Health authority services play a critical role in the referrals and orders pathway. We have consistently heard from partners that many patient journeys extend beyond community care and involve referrals to health authority clinics, programs, diagnostics and specialist services.
The DRO program is focusing implementation on community-based family physicians and specialists because this is where most referrals originate and where the program was first designed to deliver value. By building a strong foundation in community care, we are creating the conditions for broader expansion across the health system.
Our vision is simple: a future where referrals and orders move seamlessly between community providers, specialists, diagnostic services and health authority programs - improving care coordination, reducing administrative burden and supporting better patient care across BC.
Active engagement is underway with health authority partners to inform future planning and implementation. While community deployment remains the current focus, starting with Vancouver Island, expansion into health authority settings is an important part of the long-term roadmap.
The initial focus for health authorities includes these high referral volume areas:
- BC Cancer
- Labs
- Medical imaging
- Primary care
We're excited to take these next steps together and look forward to working with health authority teams as we continue building a modern, connected referral and ordering system for British Columbia.
