Community Health Provider Systems

There are many healthcare providers in Alberta who do not work for Alberta Health Services.  Within AHS, we refer to these organizations as community organizations, or community health providers. 

There are many different types of organizations who work in the community, and each type of organization will have health IT systems that are designed for the purpose of the organization. Below are some examples of specialized systems:

• Radiologists and specialists who perform imaging exams will typically use specialized image management software called a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System).

• Primary Care physicians likely use a practice management system that helps with scheduling and billing. 

• A physiotherapist may use a system for clinical documentation, which includes things like patient progress notes.

• Specialists may use a system for order management, which includes things like lab and medication orders.

Examples of community organizations and provider types 

Outside of pharmacies, most community organizations are care providers, such as physicians, physiotherapists, long term care homes, and so forth.  Below are some of the more prevalent community organizations and provider types:

• Addiction & Mental Health

• Alternative Medicine Practitioners

• Continuing Care

• Dentists

• Optometrists

• Pharmacies

• Physiotherapy

• Primary Care

• Radiologists

• Social Services

• Specialists (e.g. ENT, Cardiology)

• Other Allied Health (e.g. Occupational Therapy, Audiology)

  • Allied health is a broad term used for healthcare providers who are not nurses or physicians.  This includes audiologists, speech language, massage therapists, respiratory therapists, and physiotherapy.  Physiotherapy is the most common community allied health service.