Greetings from the team at PhysioNorth!
This letter is to inform you that a referral was received for you to receive physiotherapy and you remain on our wait list for treatment. To try to manage our waitlist we are reaching out to patients to confirm they still need to be treated for their referral. Please contact the clinic at 613.332.1010 to advise if you no longer require physiotherapy and would like to be removed from the wait list.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON WAIT TIMES
What is a wait time?
A wait time is the amount of time a patient has to wait for their first appointment with a physiotherapist to start their treatment.
What is a waitlist?
A wait list is a list of people who are waiting for treatment. They are waiting because the number of people who need the treatment is greater than the number of appointments or physiotherapists available to provide that treatment in their area. The ministry of health places limits on the number of patients that can be seen each year. This artificially creates a waitlist to ensure we have enough public funding for patients throughout the year.
A wait list helps prioritize patient care. A patient whose condition is considered critical will be treated before patients with less severe injuries. For example, post-surgical patients will be treated as quickly as possible.
Who goes on a waitlist?
At present, OHIP covered patients are placed on the wait list. Emergency patients treated under OHIP funding are treated as quickly as possible.
How long will I wait?
How long you wait depends on the classification of your injury. Emergency cases will be seen first. Post-surgical patients are considered emergency. Patients with more acute injuries will be seen sooner than patients with chronic conditions.
If I have a long wait time, what can I do?
- Choose to pay out-of-pocket or use your extended health benefits to skip/lessen wait times.
- Make yourself available for treatment on short notice if an opening becomes available.
- You can go to another facility where you might be treated sooner.
- You can discuss these options with your physiotherapist. If your condition changes while you are waiting for treatment, let your physiotherapist know. Your physiotherapist can re-assess your condition and decide if waiting for treatment will affect your health.
Thank you for your understanding, patience and co-operation. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 613.332.1010.
We look forward to meeting and treating you.
The Staff at PhysioNorth