Dr asked from another referral

I have been asked by Dr Amson's office for another doctor referral as it has been over 6 months since my last referral. I was under the impression that once your family doctor sent a referral and you seen the doctor (Dr Amson) that you wouldn't need another referral. I seen Dr Amson in October of 2008 and he told me then that we would correspond by e-mail as I live in Manitoba. I got all the tests done that he had asked of me and as far as I know all of the results were sent to his office in BC. I had called Dr Amson's office in June 2010 to see where abouts I was on the list and was told by receptionist to get another referral. I hope I don't have to start the wait all over again! New family doc won't give me a referral either. Says he wants to work with me first.. I have tried this before too.......

What is the rationale behind you needing another referral? That sounds ridiculous. Why are you not having your surgery here in Winnipeg?

the only reason that was given to me was that it had been over a year since I had seen Dr Amson. I tried to explain to the receptionist that the doc and I were communicating by e-mail but she wouldn't hear of it. She insisted that I have another referral. I tried to e-mail Dr Amson again but haven't heard anything back from him. I don't want to have the band as my reason for not having the surgery in Winnipeg.

Hi there,
That sounds so unfair!! I don't know if you know this but they have started a program in Manitoba and have already done a handful of surgeries where you will have your surgery covered and are given the option for either bypass or sleeve weight loss surgery. It is done in the Victoria hospital by a group of bariatric surgeons, who are also the same doctors who work out of the Maples Clinic. The band is the only one that you still have to pay for. I have had my referral in since Feb 2010 and am scheduled for surgery Nov 2/10. If you want more information just let me know.

And so sorry for you, the wait must be horrible!

Dean

Yes I would like more info on this. I thought that we could only get the band done in Manitoba and that we had to pay for it ourselves. I didn't know we could also have the bypass done. My current family doctor is sending me to a specialist in Brandon as I have a type 2 hernia that he is worried about but he also wants to know if this specialist thinks that I am a good candidate for the bypass surgery. I have been going through this whole process now since 2007 and still haven't gotten anywhere. I have had all my tests done and still haven't gotten any closer to surgery. It is so disheartening.

Hi again!
Here is some information that I got from my doctor, I believe there was a letter sent out to all doctors. It is based out of the St. Boniface Surgical Associates, 200-400 Tache Ave. Wpg, MB Fax 204-237-8141, doctors Andrew and Bracken. 

All doctors were sent a letter and you have to be referred by your physician.

They are offering 3 types of surgeries, but only 2 are covered, the sleeve and bypass. You have to pay for the lapband if you chose that one. The only cost to you is for the nutritionist which I believe is $200 and the 2 week pre-op diet of Meditrim which I believe is $200 also.

Hope this helps and if you need anymore info let me know.

That is a very long process and completely unfair. I hope everything works out for you!

Dean

Thanks Dean, I am already seeing a dietitian that I was referred to by my family doctor and so far things are going good with her. I have already lost 6 lbs and it has only been about 1 months since I started with her. I see my famly doctor again on the 12th so will talk to him about a referral to one of the doctors you mentioned.

Christine

that must be so frustrating for you. But  there are surgeons in winnipeg now that perform the vsg and the gastric bypass, however the waiting list is about 6-9 months.

It is frustrating but I would rather the 6-9months in Manitoba than the already 3 + years I have been waithing so far. I just heard that the bypass is done in Manitoba now so will be looking in to that. I see my family doctor next week so will see if he will give me a referral to one of the doctors in Winnipeg. I will cross my fingers, toes, knees, eyes what ever it takes.

Hi, I am new here.  I am sorry to hear your doctor will not refer you.  He is wrong.  A Dr. MUST make a referral when you ask for a specialist.  He can try and talk you out of it, and they try, but he has to give it if you insist!  You go  girl!
Colleen