My friends son has been diagnosed with B-type Acute lymphoblastic
leukaemia, while on holiday . Since his diease is in an acute stage the
doctors have started on chemotherapy full blast, in what they call
induction therapy, which it seems will last for 56 days. They want to
bring the child back to Canada(Toronto were they live)for continuation
of treatment. Can anybody help to find out, how to go about it? I am
told of the hospital for sick kids. But it seems there is a long
waiting list to get treated at HSC, Toronto. Is this the only place to
treat ALL. Can he get the treatment in another place where there is no
waiting period with the OHIP card.How is the treatment plan(inpatient
or outpatient) and how about the charges. Does OHIP pays for the
entire treatment. Since the boys parents does not have steady jobs,
appropriate treatment of the diesease is a major concern...Please
help.Does the government offer some grant for prescriptions for this
disease? Is there some charitable institutions/social workers who an
help.
According to the the doctors who are treating him, the
treatment(chemotherapy) is the same anywhere, as they are following
the "new american protocol", which is divided in to three, Induction
phase(about 56 days), delayed intensification treatment(Phase 1 and
2). All these three would account for about 8-10 months, depending on
his response and the incidence of any infections in between. Once this
three phases are over, then its maintenance therapy for two years, for
a remission.They say that its a standarde risk category, as the age is
6 years and the initial WBC count was only 25000(25, ofcourse the
diagnosis itself was accidental), and that chemotherapy alone should
be sufficient. The pre-requisite to avoid a relapse is to ensure that
treatment is not broken at any cost. This is where the waiting period
at HSC, becomes of increased significance.Please could anybody advise
on how to go about getting the right treatment in Ontario, whom to
approach,whats the procedure etc. Your kind assistance would help a
little boy get the right treatment first time. |
Request for Question Clarification by
crabcakes-ga
on
03 Jun 2004 21:29 PDT
Hi abelu,
I finally got an answer from INFOline in Canada. I hope your friend's
child will be able to get some help through them.
The diagnosis, treatments scheduling of medical treatments
are clinical decisions determined by health care providers. The patient's
parents and/or attending physician may wish to contact Ontario hospitals and
treatment centres regarding waiting times, urgency and treatment
availability.
Hospital locations
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/contact/hosp/hosp_mn.html
Hospitals by classification
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/contact/hosp/hospcode.html
You may also wish to contact Cancer Care Ontario. Cancer Care Ontario is a
provincial agency governed by the Cancer Act . It is responsible for
long-term planning of the Ontario cancer care system. Its mandate is to
reduce the effects of cancer and ensure that all Ontario residents have
access to high-quality cancer services. Services provided include:
- set direction and provide leadership in cancer surveillance, prevention,
screening, research, treatment and supportive care
- ensure that patients across the province receive the same high quality of
care, regardless of where they live
- manage regional cancer centres in Hamilton, Kingston, London, Ottawa,
Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Toronto, Durham, Grand River and Windsor, as well as
the Ontario Breast Screening Program, the Ontario Cervical Screening Program
and the Ontario Cancer Genetics Network
Cancer Care Ontario
http://www.cancercare.on.ca/
You may also contact the Canadian Cancer Society regarding cancer support
and services.
Canadian Cancer Society - Ontario chapter
416-488-5400
1-888-939-3333
http://www.ontario.cancer.ca/
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage for Ontario residents
outside of Canada is for emergency services and is reimbursable in Canadian
dollars to the following daily maximum amounts:
- emergency inpatient hospital services eligible for OHIP coverage will be
paid up to a maximum of $400 (Canadian) per day or the amount billed
whichever is less - up to $200 for less intensive medical care
- emergency outpatient services, with the exception of dialysis, will be
paid to a maximum of $50 (Canadian) for all out-patient services provided on
any one day. Out-of-country dialysis treatment will be paid at a rate of
$210 (Canadian) per treatment.
Ambulance services and drug benefits are not covered by OHIP when outside of
Ontario. You may wish to use the link provided to read further about
coverage outside of Canada:
"OHIP Travelling Outside of Canada"
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/pub/ohip/travel.html
The Claims Department of District OHIP offices may confirm the OHIP coverage
of specific health services.
District OHIP Office - Toronto
47 Sheppard Ave E
Toronto ON M2N 7E7
Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
416-314-7444 general information
416-314-7540 claims - out of country
416-314-7770 claims- in province
416-314-7449 fax
Ontario residents with valid OHIP coverage may be eligible for the Trillium
Drug Program if their prescription drug costs are high compared to their
income. You may wish to use the following links to view information
regarding the Trillium Drug program and online application. You may contact
the Drug Programs Branch regarding personal eligibility concerns.
"Trillium Drug Program"
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/pub/drugs/trillium.html
"Application for Ontario Drug Benefits" (form # 3693-87)
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/forms/form_menus/odb_fm.html
Trillium Drug Program Guide
http://www.forms.ssb.gov.on.ca/mbs/ssb/forms/FormsRepository.nsf/Forms/MOH-0
14-s46850E-87/$File/TRILLIUM_BOOKE_.PDF
<http://www.forms.ssb.gov.on.ca/mbs/ssb/forms/FormsRepository.nsf/Forms/MOH-
014-s46850E-87/$File/TRILLIUM_BOOKE_.PDF>
Drug Programs Branch
5700 Yonge Street, 15th Floor
Toronto, Ontario M2M 4K5
416-326-1558 - Trillium
1-800-575-5386 (toll free Ontario)
TTY: 1-800-387-5559
email: DrugPrograms@moh.gov.on.ca
In general, to remain eligible for OHIP benefits, residents must be
physically present in Ontario 153 days (5 months) each year and make Ontario
their permanent residence. Residents may be outside of Canada 212 days (7
months) each year and maintain OHIP coverage. Extended absences may be
granted for travel/study/work, etc. You may use the following link for
further information regarding longer absences from Ontario:
"OHIP Longer Absences from Ontario"
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/pub/ohip/longer.html
Regards, crabcakes
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