I work in the medical field in B.C. and we get referrals from other provinces all the time. When I moved from the GTA, to Calgary, my dr sent me on my way with a referral to a new doctor for when I moved & was settled. If you happen to go back to Toronto, make an appt with your last doctor, and have him send referrals, as well as 3-6 months worth of prescriptions. It is possible for them to do this, no matter what they tell you.
When requesting repeats for medications, make sure you bring a copy of a past Rx's, empty Rx bottles or even a copy of your file. When they see actual proof that you have been on a medication, then deny you the medication, they can be held accountable for their actions.
Walk in clinics, are just that. Walk in clinics. They should be used for after hours convenience, or for any non emergency medical crisis that needs attention.
Many of them don't want to send referrals or run tests because they don't have the time to follow up, and if they don't, they could be in big trouble, so many times it is just easier for them to deny requests. However there are the doctors in walk in clinics, that are excellent care givers, and will do tests and referrals, but they can sometimes be a rare exception.
So as difficult as it is, try to find yourself a family doctor. There is always atleast one accepting new patients. So call hospitals, the college, and other dr's offices, and ask who is accepting new patients. When you finally hear of someone, call right away. When a doctor is accepting new patients. The window of opportunity is very small, as there are many people in the same boat all trying to do the same thing as you and before you know it, the doctor has more than enough new patients.
The one advantage that you have, is you're new to the city(you may want to let on that you have been here less time than you have) and because of that, there should be more leanancy with doctors to accept you as a patient. The one thing to remember is though the dr is the one that sees you, the medical office assistant at the front desk runs the office, so if you want something, they are the ones you want to impress.
Finally, don't hesitate to contact the College of Physicians and surgeons if you feel are not getting adequate care. They are there to not only help physicians, but patients as well.
Sorry to hear that you are having such a difficult time with healthcare. Hopefully things will turn around soon for you. Good Luck!
__________________
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|