Do you have your history on a USB? I think there's more to being a nurse or doctor than just simple knowledge. A lot of times we would have referrals based on a hunch not just symptoms, and we were asked to accept them as such. Often there were only vague symptoms but doctors "know" their patients... It's not always black and white.

Anyhow I don't suppose it matters much. If you're that ill, you'll get sorted one way or the other. I don't have a family doc yet. Bit short round here apparently. They'll be one shorter too if I don't find something to do with my time!!!

No, I don't think I have any history to speak of. However, if I was a sick person I'd make sure to have it to hand.

Or you could just see the same doctor the whole time and there be no need. Simples

I suppose the only exposure I have to things medical is via my daughter (working in a refugee camp) and her partner (working in what the Gruaniad calls "BRITAINS BUSIEST A&E"). They don't work in their native language(s) and neither does any doctor I can recall seeing so I find it hard to believe that a meaningful rapport between patient and medical staff is often established.

It's a different need though isn't it and that makes a difference. Maybe it's a generational thing too.... What people are used to etc. But rapport is established. I've worked long enough in doctors/hospital settings to see how important it is to people. Maybe difficult to imagine if you don't have that requirement. Not trying to have the last word by the way!!!!

Not simple for lots of people without a GP who see a different doctor every time they go to a clinic and the doc has no clue what the last doc did etc.

Err that was my point

I'm still awaiting Oink's response to this!

Something like "My job here is done"?

It's very useful but it includes all specialities- the seriously high earners are usually ophthalmologists. The OP needs to remember that all their office /staff expenses come out of this amount- anything from 20-40 %, also accounting, bookkeeping, college fees, membership fees, and of course medical insurance.

Docs can only see 50 a day before they can only bill half a visit-- if they have reached that amount or the patients they have will take them beyond closing time they will close early.
FYI- you can be referred anywhere you like- I refer all over the Okanagan, to Vancouver, Victoria and have referred several to various places in Alberta, I've never encountered a problem.
You have to look at both referral to consult time and consult to surgery time, unfortunately orthopaedics is generally long consult to surgery. Not the surgeons fault- they love operating, its availability of the OR/staff
have you seen http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/swt/
Its a vaguely useful web site

Yes, I understand that. When doctors are scarce this exacerbates the problem, and not being able to make an appointment and just take a chance on a 60km drive means seeing a doctor can be problematic.

I've been told I cannot be referred to the Okanagan, surgeons there won't add to their list with out of district patients. A doctor friend in Kelowna also said it would cause political ramifications. Kamloops has lost 2 orthopedic consultants recently due to a lack of surgery time available to them, so the waiting list for an initial consultation isn't moving. I don't suppose Kelowna patients would be happy with an influx of Kamloops area patients, lengthening their wait time.

Both referral to consult and consult to surgery times in Kelowna are substantially shorter - I was diagnosed 3 years ago, put on a wait list for referral a year later. To my mind it's an unacceptable length to endure to even talk to a surgeon.

Yes, I've seen that web page thanks.

Jsmth321 , you are right re the drugs and WIC- sort of! Most reputable WICs will not prescribe strong narcotics- sort that need the special prescriptions and benzos for risk of addiction. There are a few around who will- the appropriate patients tend to know who!!!
But- all walk in clinics and hospital know your past prescriptions , although they are supposed to ask your permission to access it- its from a web site called pharmanet- pharmacists also have access obviously.
GPs can sign up also but most rely on their own EMRs

And EMRs are why dbd33's idea of carrying his own records won't come about anytime soon. There are still too many different companies with totally incompatible systems and still a lot of IMO stupid docs who are on paper still. I know this is changing though- Telus have become the largest EMR provider in Canada -just- and it will be hard for the competition to compete.

Also- yes I know almost all my patients- although I may pretend not to notice one in Superstore etc. I may not remember ones who come in once every 2-3 years. No- I don't remember off hand the last pap, rectal, physical, lab work ,X-ray they may have had -but if it was within the last month or two I probably will do.
Do I look at every chart before I see the patient- no- no time- but I will look at the patients who are complicated/ill. I would love to look at all but I would have to cut down numbers - not that I see a lot! I am good at having a look whilst completely initial niceties though. If someone was prescribed a medicine they have an allergy/sensitivity to, their doctor is either on paper, has a rubbish EMR or doesn't update the one they have. Mine will not let me prescribe with out an "override " by me.

Agreed Kelowna can be weird- I know they regularly refer to Vernon, Salmon Arm, Kamloops for a variety of things- for a shorter wait time- but ban Vernon patients from having some procedures there.
I have referred to orthopaedics there, Dr Plausinis- the very guy that abandoned you -very nice, very good surgeon. He has accepted and seen my patients.

If you are being refused I think that will be individual surgeons who have made that decision- or your own doctor. I have also referred to orthopaedic surgeons in Vancouver and Calgary- for sheer convenience of patients- i.e. they have family whom they wish to convalesce with after surgery.