Someone will call you to give you a time for your first appointment at the Gastrointestinal Clinic. Learn more about preparing for your first appointment in the
Guide to Princess Margaret.
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CD or DVD of your imaging studies.
Your referring doctor may give you a CD or DVD of imaging studies you may have had done such as
x-rays,
CT scans,
MRIs or
ultrasounds . If so, it is very important to bring this CD or DVD with you.
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List of all medications you are currently taking.
This includes prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamin or mineral supplements and herbal remedies.
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Medications that you need to take.
Appointments can take several hours. Bring with you any medications you normally take during the day.
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Record of any changes.
Make notes about any changes in your condition that you’ve notice since your last visit, and bring these notes to show your doctor. Also bring any medical equipment you use, such as your colostomy bag, if you have one.
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A trusted friend or family member.
A friend or family member can give you emotional support and can help you make good choices. They can also help you gather information, take notes and ask questions.
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Questions to ask.
Bring a list of questions to your appointment to help you remember everything you want to ask.
Learn more about what to bring »
The first person you meet at the clinic is the
Patient Flow Coordinator. To sign in with the Patient Flow Coordinator you will need your health card (OHIP card). If you do not have an OHIP card, please bring another form of government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license, passport, or other provincial health card).
Before each clinic appointment (in-person or virtual), you will be asked to answer questions about your health and wellbeing. Use eCheck-In to report your symptoms and concerns to your healthcare team. You will still need to check in with the front desk staff, eCheck-In does not replace checking in in-person.
Learn more about eCheck-In »
First appointments take longer than follow-up appointments.
- Your first appointment can take 2 hours or more. After your visit to the clinic, you will likely go to the
Blood Collection Lab for blood tests.
- Follow-up appointments usually take 15 to 30 minutes.
We do our best to stay on time. Unfortunately, your appointment may be delayed by unforeseen circumstances. We recommend that you come prepared for delays. For example, make sure that your arrangements for things like babysitting, elder care and parking can accommodate a longer than usual appointment. If you are taking any medications, please bring them to your appointment should there be delays.
At the end of your first appointment, the nurse or doctor will give you a contact list for your health care team. If you don’t get a contact list, feel free to ask for it.
After every appointment, a member of your health care team will tell you about your next visit. Be sure you understand what is going to happen next. For example, know the time and place of your next visit or if someone will call you with this information.
If you are unsure about what your next steps are, don’t be afraid to ask a member of your team. We are there to help you.
Other resources that you may find helpful:
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The Cancer Journey Resources include a personal guidebook and planner. These resources are available to all new patients at the Princess Margaret. You can pick up a free copy from your clinic or at the Princess Margaret Patient & Family Library. The Cancer Journey Guide Book and Planner are also available online or on the Princess Margaret Journey App.
Learn more about the Cancer Journey Resources »
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My Surgery Binder is an information guide and personal-care tool to help you prepare for surgery and for the healing time that follows surgery.
When you leave a message, we make every effort to return your call as soon as possible. If you are calling about a medical or clinical matter, your call will be returned in 2-3 hours. If you are calling about an appointment, your call will be returned within 24 hours.
