Diagnostic & Referral Services

Helping move a care plan forward

Sometimes the next step in care is not a treatment at the first visit, but more information. HealthSmart Medical Clinic provides diagnostic and referral services for Stouffville patients when a clinician determines that lab work, imaging, ECG testing, specialist input, or a medical assessment may be appropriate. These services help clarify a concern, monitor an existing condition, or connect patients with another provider. A referral or requisition begins with an appointment where the clinician reviews your symptoms, history, medications, and the reason additional information may be useful.

Our diagnostic and referral services include blood work requisitions, laboratory testing referrals, diagnostic imaging referrals, specialist referrals, ECG testing, and medical assessments. The type of test or referral depends on your individual situation. During your appointment, the clinician can explain the purpose of the next step, what information it may provide, and how the process usually works. They can also discuss any preparation you may need and when you should expect follow-up. Not every concern requires testing, and the clinician will recommend care based on what is appropriate for you.

Preparing for a referral or test

Bring your health card, medication list, and any relevant results or records from previous testing. If another provider has asked you to arrange a referral, bring the request or as much information as you have about the reason. Describe your symptoms clearly, including when they started, how they have changed, and how they affect your daily life. This helps the clinician decide whether a requisition or referral is needed and what details should be included.

Some tests or specialist appointments have their own instructions, wait times, locations, and booking processes. Ask the clinic what you need to do next, whether you need to contact another office, and how results will be communicated. Keep a copy of important dates, requisitions, and appointment information. If your symptoms worsen while waiting, contact the clinic to discuss whether your care plan should be reviewed. For severe or urgent symptoms, seek emergency care rather than waiting for a routine referral.

Understanding the next step

Results are one part of a larger medical picture. Your clinician will consider results alongside your symptoms, history, examination, and current treatment. A normal result does not always end the conversation, and an abnormal result does not always mean the same thing for every person. A follow-up visit can help you understand what the result means, whether another step is needed, and what questions to ask. If a specialist is involved, the clinic can continue to support coordination of your care.

For non-emergency testing or referral needs, book online or contact HealthSmart Medical Clinic. For severe chest pain, serious difficulty breathing, signs of stroke, or another immediate emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Keep track of your follow-up

Write down the name of the test, referral, or specialist when it is arranged, along with any booking instructions and expected timing. Bring questions to your follow-up appointment and tell the clinic if you have not received information you expected. Results and referrals are most helpful when they are connected to a timely conversation about what happens next. Staying organized does not mean managing your care alone; it helps the clinic support you with the right information when you need it.

If another provider gives you a report or new result, bring it to the clinic or ask how it can be shared. Complete information helps ensure that your next appointment is focused on the right decision.

It also gives your clinician a clearer view of how your care has progressed over time.