Physician Referrals

Learn how to get a referral to a medical doctor on our team.

Never had a formal diagnosis of a hypermobile disorder? Learn how to get a referral to a Medical Doctor. Physicians may make a referral by filling out the form via the button below and faxing it to 833-527-9507.

Medical Doctor Referral

A focused assessment by a Medical Doctor or similarly qualified Physician will be provided if all criteria are met:

  • This pathway is only for patients who have never had a formal diagnosis of a hypermobile disorder

  • You must have a primary care provider

  • Referral from a Medical Doctor or Nurse Practitioner is Required

What you recieve:

Letter indicating whether you meet diagnostic criteria for a hypermobile disorder

Management Suggestions to your referring practitioner

You can self-refer to participate in Our Services. A follow-up Medical Doctor visit is not scheduled

Physician Referral Criteria and Checklist

For Medical Genetics Consultation Requests. The following information is for referring healthcare providers requesting a Medical Genetics consultation for hypermobility-related conditions.

  • Purpose of Consultation

Medical Genetics consultations focus on:

  • Formal diagnosis of hypermobility syndromes (e.g., hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome [hEDS], kyphoscoliotic EDS) for medical reasons.
  • Diagnostic assessment of related conditions:
    • POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)
    • MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome) – blood/urine tests may have private costs
  • Genetic testing interpretation (clinical diagnostic labs only: Blueprint Genetics, Invitae, Prevention Genetics, GeneDx, Alberta Precision Labs, Discovery DNA)

Note: hEDS and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) are not eligible for public genetic testing.

  • Referral Exclusions

We may decline referrals if:

  • The case is outside our scope of practice
  • The referral is for non-medical reasons (e.g., AISH, Disability Applications, no medically relevant decision required)
  • Testing is requested outside the province (non-Alberta residents)
  • The referral is incomplete or missing any portions of the referral requirements

Referral Requirements

1. Medical History

  • List all comorbidities unrelated to hypermobility

  • Document hypermobility history: subluxations, dislocations, affected areas, past treatments

  • Note any previous hypermobility diagnosis or labels

2. Physical Exam

  • Beighton score with individual joint scores

  • Other relevant hypermobility features

3. Medications

  • List all current and past medications, dosages, and responses

  • Note any intolerances or adverse reactions

4. Patient Objectives

  • Include at least 3 specific goals for the consultation, such as:

  • Tried therapies for hypermobility but quality of life remains poor
  • Tried fluid/salt/compression for POTS with ongoing symptoms
  • Tried medications for MCAS with insufficient response
5. Previous Management Recommendations

  • List all previous treatments and interventions (successful or unsuccessful)

  • Current management plan

Referral Indications – Guidance

Reminder: Complete documentation and supporting records are required for formal booking. Patients with Canadian provincial insurance (except Quebec) are not charged for in-person Medical Genetics consultations in Alberta. Telehealth appointments for patients outside Alberta are subject to private fees, as there is no inter-provincial billing agreement for virtual services.

  • Likely Accepted

  • Hypermobile patients with documented dislocations, high Beighton scores, and additional symptoms (fainting, POTS, migraines) needing syndrome evaluation
  • Patients with significant family history of aneurysms or other genetic concerns
  • MCAS patients with persistent symptoms despite prior management

  • Likely Declined

  • Patients seeking general advice or testing without prior assessment
  • Requests solely for “hypermobility confirmation” without examination
  • Patients without documented Beighton score or physical exam
  • Not medically necessary

Learn About Our Services

After completing a Core Assessment, you can book with one of our specialized Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder allied Health Care professionals; Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Psychology, and POTS Management Services. These services have fees.