Dr Mallet
I everyone. I'm a respirologist in Moncton. Some of you have seen me in consultation for approval of bari. surgery. I've been working closely with Dr Beausoleil over the last few years as some of you know. A few weeks ago, we had a teleconference with Medicare to try to streamline the approval process. We have been advocating an easier approval process so that ultimately, Dr Beausoleil doesn't have to be ''approved'' for a surgery for which he is an expert, same has a heart surgeon not needing approval for heart surgery. Medicare has decided to follow our recommendations and as of now, pre-approval is not necessary. I still will see patients pre-op to screen for problems such as sleep apnea/asthma etc... Strict criteria for surgery will still be followed. Consultation requests can be sent directly to Dr Beausoleil's office. Of course, (unfortunately) this will affect his waiting period.
Hope this is helpful and good luck.
Sincerely
Dr Marcel Mallet
OMG! OMG! OMG! I was originally referred to Dr B in the fall of 2004. My family doctor was told to send me to a internist etc. I have been waiting since for an appointment! What does this mean for me??? I am desperate to get surgery. How can I check to make sure he still has my referral??? This is wonderful news.