The Emergency Departments are experiencing high volumes of patients who need care. Please be prepared to wait. The most serious cases are treated first.
Not all health concerns need emergency care. You can also book a virtual visit or go to an urgent care clinic for these concerns. For life-threatening symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.
Thank you for your patience.
Pain outpatient clinics at Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) help patients manage pain and improve their daily life. This guide shares information about the two programs we offer: the Pain Management Centre and Rapid Access Clinics for Low Back Pain.
The Pain Management Centre assesses patients’ ongoing pain. Our team can offer treatments to help you manage your pain. We partner with your family doctor throughout your care. We will keep them informed of your progress.
The Pain Management Centre does not address these concerns:
Your family doctor will refer you to the Pain Management Centre. When we receive the referral, we will book you an appointment based on how quickly you need care. Your family doctor will share your appointment date with you.
If you cannot go to the appointment, call us at 519-749-4300, ext. 7860 to reschedule. We need at least 48 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment.
When you visit the Pain Management Centre, please bring:
Dress in comfortable clothing for your appointment. This will make it easy to change for your exam.
Please come 20 minutes early for your first appointment. This will give you time to complete forms that can help us better understand your pain.
The first visit is usually at least one hour. The doctor will:
If you need a procedure or treatment, we will ask you to come for a follow-up appointment. Treatment may include:
You will need someone to drive you home after:
Talk to your healthcare team if you have any questions about your care or treatment plan.
The Rapid Access Clinics for Low Back Pain (RAC Low Back) is a program funded by the Ministry of Health. It helps people in Ontario manage lower back pain and related symptoms. The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) pays for these services.
This program is for people who:
You are not eligible for the program if you have the following:
Your doctor or nurse practitioner will refer you if the clinic is right for you.
Dr. Mark Kubert, chiropractor and practice lead, leads the clinic at WRHN. He works with 12 advanced practice providers. These are physiotherapists or chiropractors who have special training in treating lower back pain. Together, they assess patients' low back conditions. They will work with you to create a care plan to help you better manage your pain.
