Back from the clinic

[chickenfeet]

I just got back from seeing a specialist at a local sports medicine clinic. It was quick, efficient, mostly painless and informative. I have a grade 2 separation that is healing well. I start physio tomorrow. I'm looking at 6-8 weeks recovery time.

The whole experience was about 1000 times more human, dignified and competent than at St. Mike's.

Comments

[globetrotter1.livejournal.com]

Sorry to ask a probably very obvious (and stupid) question, but I guess you have to pay out of your pocket when you visit clinics like this?

[chickenfeet2003.livejournal.com]

The answer is "not to see a doctor". That's covered by OHIP. One has to pay for physio etc.

[pshtaku.livejournal.com]

Can you not argue that the "doctor" gave you inappropriate advice, so you sought a 2nd opinion? Wouldn OHIP cover physio if referred by the "Doctor"?

[chickenfeet2003.livejournal.com]

No. Physio is free if provided by a public hospital (it's financed by their block grant like nurses and so on) but is not an "insured service" so is not covered by OHIP. The OMA has done a very good job over the last ten years or so in making sure that all OHIP money goes to physicians and not "wannabees(1)" like chiros, psychologists, physios, midwives etc. The Assassins Guild couldn't do better. There are various services that are paid for if performed by an MD but not otherwise, such as psychiatric counselling. No MD actually provides these services but it allows the government to claim they cover them.

(1) The expression "wannabee" in this context is taken straight from the then chairman of the OMA when I aked him about the subject.

[pshtaku.livejournal.com]

Ha - someone should give him a separated shoulder, and see how long he lasts before he wants something more than painkillers!

[chickenfeet2003.livejournal.com]

He would go straight to the front of the queue for physio in a hospital. One can't buy preferential treatment in the health service here but doctors, politicians etc don't have to.

[badasstronaut.livejournal.com]

Does that mean your shoulders are fixable?

[chickenfeet2003.livejournal.com]

Definitely

[badasstronaut.livejournal.com]

Well, that's good news then.

[kalypso-v.livejournal.com]

Sounds good. Roll on physio.

[glitterboy1.livejournal.com]

I'm glad it was so much better - and that you've got advice this time that actually sounds sensible. Good luck with the physio!

[chickenfeet2003.livejournal.com]

I really should learn. If one is an active athlete seeing an orthopoedics specialist, however distinguished, is silly. Their mindset is doing hip replacements for 80 year olds. The sports med guys understand that athletes will work to get fit and ultimately will make their own pain/gain trade offs in a different way to non-athletes.

[ironed_orchid]

Hurrah for information and plan of attack.

[a-d-medievalist.livejournal.com]

yay for actual healing and treatment!

[daubentonia.livejournal.com]

This is great news!!!

Pain sucks.

[f4f3.livejournal.com]

Good stuff. Have you considered acupuncture for pain relief? I've never tried it, but have it filed away as something to try next time I have a sports injury.

[pshtaku.livejournal.com]

It works - I've had it several times.

[chickenfeet2003.livejournal.com]

Actually the pain is isn't too bad right now. It was bad for the firt couple of days but is very low level now.

[f4f3.livejournal.com]

You never cease to surprise me.

[shezan.livejournal.com]

Excellent news! Good for you for sticking it out!