eReferral
Electronic Referral (eReferral) simplifies the referral process.
About eReferral
Electronic Referral (eReferral) enhances communication between primary care clinicians and specialists/organizations and enabling quick and secure referrals to be sent and received through an electronic platform.
Amplify Care is supporting the development and adoption of coordinated access and eReferral in Ontario. Working closely with system and community partners, our team is developing an integrated end-to-end eReferral strategy focused on connecting primary care clinicians to available specialists and programs while improving communication between clinicians and patients.
One of our goals is to leverage innovative technologies to create referral solutions across the province.
The many sides of eReferral
At Amplify, we’re involved in all aspects of eReferral, including leading or supporting initiatives that enhance the end-to-end referral process and improve clinician and patient experiences.
The Stats – eReferral Across Ontario
Wondering about the uptake of eReferral in Ontario? Check out the stats including the number of eReferrals sent.
Ontario Health eReferral Website
Interested in eReferral? Learn more about how to get started.
Standardized eReferral Forms
As part of a province-wide initiative, Ontario Health is working with Amplify Care to develop standardized eReferral forms.
Amplify Care Supports the Provincial eReferral Repository
Ontario Health has established an eReferral Repository. eReferral data is stored within Ontario Health and used only by authorized Ontario Health personnel for purposes as defined by PHIPA.
Ocean eReferral Resources
Looking for Ocean eReferral resources? Whether you’re a sender, receiver, or both, you’ll find everything you need to maximize your efficiency with Ocean eReferral.
Ontario eReferral Deployment Teams
eReferral deployment is supported by Ontario Health. Visit this page to find out who can support you.
National eReferral Community of Practice (CoP)
This initiative brings eReferral leaders from across Canada together to discuss common issues and successes. Find out more.
Read the peer-reviewed research behind eReferral
How we amplify
- Integrated with most electronic medical record (EMRs), so you can send referrals quickly and directly
- Standardized referral forms are updated automatically with pre-populated information from your EMR
- Referral status updates within your EMR
- A map-based directory of available services and programs, complete with wait times where available
- 3,284 Cumulative number of eReferral Receiver listings (as of January 31, 2025)
- eReferral forms include integrated clinical guidelines to support best practices, e.g. when it’s clinically appropriate to request an X-ray versus MRI
- Administrative tasks are lessened, such as the need to make follow-up phone calls
- 15,676 Cumulative number of eReferral senders (as of January 31, 2025)
- Patients can choose to receive email notifications with referral status so they can track their referral from start to completion
- They can receive appointment instructions via email (i.e., do not eat two hours prior to appointment)
- Patients can confirm appointments directly from the email notifications
- 88% of patients that are satisfied with the eReferral experience (FY 24/25; N=35,096)
- 95% of patients that found the eReferral process easy to follow (FY 24/25; N=35,096)
- 88% of patients that felt more informed about their care (FY 24/25; N=35,096)
Very efficient way to get notice of the referral and the subsequent appointment booking
Patient in OH North West Region
Of all the referral systems we already have in place, this is the best by a mile.
Primary Care Clinician
I have always received immediate attention for any problem that pops up!
Patient in OH East Region
I really enjoy using the Ocean platform and have found it to be extremely helpful on many levels. I feel it fills a significant gap in the referral process and the management of referrals. I particularly appreciate how it facilitates communication, helping to create a more connected circle of care around the patient.
Nurse Navigator, SCOPE Program, GB-OHT
Case studies & publications
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Clinicians, Efficiency, Medical Imaging, Perceived Impact, Sending Referral Workflows, Standardized eReferral FormsExploring the Impact of the Medical Imaging Standardized eReferral Form on Clinician Efficiency and Timing of Sending eReferrals
A case study that looks at patient experience with eReferral in Ontario: surveys indicate an improved healthcare experience, and that patients prefer eReferral to their previous referral experiences.
Interested in using eReferral?
Please complete the Ontario Health Expression of Interest (EOI) form
and our team will reach out to you to get started!
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