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Most referrals we receive are from your surgeon once he/she
has diagnosed your cancer. Referrals to the cancer centre
or regional clinic occur by telephone, fax or mail. All referrals
are processed the day they are received.
Sometimes our staff will request additional required information
from the referring physician. The oncologist then reviews
the chart and a first appointment is made for you to be seen
at the cancer centre in Thunder Bay.
Our New Patient Referral Clerk registers you and prepares
your chart by gathering information such as your diagnostic
tests, surgical report, pathology report, lab work, and a
dictated physician consult note. All new referrals are triaged
according to the urgency of your diagnosis.
Our goal is to schedule your first appointment within two
weeks or less from the time we receive the referral. A referral
can be held up if all the tests results are not available
when a referral is made.
We understand the stress caused by being away from home during
treatment, and our goal is to coordinate your appointment
with tests that may be ordered at the same visit where possible.
If you need a place to stay arrangements can be made at the
TBayTel Tamarack House.
Our door is always open to patients who want to discuss their
concerns and seek information and support.
Helpful Advice
- You will be phoned about your first appointment.
- Make sure that you bring your Health Card and information
about any insurance coverage with you.
- You will be asked to verify your family physician’s
name, your address and phone number at the time of the first
call.
- We will provide you with directions about where to come
for your first appointment.
- Please be aware that cancer patients undergoing treatment
have weakened immune systems and are vulnerable to viruses
and infections. Make sure to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer
when you visit the cancer centre.
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