Your First IBD Clinic Appointment
Your first appointment in our IBD clinic is essential for setting up contact with your IBD specialist who can then start making changes to get your disease under control.
The goal of the first meeting is to help your IBD specialist understand your symptoms, disease history, and everything else that's needed to develop the best treatment plan for you. Your physician may also order additional tests to confirm your diagnosis and clarify details important for setting up this personalized treatment plan.
Ensure your appointment goes smoothly
by completing 1a or 1b, 2, 3, and 4 below:
1a) FILL OUT THE ONLINE PRE-CLINIC QUESTIONNAIRE
It is important for our IBD clinic specialists to know about any aspects of your disease. This includes information about your diagnosis, treatment, previous operations, and symptoms you are experiencing.
We ask that you complete a questionnaire in order to provide you with the best care at your upcoming visit to our IBD clinic.
Once you fill out the questionnaire and click "Submit" our IBD team will receive it.
Please complete the questionnaire at least 1 (one) week before your appointment to allow us enough time to review it.
OR
1b) FILL OUT THE PRE-CLINIC FORMS ON PAPER
Instead of filling out the online questionnaire, you may wish to:
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download and complete the forms (below); fax to us at (780)492-8121 or bring the completed forms to your appointment
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these forms will also be available for you in the clinic waiting room
Forms
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Our IBD Clinic uses email and phone communication with patients ONLY for the purposes of making and confirming appointments. The privacy laws in the Province of Alberta require that we have your consent to contact you. This includes consent to contact you via email or at any telephone number you provide. Please complete the .
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Make a brief overview of your medical history using the . If you’re not sure, ask your family physician or specialist what kind of details you should gather and bring with you. Please answer the questions as accurately as possible.
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Our IBD specialists contribute to medical research as part of their job. Medical research at the University of Alberta and Alberta Health Services is vital to advancing your health care and requires your participation. Please complete the to allow your doctor or his/her delegate permission to screen your medical chart to see if you are eligible for a particular research study.
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Make a list of your medications. It is important for our IBD clinic specialists to know about any medications
you are taking or have taken recently. You can make a list or bring in the medications in their original packaging. Include: (1) Prescription drugs (your pharmacist can give you a list); (2) Any over-the-counter drugs you take, such as cold medication or pain relievers; (3) Vitamin or mineral supplements and (4) Herbal and natural health products, including naturopathic and homeopathic remedies
2) REQUEST YOUR IMMUNIZATION RECORDS
Request your immunization records. Many of the patients who attend our clinic require immunosuppressive medications at some point during the course of their disease. These medications suppress the immune system and can potentially make you more susceptible to infections. It is very important to review your vaccination history with your IBD specialist to make sure you are protected. If you cannot recall whether you have received a particular vaccine, contact your local public health clinic and request the information. To obtain vaccination records contact Alberta Health Services by phone at (780) 413-7985.
3) PLAN YOUR TRIP
Review directions to the University of Alberta hospital, public transportation options or parking locations. You can find this information in Contact and Location.
Please arrive 15 minutes early for registration.
If you do not intend to come for your appointment, please notify our clinic at 780-492-8691 at least 1 (one) business day before.
4) PREPARE YOURSELF!
Having a good understanding about IBD before coming to your first appointment with us will prepare you to have better conversations with your IBD specialist. . Our website is constantly updated, and contains a comprehensive overview of diagnostics, treatment options, and lifestyle modifications which can help you to control your IBD.
It is also a good idea to write down your questions and concerns before any appointment so you will remember to discuss them.
