Thursday, September 18, 2008

Patience Michael, Patience...

I should have switched over to Ontario health coverage long ago, but I didn't - that doesn't really make much of a difference to the story I'm telling, but it makes a little.
I really should have gotten in touch with an Endocrinologist a LONG time ago.  I am soon going to be on a 4-6 month waiting list to see any of the London specialists.

The ontario pump coverage program (Assistive Device Program) is quite picky about the things needing to be done - and rightfully so if they are going to pay out that amount of money.
I went to an information meeting tonight and they were telling people who were already in the process to be patient...  I am much further behind them all in this process.  
As I understand, here is what I still need to do:

1) Get a referral to an Endo - I thought I had done this, but a misunderstanding on both parts means that my doctor referred me to a diabetes education centre and not a specialist.
I called some different Endos today, and the wait time at all of them is about 5 months - and that's just for a first appointment, I'm not even sure if they'll do any referrals at that point.  The one I'm asking the Doc to refer me to is booking into December and January - I'm going to go onto a cancellation list, but I'm not counting on that.

2) Get my Endo to refer me to the Diabetes Education Centre - I've already started going to some things, but apparently I still need a referral for the red-tape's sake.

3) Pass their qualifications so that they can recommend me to the ADP.

4) Wait - they were saying tonight that it could be another 3 month process to get accepted, and then longer to get the actual cheque for monthly supplies.

When all is said and done, this insulin pump might end up being a nice graduation present - coming around March or April.

Happy Graduation!!

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