Covered by OHIP?
Most services are covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
Waiting Time
Your timeframe depends on the type of procedure.
OHIP Covered Services
Most services are covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
While there is no direct evidence that proves cortisone injections have an impact on the COVID vaccine, we recommend to schedule elective cortisone injections 2 weeks before or one week after an administered COVID vaccine. At this time, there are no time restrictions or suggested time intervals between receiving nerve blocks (marcaine or lidocaine injections) and the COVID vaccine.
Trauma in the joints can result in damaged cartilage, which increases the presence of inflammatory molecules by the joint tissues – this increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis.
Cortisone injections are used for pain relief associated with inflammation in the joints. Many patients are concerned with potential long-term side effects of cortisone injections.
Not only are cortisone injections safe, but a study from MIT has shown that cortisone injections can prevent long-term damage to the joints.
When the cartilage present in joints becomes damaged, increasing levels of molecules called cytokines are produced. These cytokines, including TNF, IL-1, and IL-6, can cause damage to the already injured cartilage.
The study showed that cortisone injections can decrease the amount of cytokines produced, thereby preventing continued damage to the joint, and promoting the production of new cartilage.
The study shows the potential of cortisone injections to not only reduce pain associated with joint injury, but to also promote healing, and prevent long-term damage that is associated with osteoarthritis.
You are required to present a valid Health Card at every visit. Although you will be informed at the time of booking if you are required to bring anything specific, it’s always a good idea to come prepared. You may want to consider bringing a list of your medication (including names, dose and frequency), any imaging reports or results, and any additional information for legal representative, WSIB claims, insurance companies, etc.
In order to be seen by our physicians, we require a referral form, which you can obtain from your family physician.
Please have your referring physician send the referral form to us in order to ensure that you will be seen as soon as possible.
If your physician is not familiar with Wilderman Medical Clinic and our services, you may direct them to our website, or have them give us a call. A new referral form is required every 24 months if the patient is not seen regularly.
Download the Wilderman Medical Clinic Referral Form here: Wilderman Medical Clinic Referral Form (PDF)
Urine samples are required by certain physicians, depending on several factors. You may be asked to provide a urine sample.
Our receptionists will inform you if you need to arrange for a ride home after a procedure at the time of booking.
Generally, you are required to make arrangements following Lidocaine IV and Ketamine Infusions, as well as facet joint and epidural injections performed by Dr. Shulman at the Markham-Stoufville Hospital.
It is also a good idea to have a friend or family member accompany you if you do not tolerate your injections well and experience side effects, such as dizziness.
Our physicians make sure that all of your questions and concerns have been addressed before you leave. As such, your appointment time may run longer than planned, or may be delayed. As a result of possible unforeseen circumstances, your appointment time is NOT guaranteed. We ask that you are patient when this is the case.
We do offer a physician answering line that allows you to leave a message for a physician. Your call will usually be returned by one of our residents or fellows who have access to your medical records from our clinic. If they are unable to assist with your question or problem, your call will be directed to the attending physician.
You will be seen by various medical professionals during your visit. This offers the advantage of many physicians thinking about your conditions and care. There will also be nurses and clinical associates who assist with your care during your visit.
In order to become a new patient, you must be referred by your primary care physician. The referring physician can find a copy of our new customer referral form under the patient forms section of our website. We will evaluate the information on the form , and contact you in order for you to schedule an appointment. for consultation. If your insurance needs a record of this referral, you must acquire it from your primary care physician.
