Available Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm Pacific Time, they offer accessible support wherever you are in British Columbia.
Do You Need to Talk to a Pharmacist?
Pharmacists can provide information about diabetes medications and devices and help them manage their condition, and under certain circumstance can renew or change their prescriptions. Since June 2023, over 409,000 people have benefited from these services—book an appointment or visit a pharmacy to learn more.
Are You Interested in Diabetes Research?
The podcast "From Beta Cells to Bicycles" features discussions with prominent researchers from the BC Diabetes Research Network, covering various aspects of diabetes research from laboratory discoveries to nutrition and exercise science in the pursuit of a cure.
Diabetes Centres Interior BC
Do you live in the Interior of British Columbia? Are looking for a diabetes centre - Interior Health has provided a list of resources for you.
Diabetes Centres Island BC
Do you live on Vancouver Island British Columbia? Are looking for a diabetes centre - Island Health has provided a list of resources for you.
Diabetes Centres Coastal BC
Do you live the coastal area of British Columbia? Are looking for a diabetes centre - Vancouver Coastal Health has provided a list of resources for you.
Diabetes Care Centres Fraser Valley BC
If you live in the Fraser Health catchment area, we have a list of diabetes care clinics and education programs for you.
Diabetes Centres Northern BC
Do you live in Northern British Columbia? Are looking for a diabetes centre - Northern Health has provided a list of resources for you.
Mobile Diabetes Program Northern BC
Do you live in Northern British Columbia and need to access a mobile diabetes clinic. CSFC provides one-on-one support to help patients manage their diabetes, with our specialist-trained nurses delivering care across Northern BC. During appointments, they assess feet and eyes, collect blood and urine samples, and share results with both patients and their primary care providers. Their team, including a Diabetes Nurse Educator and Vision Technician, works closely with provincial experts to ensure comprehensive care.
Mobile Diabetes Program First Nations Southern BC
The Seabird Mobile Diabetes Program offers crucial diabetes care, including blood and retinal screenings, to prevent complications and enhance the quality of life for First Nations people on remote reserves in Southern BC and the Fraser Valley. The team delivers personalized, culturally-sensitive care directly to communities, empowering individuals through education and comprehensive support.
National Indigenous
Diabetes Association
The National Indigenous Diabetes Association is dedicated to improving diabetes care and outcomes for Indigenous communities across Canada. They offer resources, support, and education tailored to the unique needs of Indigenous peoples, aiming to enhance awareness, self-management, and overall health through culturally relevant programs and initiatives.
The Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition
The Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition is pioneering the shift towards integrating food-based treatments for chronic diseases into mainstream care. By advancing research and practical applications, we aim to make personalized, nutrition-driven therapies a standard and accessible choice for managing health conditions.
Canada Indian Network Society
This initiative strengthens Canada-India ties by promoting collaboration, advancing social innovation, and using technology. It fosters dialogue and cooperation to tackle shared challenges, exchange best practices, and create impactful solutions. By leveraging technology and cross-cultural exchange, we aim to build a resilient network that benefits both nations and supports global progress.
Diabetes Referral Resources
Pathways - Divisions of Family Practice
Pathways is an online resource offering family doctors, office staff, and specialists in BC quick access to referral information, wait times, and specialist expertise. Developed initially by the Fraser Northwest Division of Family Practice, Pathways includes features like a community service directory, a Referral Tracker for managing and tracking referrals, and secure communication tools. Funded by the Family Practice Services Committee and local divisions, Pathways enhances patient care by streamlining referrals and providing patients with timely updates on their referral status and community services.
Pathways - BC Medical Care Directory
With approximately two-thirds of BC’s family doctors listed, the directory also serves as a clinic website for those without one and links to existing physician websites, streamlining access to physician information and supporting doctors in maintaining their online profiles.
Pathways - Referral Tracker Prototype
The Pathways Referral Tracker enhances the referral process by allowing physicians and their staff to send, track, and manage patient referrals through a collaborative dashboard. Features include real-time status updates, secure messaging between GP and specialist offices, and automated patient notifications. This tool improves efficiency by reducing no-shows and easing communication, and it supports patients by providing clear updates on their referral status and appointment reminders. The Tracker is set to expand beyond its initial pilot phase, with preparations including creating physician profiles and collecting patient consent for electronic communications.
Pathways - Community Services Directory
The Pathways Community Services Directory is a key tool designed to enhance patient care by integrating social services with medical treatment. It provides a comprehensive, easy-to-navigate platform for locating community services related to social determinants of health, such as mental health support and chronic care. Physicians benefit from quick access to relevant services and the ability to email these directly to patients, while patients gain access to tailored service recommendations and a robust search function to find local resources. The directory supports both physicians and patients by consolidating essential services into a user-friendly format, reducing the need for extensive searching across multiple directories.
LifeStyleRx Diabetes Reversal Program Referral
Empower your patients to take control of Type 2 Diabetes with LifestyleRx, a virtual clinic dedicated to reversing and managing diabetes through proven lifestyle changes.
Diabetes Clinic & Education Referral Fraser Health
Fraser Health’s diabetes education centers offer comprehensive education and support for individuals living with diabetes, as well as their families and the broader community. Through classes and one-on-one counseling, participants can learn about various topics, including healthy eating, blood sugar monitoring, physical activity, weight management, and strategies for maintaining overall health while managing diabetes. A referral from a healthcare professional is required to access these services.
Diabetes Clinic & Education Referral Island Health
Diabetes Education Centres in Island Health provide education, support, and assistance to people who have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes.
BC Diabetes Education Referral Preferred
Provides education and support to people living with diabetes, their family members and the community. Topic areas include healthy eating, blood glucose testing, exercise, and staying healthy while living with diabetes.
