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Navigating care options

Learn about care options, when to use them and how to get help if you’re not sure where to go.
Cancer

Information, services and support to help you or a loved one live well before, during and after treatment.
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Getting immunized protects you and those around you from serious and preventable diseases.
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Building a foundation for reducing disease risk and promoting long-term well-being.
Homepage LIVING WITH A HEALTH CONDITION

Patient pathways

Patient pathways help patients know what to expect and get the right care at the right time.

ON THIS PAGE:

About patient pathways
How to use the pathways
Patient pathways

About patient pathways

Patient pathways are step-by-step guides, co-designed with patients, for patients, that show what care might look like. They help you, your family and your healthcare team understand what to expect and work together at each stage.

Why use a patient pathway?

  • Know what to expect at each step
  • Get ready for appointments or tests
  • Understand who does what and what comes next
  • Make decisions together with your healthcare provider
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How to use the pathways

  1. Find one that fits your needs
    Choose a pathway that matches your health concern. We’re adding more all the time to help even more people.
  2. Follow the steps
    Each pathway shows what to expect – like appointments, tests, treatments and who will support you. They also describe self-management strategies and provide links to informative resources.
  3. Share with your healthcare provider
    Print or show the pathway at your visit. It can help you and your provider plan your care together.

Patient pathways

More pathways are on the way. We're adding new ones over time to help more people get the care they need.

  • Giant cell arteritis (GCA)
    GCA is an inflammatory condition that affects your blood vessels. It causes a narrowing of the arteries that carry blood to your head, neck and chest.
  • Lower limb ischemia
    Lower limb ischemia happens when blood vessels in 1 or both of your legs get restricted or blocked. It is a form of peripheral arterial disease.
  • Abnormal uterine bleeding
    Abnormal uterine bleeding is menstrual bleeding that is not normal for you.
  • Gender affirming care for adults
    Gender-affirming care is an approach to supporting and affirming someone’s gender identity through non-medical and medical options.
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
    Inclusive vocabulary can help you feel more comfortable and confident talking with your teen and may lead to more open and honest conversations.
  • Post-menopausal bleeding
    When you enter menopause, are not taking hormone therapy and are no longer having menstrual periods, any uterine bleeding is abnormal.
  • Perianal disease
    The anus and the area around it are called the perianal region. Perianal disease refers to a number of conditions or problems i​n this area, including hemorrhoids and anal fissures.
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
    Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that affects one of the nerves (called the median nerve) in your hand and wrist.
  • Ganglion cyst (hand and wrist)
    Ganglion cysts usually appear as round, smooth, firm, rubbery, and slightly moveable bumps below the skin.
  • Low back pain
    Low back pain can have many causes, such as an injury to a muscle, ligament or nerve. You might feel low back pain directly in your back, in your leg, or both.
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
    The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is in front of each ear, where your lower jawbone meets your skull (temporal bone).
  • Trigger finger
    Trigger finger happens when the tendon and sheath at the bottom of the finger and thumb get thicker or swell and the tendon can no longer move freely.
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
    Sleep apnea is a condition where your breathing stops or becomes very shallow while you sleep. This can make it hard for you to get a good night's rest, leaving you feeling very tired during the day.
  • Sinusitis
    Sinusitis is swelling and inflammation in the nose and sinuses. It is sometimes called rhinosinusitis (“rhino” is a word that can refer to the nose).
  • Female urinary incontinence
    Urinary incontinence is leaking urine (pee) when you don't mean to. It's a common condition that can affect your daily life.
  • Kidney stone
    Kidney stones are formed when substances normally found in your urine (pee) clump together. You may have pain depending on the size of the stone and where it is located in your body.
  • Lower urinary tract symptoms (male)
    Lower urinary tract symptoms may affect how often, how easily, or how much you urinate (pee).