New Rules...More Delays!

Hi everyone,

I am wondering if anyone has been contacted about the new provincial rule that ALL patients see an internal medicine doctor before being approved for surgery?

On Monday I was told that my file was going to be released to Hamilton with the next batch being sent. I was pretty happy about this and celebrated. On Friday, I got a call from the Program Coordinator saying that there was a new rule that all patients must see an internal medicine doctor before their file can be released. It  will take 3 weeks for an apt.

I was really upset with yet another delay. I am feeling like everytime I think I have made progress something else happens. I was just wondering if anyone else has been contacted about this new rule?

Roxanne
 

Which hospital are you with? I just had orientation at TWH last week and it was never mentioned. Meet with the surgeon prior, but not an internist.

I don't know about a new rule but the very first person I met with at the WMC in Ottawa was Dr Wicklum, an internist. That was over 2.5 yrs ago at the beginning of my journey.

It seems like they're going backwards. How sad is it that you have to jump another hurdle so that they can tick off another box!?!

Hang in there Roxanne. You'll get there.

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. I am going through the Thunder Bay Bariatric Clinic and will have my surgery in Hamilton at St. Joe's.

The Coordinator of the program said that previously they only referred people to the internal medicine internist if there was something that resulted from the various medical tests and exams pre-op. Now, they are requiring the consult regardless of the identification of medical need to do so. I am completely willing to go through this step if there is a legitimate medical reason but it is extrememly frustrating to think that this is exactly as another member described "a check mark in a box".

Roxanne

I had my orientation at HRRH and during the presentation they mentioned that seeing an internist was part of the process.  They didn't say it was only if deemed necessary, so I am not positive, but I assume everyone sees one that is going through HRRH.

Tracy

I was at that orientation as well!  I remember them mentioning it but I have my appointment schedule already and there is no internist on it. At least not yet.  And they are going much faster now. My friend's referral went in last August and her surgery is at TWH July 13th.  My referral was approved in April and I already have a surgeon's date this Friday!  They said more funding means more surgeries this year.

Julie

Weird Julie, I had Dr Sohi two years ago and he referred me to Dr Glazier an internal medicine doctor - it was a rountine part of the process then. I can't see why that would have changed.

Humber's process is you meet the surgeon before many of the tests are done, so i doubt you'll have sugery in the 6 weeks after meeting the surgeon. Just an FYI in case you were not aware humber doesn't follow the same "order of thing" as some other centres.

In the paperwork I have from HRRH (and my notes from her presentation) it says that the first set of appointments are Dietician, Social Worker, Surgeon and Gastric Bypass class.  Next step is Nurse and Internist (although they mentioned they are in the process of hiring a nurse, so depending on when appointment is the internist may cover what the nurse is supposed to cover).

I saw an internist as part of my pre-op preparation - and I was operated on more than 2 years ago

You guys kill me with the just another box to be ticked off by the clinics....this is for your safety....

I know you are anxious to be on your way....but seriously - there usually are reasons there are so many "hoops" to go thru - keeping you healthy and safe for this serious life changing surgery.

Spend your time reading and getting mentally prepared....because it is evident by some of the questions and actions by many post surgery - that they just didnt get it or really understand what was going to happen to them

Having had your surgery more than two years ago, you obviously didn't have it done as part of the "new" Ontario process.  Those who haven't gone through this process can't possibly understand the frustration and aggravation that folks are experiencing now.

I'm sure that no one is complaining about the tests, per se, it's the surprise delays that add to the stress of the process.  If, as at Barix, the process was presented from the very start in an orderly, predictable manner, the tests and appointments wouldn't be perceived in a such a negative light.  It's the inconsistency and last-minute changes that lead to "Just another box to be ticked off" comments.

As for the "use your time to better prepare yourself" comment, it really is getting a little "old".  Most folks now have been in the process at least a year before they get to surgery (some much, much longer) and if they haven't used that time to prepare, then adding more time isn't going to "prepare" them any more.  Some folks just don't care enough to do the research and whether or not they're suitably informed about the surgery is for the "specialists" to determine. After all, that's what this whole screening process is supposed to be about.

I know this is a sensitive subject, and I also know that many folks will disagree with my comments.  This is simply my "take" on the matter.

mo