Drawing in Patients from Across Canada and Beyond.
Canadian women are experiencing increasingly prolonged wait times for gynecologic surgeries, particularly for conditions like pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urinary incontinence. More than 40% of women will experience POP, with nearly 15% requiring a surgical intervention. A 2017 study found that the average wait for prolapse surgery was 210 days, compared to 98 days for hip and knee replacements. This disparity has led to calls for gynecologic surgeries to be prioritized similarly to other procedures to improve women’s health outcomes. Long wait times for surgery within your home province can be frustrating and worsen your condition and overall health.
Under the Canada Health Act, Canadians are free to choose their healthcare. This means accessing healthcare outside their province and respective provincial health plan coverage. This provision aims to reduce the incidence of medical tourism (or seeking medical care, such as surgery, at a reduced cost in a foreign nation), which can pose specific risks to your health.
Traveling out of the province for elective healthcare offers a valuable alternative with access to private, expedited care. Our team is here to guide you through the process, ensuring you can avoid long lines and receive the care you need with confidence and ease.
What are the Benefits of Out-of-Province Care?
Access to Highly Specialized Surgery
Dr. Darren Lazare is a Royal College of Canada certified gynecologist who has completed a fellowship in Urogynecology. He routinely performs state-of-the-art procedures focusing on stress urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, urge urinary incontinence, birth injuries, fistulas, and mesh complications. He also specializes in surgical procedures such as labiaplasty, perineoplasty, clitoral hood reduction, and vaginal rejuvenation.
Short Wait Times
If you need prompt care, wait times can be stressful and detrimental to your long-term health. Out-of-province care can help you access appropriate care when you need it. Dr. Lazare books virtual and in-person consultations within a two-week timeframe, with surgeries occurring within two to four weeks of your consultation.
Comprehensive Care
Because you’re from out of province, our team will ensure you have ongoing care and support throughout your journey including your recovery. We can help arrange for accommodations and professional caretakers where needed and coordinate with your regular provider at home.
The Out-of-Province Process:
Contact Our Team
Whether you contact us online or call our office, our patient care coordinator will chat with you to learn more about your concerns and the procedures you’re considering. We’ll help you select options for a consultation (either in-person or virtual). Virtual consultations allow you to meet with Dr. Lazare from the comfort of your home, so you don’t need to travel until the time of your procedure.
Consultation
During your consultation with Dr. Lazare, you’ll discuss your symptoms and goals for treatment, as well as review your complete medical history. Dr. Lazare will listen to your concerns and help you develop a plan that fits your goals and comfort level. Afterward, you’ll schedule any future appointments or procedures with our patient care coordinator. You’ll also be given a complete quote for any procedures discussed with Dr. Lazare.
Scheduling Surgery
Once you decide to proceed with your procedure, our patient care coordinator will help you select a surgical date that fits your schedule. We’ll work with you to find the right date, considering your recovery timeline, work/life obligations, and travel arrangements. Once you’ve chosen your surgery date, a non-refundable deposit of $2,000 is required. We’ll thoroughly review our office financial policies so you can make an informed decision.
Our patient care coordinator will guide you through the paperwork process. This typically includes a medical clearance form filled out by your regular physician. Blood work may also be required, and it needs to be completed at least two to four weeks before your surgery date.
Travel Accommodations
Our team is happy to help you locate accommodations here in Vancouver to ensure a stress-free process. We can provide a list of local hotels, restaurants, and transportation.
Follow-Up
A series of follow-up appointments will be organized after your procedure to ensure a smooth recovery process. Once you return home, we’re also available by phone or virtually if you have any questions or concerns.
Contact Us
Contact our office today to learn more about our out-of-province services and how our team can help expedite access to the care you need.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Learn more about planning your visit
Get familiar with our office, our location, and our staff before heading to Vancouver for surgery.
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DR. DARREN LAZARE
info@drlazaremd.ca
drlazaremd