How to get the whole process started
I'm currently in the information gathering phase, and I'd like to know, how to get the ball rolling and get my name on a waiting list? Is a physician's referral absolutely needed, because I have no family doctor, there are no doctors in my area accepting new patients... and last time I went to the walk in clinic for a doctor's note I basically got told to not come back unless I was actually sick, that they were not there to write notes and I needed to get a family doctor. Argh! There are not enough doctors to go around! Have any of you managed to do this with no family doctor? My BMI is 45 so I'm pretty sure I'd qualify! I'm 34 so would love to get this done now while my kids are still young.
Hi hazelsmrf and welcome to the board.
If you're looking to get your surgey in the public health system, then yes, unfortunately a physician's referral is a must. However, if you're willing to pay to have it done outside of the RAMQ, then you might not need a referral - my surgeon didn't require one. I know how hard it is not having a family doctor and having to rely on walk-in clinics. All I can suggest is that you keep trying to find a doctor willing to write you a referral. Also, don't forget that post-op you will need to be followed by a physician for your blood tests.
Happy Holidays!
Monica
If you're looking to get your surgey in the public health system, then yes, unfortunately a physician's referral is a must. However, if you're willing to pay to have it done outside of the RAMQ, then you might not need a referral - my surgeon didn't require one. I know how hard it is not having a family doctor and having to rely on walk-in clinics. All I can suggest is that you keep trying to find a doctor willing to write you a referral. Also, don't forget that post-op you will need to be followed by a physician for your blood tests.
Happy Holidays!
Monica
Hi Julie!
There may be one more option: getting a referral from a private practice GP; Such consultations aren't covered by RAMQ but but could become a "waver" (sp?) to a surgery wich could be covered by RAMQ. My family doctor is described as "non-participating" in RAMQ lingo (private practice) and her referral for bariatric surgery allowed me to have the procedure done in the public system. If I were you, I'd do some research to know how long would a physician would have to (or like to) follow you before writing a referral.
Providing the GP a complete health record, including a description of the progression of your body weight and everything you attempted to lose weight could help you a lot.
The cost of getting a "private" referral (and post-op follow-up) could be less than a private surgery. and would be spread over a longer period of time, making the expense more manageable.
Good luck and keep us posted!
There may be one more option: getting a referral from a private practice GP; Such consultations aren't covered by RAMQ but but could become a "waver" (sp?) to a surgery wich could be covered by RAMQ. My family doctor is described as "non-participating" in RAMQ lingo (private practice) and her referral for bariatric surgery allowed me to have the procedure done in the public system. If I were you, I'd do some research to know how long would a physician would have to (or like to) follow you before writing a referral.
Providing the GP a complete health record, including a description of the progression of your body weight and everything you attempted to lose weight could help you a lot.
The cost of getting a "private" referral (and post-op follow-up) could be less than a private surgery. and would be spread over a longer period of time, making the expense more manageable.
Good luck and keep us posted!
Joel
HW: 347 SW: 345 (Goal 190lbs) CW: 182.0
DS performed on Nov 26th 2009 and goal reached on Nov 12th 2010 
1 year out: 181.2lbs
2 years out: 178 lbs
3 years out: 182 lbs...without sacrifices
I do get a full bloodwork panel done every year with EKG etc, done by a company that provides these services for people without a GP... a doctor reviews the tests at the end and provides feedback, so I can also ask that doctor if he'd write me a referral as well.
I really love that we don't lose our homes over medical bills, but I truly hate that not everyone has access to the doctors for preventative care, it drives me up the wall!
I really love that we don't lose our homes over medical bills, but I truly hate that not everyone has access to the doctors for preventative care, it drives me up the wall!
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