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Medical - referral to specialist doctor?

mattjp1

Hero Member
Jul 23, 2017
549
152
Hi everyone,

I would like to ask advice to people here who had to see specialist Doctors.

I visited a General Practitioner for a skin problem and he referred me to a Dermatologist. According to the Doctor, I was supposed to have an appointment within 2 weeks.

The Dermatologist called me to schedule an appointment in 5 weeks time.

I understand they are waiting times but I am also concerned my condition worsens in the meanwhile. I called back to General Practitioner and they will refer me to another Dermatologist to see if we can get a shorter waiting period.

Except this - is there any other way to see a Dermatologist quickly? I am totally new to the medical system here and thought maybe if you pay from your own pocket, you could see a specialist faster?

Appreciate any tips.

Thank you
Mat
 

YVR123

VIP Member
Jul 27, 2017
6,431
2,460
Hi everyone,

I would like to ask advice to people here who had to see specialist Doctors.

I visited a General Practitioner for a skin problem and he referred me to a Dermatologist. According to the Doctor, I was supposed to have an appointment within 2 weeks.

The Dermatologist called me to schedule an appointment in 5 weeks time.

I understand they are waiting times but I am also concerned my condition worsens in the meanwhile. I called back to General Practitioner and they will refer me to another Dermatologist to see if we can get a shorter waiting period.

Except this - is there any other way to see a Dermatologist quickly? I am totally new to the medical system here and thought maybe if you pay from your own pocket, you could see a specialist faster?

Appreciate any tips.

Thank you
Mat
Your doctor has already tried to get you to another Dermatologist with a shorter wait. I think he tired his best.

Unless your condition is so bad as life threatening, then you can go to emergency. (And they may just give you something that will keep you alive and you still need to wait to see a Dermatologist for the actual diagnosis. That's to wait for hours at emergency plus wait for specialist for weeks).

There may be some Dermatologist that has private practice for beauty treatment that you could access and make appointment directly. But I don't know that in details. And I am not sure if they are good with a medical condition or just skin improvement.
 
Last edited:

canuck78

VIP Member
Jun 18, 2017
52,959
12,759
5 weeks is very fast for a dermatology appointment. Some people wait 6 months or more. You won't find a faster appointment unless you get a cancellation. The general practitioner can tell if this is a somewhat urgent matter and has assessed that it can likely wait. Don't go to the ER unless it is an actual medical emergency. You will just waste your time and tax payer dollars. If you think you need further treatment see your GP again. Wait for specialist can be 3 months to sometimes a year for some doctors. Under 3 months is considered very reasonable. What you think is an emergency may not actually be a medical emergency. Most medical issues will not get significantly worse in 5 weeks.