RACE - Rapid Access to Consultative Expertise
RACE (Remote Access to Consultative Expertise) offers expert advice for healthcare providers across British Columbia, providing real-time access to specialist consultations and guidance. This valuable resource supports physicians and healthcare professionals in managing complex cases by connecting them with expert opinions and advice via phone or secure online platforms, ensuring timely and informed decision-making in patient care.
Doctors of BC - Consultation and Referral Process
Changes to the Re-Referral Process: As of July 1, 2023, new updates to the MSC Payment Schedule aim to enhance the re-referral process. Addressing longstanding issues identified by the Consultation Working Group (CWG) and the Consultation and Referral Working Group (CRWG), these changes introduce the Implicit Re-referral (IRR)/Subsequent Consultation (SC) option. This new process allows for routine, planned re-referrals for the same issue without the need for explicit re-referrals, streamlining interactions and reducing administrative burdens for both physicians and patients. This option is available for gradual adoption and aims to improve efficiency in managing ongoing patient care. For detailed guidance and FAQs, please refer to the updated process information on our website.
Healthcare Provider Support Services
FPSC Practice Support Program
The Family Practice Services Committee's (FPSC) Practice Support Program (PSP) provides tailored services to help family physicians optimize their practice, enhance the use of health technology, and manage patient panels more effectively. PSP’s team works to improve practice efficiency, giving physicians more time for proactive patient care and facilitating the adoption of patient medical home attributes. Services are customized to meet the specific needs of each practice and are designed to fit within the demands of a busy schedule.
Doctors of BC Practice Supports
Doctors of BC offers a range of resources specifically designed for practicing physicians. This section provides access to a consolidated collection of benefits and insurance forms, information on the Physician Health Program and Practice Support Programs, billing and audit resources (including audit process expectations and FAQs), and a link to the Fee Guide (login required). Additionally, you'll find handbooks, guides, and other tools to support the effective management of your practice and ensure optimal care for your patients.
Divisions of Family Practice Practice Supports
Many resources are available to support divisions and physicians in driving healthcare change within their communities. Some have been created by the provincial divisions team, while others have been shared by individual divisions for broader use. Standalone resources can be found in a searchable catalogue format by logging into the divisions resource catalogue. Frequently accessed resources are also available through the Resource Quick Links in the sidebar.
SWITCH BC Physician Support Program
The Community Physician Health and Safety Program is designed to support and enhance workplace health and safety for all community-based physicians and their support staff. This program provides tools and resources to improve both psychological and physical health, prevent violence and injuries, and ensure compliance with safety standards. By addressing key health and safety concerns, the program helps create a safer, more supportive work environment for physicians and their teams.
Doctors of BC - Physicians Health and Safety
Doctors of BC supports physician health and safety through various initiatives, including the Physician Health Program (PHP) for counseling and peer support, and the Physician Wellness Network for communication and wellness activities. Programs like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Skills Training and the Physician Peer Support Network provide additional resources for personal well-being and emotional support. New efforts include expanding the Family Doctor Connection Service and launching a Virtual Peer Support Group for BIPOC physicians to foster inclusivity.
Doctors Technology Supports
The Doctors Technology Office (DTO), funded by the FPSC, provides essential support and resources to help family physicians and practice teams navigate health technology. Acting as your tech advisor, DTO offers guidance on optimizing health technology tools, including clinic security, EMR management, and virtual care. If technology issues arise, DTO assists with troubleshooting and escalating problems to ensure your practice remains operational. Whether you're looking to enhance your clinic's security or engage in digital health, DTO is here to streamline your technology experience and support your practice's tech needs.
Physician Practice Enhancement Program
The PPEP is a College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC program offering feedback on clinical practice and guidance for improvement. It ensures safe, competent, and ethical patient care by requiring all BC registrants who provide community-based care or work as locums to participate in assessments at various points in their careers.
BC Nurses Union Workplace Health & Safety
The BCNU's Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) department is dedicated to ensuring safe workplaces for its members. By advocating for comprehensive, evidence-based health and safety programs, the department prioritizes your well-being. If you experience a workplace incident, report it immediately to the Provincial Call Centre at 1-866-922-9464, even if no injury or illness is apparent. The Employer is legally required to investigate all reported incidents. BCNU's specialized teams are available to support you through various challenges—click the links below for more information on how they can assist you.
BC Nurses Union Mental Health Supports for Nurses
The Mobile Response Team (MRT) is dedicated to supporting the mental well-being and psychological safety of front-line healthcare workers, particularly those in home care and long-term care, who are facing significant distress due to COVID-19. For assistance, contact the MRT at 1-888-686-3022 or email MRT@phsa.ca. Additionally, the British Columbia Psychological Association offers online resources to help front-line workers manage psychological impacts.
BCCNM Professional Practice Supports
The BC College of Nurses and Midwives Standards Support team assists nurses and midwives in applying relevant standards to their practice, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and public protection. They offer consultations to navigate complex situations and provide learning resources to support compliance across various practice settings.
Health Canada Nursing Retention Toolkit
To combat the acute nursing shortages both nationally and internationally, in 2024 the Nursing Retention Toolkit: Improving the Working Lives of Nurses in Canada has been developed.
Canadian BC Mental Health Association Support
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) offers a range of wellness programs designed to support mental health and well-being. Whether you are managing a mental illness, assisting a loved one, or aiming to enhance your own mental health, CMHA provides resources and programs to build mental health skills and resilience for individuals and families. Their services focus on promoting overall health and supporting mental wellness at every stage.
Is there something we missed?
We’d love to hear your suggestions on how we can improve our Network