OHIP approval of OOC surgery

Question
I would like to have surgery with Synergy but am being told that it is unlikely that as a Canadian I will get out of country surgery approval from OHIP as now the government has put millions of dollars into bariatric programs here.  So now instead of a 2-3 year wait it may only be a 1 year wait.  I think that is ridiculous but my question is what can I do so that I can get OHIP approval or am I wasting my time hoping that I can get surgery sooner than 1 or 2 years?  

Answer
From my understanding, Ontario continues to send patients to the US preferred providers for bariatric surgery.  As the system works, a referral to your local regional assessment centre by your primary care physician must be made.  Wait times for an assessment are reportedly up to 18 months.  This begins the process for consideration of your candidacy and determination as to where you will be treated.  Pre op preparation depends upon medical and weight loss history of the patient and urgency may depend upon the severity of obesity and whether co morbid conditions, such as diabetes, are present.  

If you believe you are a candidate, don't give up hope that OHIP will approve of surgical treatment.  Start with your doctor and get the referral and appointment with the assessment centre.  Check your government websites for more information and locations.  Good luck!

Julia Kabakov  

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