RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Family physician access to specialist advice by telephone JF Canadian Family Physician JO Can Fam Physician FD The College of Family Physicians of Canada SP e668 OP e676 VO 62 IS 11 A1 Margot Wilson A1 Garey Mazowita A1 Andrew Ignaszewski A1 Adeera Levin A1 Clay Barber A1 David Thompson A1 Sandra Barr A1 Scott Lear A1 Robert D. Levy YR 2016 UL http://www.cfp.ca/content/62/11/e668.abstract AB Problem addressed Timely access to specialist care is an important issue for patients with mild to moderate symptoms, and wait times for referrals are currently quite long.Objective of program To provide FPs with quick telephone access to other specialists for treatment advice for patients with nonserious conditions that they would otherwise refer to specialist care.Program description The RACE (Rapid Access to Consultative Expertise) program is a telephone hot-line providing FPs and nurse practitioners in the Vancouver, BC, area with timely access to specialist consultations. An evaluation of data from RACE found 60% of RACE calls prevented patients from visiting a specialist and 32% of calls prevented FP referrals to hospital emergency departments.Conclusion Supported by RACE, FPs can more effectively remain the locus of patient care, calling on other specialist expertise when appropriate and providing better coordination of care for their patients. Evaluations to date suggest RACE helps reduce system costs by reducing unnecessary emergency department visits and face-to-face specialist consultations.