Official RAC website
Program details, eligibility, and referral information for Ontario's Rapid Access Clinics for Low Back Pain, straight from the source.
Visit lowbackrac.caRapid Access Program for Low Back Pain in Toronto
Ontario's OHIP-funded Rapid Access Clinic (RAC) program for low back pain, formerly ISAEC. Referral-only: your family physician or nurse practitioner refers you for a rapid, structured spine assessment. Dr. Serrick serves the program as an Advanced Practice Provider.
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What it is
An OHIP-funded, referral-only spine assessment program.
The Rapid Access Clinic (RAC) for Low Back Pain, formerly known as ISAEC, is Ontario's publicly funded shared-care program for persistent low back pain. Patients referred into the program receive a timely, structured assessment from an advanced-practice spine clinician, plain-language education about what's driving the pain, and an evidence-based self-management plan, with clear escalation to imaging or a specialist only when it's genuinely needed.
This program is available to those who are referred directly to the program from their family physician. It is assessment- and education-focused rather than ongoing treatment, and it's covered by OHIP, there is no cost to the patient. Dr. Serrick serves the program as an Advanced Practice Provider, and the same triage knowledge informs the private care we deliver at the clinic.
Because the RAC is referral-only, you can't book it here directly — contact your primary care provider (your family physician or nurse practitioner) for a referral to the RAC program. If you'd rather book a regular, non-RAC visit with us, use the booking button on this page.
- OHIP-funded, no cost to the patient
- Referral required from your family physician or nurse practitioner
- Typically for low back pain lasting 6 weeks to 12 months
How it works
From referral to your assessment.
The pathway is straightforward, but it starts with your primary care provider, you cannot self-refer into the program.
- Talk to your family physician or nurse practitioner about a Rapid Access Clinic referral
- Your provider submits the referral to the program
- You're booked into a nearby RAC site, typically within a few weeks
- A structured spine assessment: history, orthopedic and neurological exam, and movement testing
- Plain-language education and an evidence-based self-management plan
- Escalation to imaging or a specialist only when the assessment genuinely calls for it
Preparing for your appointment
Make the most of your RAC assessment.
Come ready to describe your pain history: when it started, where it travels, what makes it better or worse, and how it affects your work and day-to-day life. Bring a list of medications, any imaging reports you already have (X-ray, CT, MRI), and notes on treatments you've tried so far.
Wear comfortable clothing you can move in, the assessment includes movement, strength, and neurological testing. And bring your questions: the program is built around helping you understand your back pain and what to do about it, so no question is off the table.
- Bring your health card, medication list, and any prior imaging reports
- Wear comfortable clothes you can move in
- Write down your questions ahead of time
Related resources
The official program, and your options here.
Advanced Spine Care
No referral? You can book our private Advanced Spine Care directly, the same structured triage approach, plus ongoing treatment, billed privately or through insurance.
About Advanced Spine CareLower back pain guide
What drives most low back pain, when to worry (and when not to), and how evidence-based conservative care works.
Read the guideFrequently asked questions
About rapid access program for low back pain
Yes. This program is available to those who are referred directly to the program from their family physician (or a nurse practitioner in a family practice). You cannot self-refer or book it through the clinic.
About the clinic
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What patients say
A few words from people we've helped get back to what they love.
“Steps from College station and they direct-bill my insurance, so it's an easy visit. Real assessment, no pressure, and a plan I could actually follow at home.”
“I saw Dr. Clarke through my pregnancy for pelvic pain. Gentle, knowledgeable, and reassuring the whole way. It made a real difference to how I felt day to day.”
“Booked for a running gait analysis before a half marathon. The video breakdown of my stride was eye-opening and the exercises sorted out the knee pain that kept derailing my training.”
From the blog
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Patient-language guides on the conditions and care we see most.
Book your first visit
Tell us what you need from rapid access program for low back pain and the front desk will match you with the right practitioner.
- Same-day appointments usually available
- Direct billing to most major insurers
- Prefer to call? (416) 660-9932