Skip to Main Content

The Waterloo Wellington Ontario Lung Screening Program will accept referrals and phone calls as of March 30, 2026.

How Ontario Lung Screening Program Works?

Patients who meet the criteria will be eligible for lung cancer screening through the program.

Step 1: A healthcare provider refers a patient to an OLSP location. Patients can also contact the OLSP site themselves to check their age and smoking history. If the patient is eligible for a risk assessment, a primary care provider must complete an OLSP referral form to allow a low-dose CT scan.

Step 2: An OLSP site completes a risk assessment for anyone who meets the age and smoking history criteria in Step 1. The results of this assessment decide if the patient can take part in lung cancer screening.

The risk assessment uses a calculator to estimate a person’s chance of developing lung cancer in the next 6 years. People with a 2% or higher risk of developing lung cancer over the next 6 years are eligible for the Ontario Lung Screening Program.

Patients who are eligible will be booked for their first low-dose CT scan. They will also be offered help to quit smoking and support throughout the screening process. Follow up CT scans or referrals for the Lung Diagnostic Clinic will be scheduled based on OLSP recommendations.

What is the referral process for Ontario Lung Screening Program (OLSP)?

Step 1: Entry to OLSP

There are two ways patients can join the OLSP:

  • A healthcare provider can refer a patient to the WW OLSP
  • Patients can contact our site to see if they qualify. If a patient refers themselves and is eligible for a risk assessment appointment, we will fax a referral form to their primary care provider to fill out.

 

Step 2: Referral Form

The health care provider must fill out all sections of the OLSP Referral Form.

  • Fax the referral form to Waterloo Wellington Ontario Lung Screening Program
  • Fax number: 519 749-4232

If the patient is eligible for screening, the referring health care provider is: 

  • Authorizing the use of LDCT for the patient’s baseline scan, ongoing routine annual screening and follow-up of nodules, according to OLSP guidance
  • Authorizing the patient’s referral for lung diagnostic assessment, if recommended by the reporting radiologist 
  • Responsible for ensuring appropriate follow-up of incidental findings

 

Step 3: Referral Review

The OLSP staff will review the referral form to make sure it is complete and will confirm eligibility with patient.

 

Step 4: Risk Assessment Appointment

If the patient meets the risk triage criteria, they will be booked for a risk assessment appointment with the OLSP screening nurse.

OLSP staff will notify primary care providers:

  • If the patient is ineligible for the program,
  • The participant chooses not to participate,
  • If the patient cannot be contacted.