In order to improve the quality and efficiency of treatment for low-back pain, the province of Ontario is launching a Provincial Low-Back Pain Strategy to:
- Decrease wait times for medically-necessary diagnostic imaging, and
- Improve outcomes for patients suffering from low back pain.
The strategy has three components:
- Evidence-based amendments to the Schedule of Benefits. Effective April 1, 2012. This change applies to all referring providers and specialists.
- Educational resources (e.g. a toolkit and continuing education) for primary care providers. These tools will help you better help your patients in managing low back pain.
- Phase one: Online tools in November 2012
- Phase two: Online and in-person continuing education training starting February 2013.
- A provincial pilot of ‘rapid assessment and education centres’ for low back pain. Launching November 2012.
INFOBulletin updates released by the ministry:
- Bulletin # 11048 distributed August 28, 2012: Provincial Strategy for X-Ray, Computed Tomography (CT) and/or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for Low Back Pain
- Bulletin # 4561 distributed May 8, 2012: Amendments to the Schedule of Benefits for Physician Services – Effective April 1, 2012
- Bulletin # 4563 distributed June 4, 2012: Computed Tomography (CT) and/or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for Chronic Low Back Pain