Return to the Thompson Region PCN home page | Thompson Region PCN on Pathways (login required)
Who can refer to PCN services?
All primary care providers in the Thompson Region can refer their patients to PCN services. Primary care providers may delegate the task of completing the referral form to another member of their care team.
At this point in time, patients must be attached to a primary care provider to be referred in to PCN services.
PWD Application Process: Where does the PCN Social Worker fit in?
We would like to provide clarity on the process for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) applications and outline where the PCN social work team can appropriately provide support.
The Government of British Columbia has outlined a clear three-step process for PWD applications. Adhering to this sequence is essential to ensure applications are completed accurately and that each professional’s role is used as intended.
The Government of BC’s Three-Step PWD Application Process
The PWD application process is structured to progress logically from patient self-reporting to medical assessment, and finally to functional assessment.
Step 1: Patient Self‑Assessment
The process begins with the patient completing the self‑assessment portion of the PWD application. This section captures the patient’s own perspective on their disability, daily functioning, and barriers.
Step 2: Medical Portion Completed by a Health Care Provider
Once the patient self‑assessment is complete, the applicant’s physician or nurse practitioner completes the medical portion of the application. This step is foundational. It documents diagnoses, prognosis, and the medical basis of the patient’s disability.
Step 3: Assessor Portion Completed by an Assessor
Only after Steps 1 and 2 are completed does the application move to the assessor portion. The assessor may be a health care provider or a PCN social worker.
In many cases, PCN social workers may not have previously met the patient and are being asked to assess functional impacts without adequate medical documentation. As assessors, PCN social workers cannot support an accurate assessment without the medical portion completed first. The assessor role is intended to complement the provider’s work, not replace or precede the medical assessment.
We hope this information helps clarify when and where PCN social workers can support a patient’s PWD application. Please continue to send referrals to the PCN Health Hub Team. The referral form can be accessed through Pathways.
Where can I find the PCN Referral Form?
The latest version of the PCN Referral Form will always be available on Pathways at this link (no login required). You can also sign in to Pathways to find more information, including wait times, on the full PCN Pathways Page (login required).
Are you on MedAccess and want to embed the referral form into your EMR? Download the necessary files here along with instructions.
On another EMR or need further support? Reach out to Chelsey with the Practice Support Program here – cmckinney@doctorsofbc.ca
How long does a referral take?
Please refer to the Thompson Region PCN Pathways page (login required) for the latest information, including available services and approximate wait times.
