Miracle of miracles. Thanks to COVID, having an appointment with our Ottawa urologist is much easier these days. COVID seemed to make a difference to these issues. This, from Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP):
Effective December 1, 2022, the Schedule of Benefits (the Schedule) has been amended to reflect the new virtual care funding framework, as set out in the PSA and communicated in INFOBulletin 221002.
At the beginning, our Ottawa urologist switched over to treatments (the Lupron injection) three times a year in Perth, and once a year in Ottawa. Then, things changed. No more phone consults as OHIP's remuneration went from $37 to ↓$15 payments per phone 'visit'). Something changed again.
There is a new schedule of fees: Virtual Care 1: Comprehensive and Limited Virtual Care Services.
They offered us the annual check in on Zoom. What's not to love? Our Perth GP has been great having their office monitor the PSA, and the upcoming bone density scan. He is the quarterback.
Virtual Visit
The trick is that they ask you to sign in 30 minutes prior to the meeting. On we went at 3:15. Joseph Brian had to use my computer, as we had issues with his iPad. He played cards while I watched a TV Christmas movie!
This is so much simpler, rather than a 90-minute drive into Ottawa, not to mention having to work in meals. Dr. C. connected by 4:13, which isn't too bad! Then we found we were muted, and the camera was off. Familiar tale! All fixed, there he was!
During the Zoom call, he asked about JB's symptoms, but there are no changes in symptoms, which is good.
Last year's bone density test (Dec. 2022) shows low bone mass fracture risk is low, though. Dr. C asked if he is still taking calcium and Vit. D supplements, as well as Alendronate once a week. It won't improve his bone density, but it does slow the deterioration. It is a drug meant for osteoporosis.
Will have a follow-up, another Zoom in 6 months.
The cancer is well-controlled, at this point. Has to see Dr. C once every two years, according to OHIP rules.
Joseph Brian walks daily for about an hour, most days. It is an excellent workout.
walking from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.
15 comments:
I have a good friend going through this ordeal right now. He got his first treatment last week. They gave him 3 months to 20 years, depending on how the treatment reacts. I cannot begin to imagine what he is going through.
Walking is the best workout! Knees should be protected with elastic braces, and that would enable longer, pain free walks.
Virtual visits are so helpful especially when the weather is bad. Sounds like your husband is on the right path for recovery or at a minimum no worse:)
Good news about visits, and that this last tele-conf went so well! Yes, to those walks, (she says thinking of how few she has taken last week!) Just read that other weight type exercises that pull on muscles (like lifting small weights or thera-band use) will increase calcium growth on those ligament-bone connections (at least for women at risk for osteoporsis). Now I'll be changing some of my videos I workout with.
A consult at home bia zoom is so much easier than a drive, finding parking, juggling meals etc. Glad the news seems to be stable, and JB, smile at the camera, even a few words so I can hear that delightful Canadian accent... you walk through the autumn leaves like a spring chicken going for a stroll, making it all look so easy.
It sounds like everything is going well.
Very good news. I am happy for you both.
There's not much about the Covid years that was positive, but Zoom has been a godsend.
Well, I’m glad there’s good news in all that, and that it is simpler. That’s good that he has a good walking regimen. I shall be trying to get more exercise in from here on. It won't be a New Year's Resolution, I know all about those :) Tell JB thanks for being so inspiring, and wishes for a good weekend to both of you.
I think the Alendronate Sodium (Fosamax?) might have given mom stomach issues. Switching her to a Reclast Infusion. I had a phone consult visit with my doctor and I rather liked not having to go into the office.
It's a stressful situation. I wish for continued stability.
That is good news, so pleased for both of you.
More and more of our hospitals here in the UK are doing telephone or zoom consultations.
All the best Jan
I love a virtual visit, especially if it's a drive. (My back doc is about an hour away, too.) And often, that's all you need -- just a chat.
"Well controlled" is music to the ear. I've never done one of the virtual dr visits, but my husband has.
That is helpful.
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