In AB there is a computerized system of all tests/admissions etc.  I'm not sure if test requistions are also on there?  Pop into U of A emergency and see if they can access it for you?  Sorry Chemgal-I'm vague since it's been about 6 years since I wored at the Stollery/ U of A.

But as we explored issues with my son I did ask doctors to look up what tests were done to ensure they weren't repaeating ones.

The results are on the computer, the requisition forms to get the tests aren't.  Thanks for the suggestion though!

The frustrating thing is this is a repeat, of something I had done twice, plus maybe some others that I'm unaware of but by a private company and not the university hospital.

did you phone the 1-800 # for health care questions?

Yeah, I tried health link.  I think I'm stuck until the clinic reopens.  I'm also going to try my GP, she'll be back before the specialist's clinic is open.

I'm open to any other suggestions!  Between those in the industry and other people just going through the health system someone might know a way 'in'.

I'm a little confused. Do you have a doctors order for the blood tests that are supposed to be done? Was it the clinics doctor that ordered them? Could your own doctor write another order and give you a new requisition so you can get the bloodwork done?

In your shoes I would go to the webpage for my health area.  Ours (and probably yours) has a person titled something like Quality of Service Co-ordinator or Patient Assistant.  That person's job is to assist patients who run into snags like yours.  An alternate would be to contact someone on the local Board or equivalent asking for help.  

Waterfall, I need to go to a clinic run by a specialist.  I haven't actually been there yet, but on the phone a nurse gave me instructions about getting tests done.  The form was prepared on the last day they were open and the mail had gone out that day, but the larger centre was open so it should have been mailed on the Monday (the 16th)

When it didn't arrive, I contacted my GPs office, but she's on holidays.  I saw the walk-in doctor there, who gave me a repeat of tests I had already done before that are related.  I know some of those would be correct, but there's a good chance I'm missing others.

My GP and the walk in GP didn't even really know what the tests were for (the first 2x another specialist ordered them, but he recommended I see this new one, as it's outside his area).  Since the GPs aren't aware of what these tests are for, I doubt they are aware of the other diagnostic tests that should also be done when these come back abnormal.

Kay, beyond calling Healthlink, I'm not sure what you mean.

There is mail delivery tomorrow, maybe it will turn up?

I mean - get hold of a 'decision making' person' employed by whatever group is in charge of health care in your area.  (could be Ottawa Health, Calgary Health System, Winnipeg Health District,  Prarie Health Area - or similar)  The place online that lists what services are available - rehab, homecare, problems getting service etc.   It sounds like you have fallen through a crack and the service providers need to know that so the system can be finetuned.    

In the immediate future I expect you are going to be out of luck.  Nothing much happens over the holiday season except emergency care for acidents and heart attacks.

What kind of specialist are you seeing? Are there others in the area with similar qualifications that would know what tests are required? Could they tell you what tests are required so your GP could order them?

Isn't it just provincial Kay?  I can access an Edmonton Zone, but there isn't contact information within them for anything like that.  There is a complaint line, but it just falls under AHS.

No, he's the only specialist who treats this in the city Waterfall.

What are the consequences of not having the blood tests done on time?

I'm assuming it's going to delay getting in to actually see the specialist.  I have no diagnosis right now.

Okay so no diagnosis until blood tests are done or without the specialist, right? I think I would push for the specialist to put a rush on the the blood test results when he returns so they coincide as close to his return as possible. It seems even getting the blood tests done you will still need the specialist to interpret them?

Waterfall, the issue isn't how long it takes to get back the results.  That occurs rather quickly.  It's just that they want 2 sets from a certain lab before I can even get an appointment.  This is pushing me back further.

I know, I just take the approach that one can only begin from where you are now. So given the circumstances that you outlined, that would be what I would do. It seems you've tried most everything. I have no other answers personally, but someone else may. I wish you luck. It's frustrating I'm sure.

I'm already behind, because my GP didn't get the stuff from the first specialist, and the referral went to the wrong place.

After making more phone calls, it's been recommended I go to a walk in doctor again and just risk that fact that I'm probably missing some of the tests the specialist will want.  I'm going to wait to actually see my GP rather than a random doctor though.

I'm getting a bit concerned about the stuff that was mailed out.  Who has my health info now?

any update now that everyone is back at work and offices are on regular hours?

Waiting for call backs from 2 different clinics.

Still waiting.

Staring at the phone and willing people to either call me or pick up when I call isn't working.

I need another round of testing before I can get in.  They like 2 abnormal tests first.  I've had 3, but two weren't done at the lab they like them done from.  I don't yet have an appointment, and if the next round comes back as normal I might not get one.

Blah, I decided to phone the lab before running in.  They don't have it.

well, wouldn't it actually be a good thing if the tests show up as normal? 

Carolla, that would mean I would be back at the beginning of symptoms without any idea as to why.  I also wouldn't get any answers about the tests done, as my GP can't answer them.  There are very few reasons as to why this test would show up as abnormal and 3 times at 2 different labs starts to rule out testing error.

I haven't heard back from one clinic.  I'll be making an appointment when I have more information.  I should find out tomorrow about the specialist.

And the nurse I was told to call today isn't available.  At least I had a very nice person who told me that.

Did you ask them if there was someone who could respond in their absence, or go back to the person who gave you the name, and ask, who else to call, or even, when is the best time to call?

There's only 1 nurse at the clinic who handles what I'm dealing with.  She'll be back tomorrow, and I know when to call.  I was told last week to call today, but she was at a conference, training or something like that today.

This is a bit ridiculous though, the first abnormal test occurred in October.

It's really difficult to get through.  I have the nurse's direct line.  She hasn't picked it up once when I have tried calling, and there is no voicemail.  The clinic itself is about 50/50.  At least they will take voicemail.

I tried calling both when I was told too - couldn't get through.  The nurse is busy now, but hopefully there will be time before she is done for the day.

what kind of a clinic is this?

It seems to have multiple names.  The one the nurse identified it as was Rare Blood Disorders.  That's what has been confusing me, as to some it's know as a hemophilia clinic, and that's not something that's currently be considered for me.

I have an appointment in March.  My address was still incorrect.  I'm also having to repeat myself frequently.  At least know I have a doctor who will treat me, and if I have to go to the emergency room for related issues he can be paged.