For Healthcare Providers

The Rapid Access Program for Iron Deficiency (RAPID) is a community-based pilot program at Neurocentre of Eastern Ontario (NEO) designed to improve timely access to IV iron infusion for patients with iron deficiency who require rapid correction, cannot tolerate oral iron, or have associated neurological symptoms.

RAPID currently offers two referral pathways:

Rapid Access Program for Iron Deficiency (RAPID)

Pathway 1: Neurological Symptoms + IV Iron Infusion

This pathway is for patients with iron deficiency and associated neurological symptoms.

Prescriptions for IV iron are managed by RAPID.

Neurological symptoms may include:

    •    Restless leg syndrome

    •    Insomnia

    •    Migraine or headaches

    •    Cognitive dysfunction or brain fog

    •    Mood changes (irritability or low mood)

    •    Reduced concentration or memory concerns

Pathway 2: IV Iron Infusion Only

This pathway is for patients requiring IV iron without neurological assessment.

Referring providers must include:

    •    A referral letter or completed RAPID referral form

    •    IV iron prescription (formulation, dose, frequency, and any pre-medication instructions)

Clinical Responsibilities

  • Ferritin cut-offs and target ferritin levels are left to the discretion of the referring clinician.

  • The referring physician or nurse practitioner remains responsible for investigating the underlying cause of iron deficiency, including gastrointestinal or genitourinary blood loss, malabsorption, inflammation, menstrual loss, or chronic disease.

Required Information Before Referral

Please include: 

  •  Reason for IV iron and oral iron therapies previously tried

  • Recent laboratory results (within 1 month): hemoglobin, ferritin, and transferrin saturation

Costs to Review With Patients

    •    IV iron medication costs are typically covered by private insurance or ODB (if eligible).

    •    The infusion administration fee is $200, not covered by OHIP in a community clinic.

Patients may be able to recover this cost through private insurance or employers.

Location & Contact

Neurocentre of Eastern Ontario

Unit 6, 673 Innovation Drive, Kingston, ON

Phone: 613-383-2393

Fax (Referrals): 613-542-0610

Email: reception@neoclinic.ca