Feedback

How to Refer a Patient to the BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain & Endometriosis: A Step-by-Step Guide

The BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain & Endometriosis provides specialized care for patients suffering from advanced endometriosis and persistent pelvic pain. This guide is designed to help healthcare providers navigate the referral process, ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate care. It includes detailed instructions on how to complete the referral form, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and what to expect after submitting a referral.

Step 1: Determine Eligibility for Referral

Before beginning the referral process, it is crucial to ensure that the patient meets the inclusion criteria for the clinic. The clinic specializes in:

• Advanced Endometriosis: Including ovarian endometrioma, deep endometriosis, and extra-pelvic endometriosis.
• Persistent Pelvic Pain: Pain unresponsive to first-line management and previously assessed by a gynecologist within the last three years.

Exclusion Criteria

Patients will not be accepted if they fall under the following categories:

• Adolescents under 16 years of age
• Vestibulitis, vulvodynia, or introital dyspareunia only
• Urogynecology issues such as mesh complications or prolapse
• Currently pregnant or postpartum less than 6 months
• Patients with untreated psychiatric issues or substance abuse
• Patients over 55 years of age or post-menopausal
• Patients with myofascial or neuropathic pain only
• Those without BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage

Step 2: Complete the Referral Form

To refer a patient, you must complete the Centre for Pelvic Pain & Endometriosis Clinic Referral Form. Here’s how to fill out the form correctly:

Patient Information:

• Enter the patient’s full name, pronouns, address, and best contact phone number.
• Include the patient’s date of birth and Personal Health Number (PHN).
• Ensure that the patient consents to being contacted via email and provide an email address.

Referring Care Provider Information:

• Provide your name, contact information, and Medical Services Plan (MSP) number.
• If you are not the primary care provider, include the primary care provider’s details.

Reason for Referral:

• Select the reason for referral, such as advanced endometriosis or persistent pelvic pain.
• Attach all relevant surgical and imaging reports, as well as a consult letter from a gynecologist if referring for pelvic pain.

Additional Information:

• Indicate if the patient is requesting surgery or if the referral is urgent. Provide any additional details necessary for triage.

Step 3: Attach Supporting Documentation

Ensure that all required supporting documents are attached to the referral form. These may include:

• Surgical reports
• Imaging reports
• Consult letters from gynecologists
• Relevant medical history that supports the referral

Step 4: Submit the Referral

Once the referral form is completed and all supporting documentation is attached, submit the referral:

• Fax: Send the referral form and documents to 604-875-2569.
• Mail: Send to BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre, F2-4500 Oak St., Vancouver, BC, V6H 3N1.
• Phone: For any inquiries, contact the clinic at 604-875-2534.

Step 5: Follow Up

After submitting the referral, the clinic will contact the patient directly to schedule an appointment. Ensure that the patient understands that they will be contacted only after all necessary information has been received and reviewed by the clinic.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Incomplete Referrals: The clinic will not process referrals until all required information and documentation are received.
• Exclusion Criteria: Ensure your patient does not fall under any of the exclusion categories to avoid delays.
• Communication: Make sure the patient consents to being contacted by email and that the email address provided is accurate.

FAQs

What if my patient does not meet the inclusion criteria?

• Consider referring them to another appropriate specialist or clinic that can address their specific needs.

Can I request an advice call instead of a referral?

• Yes, if you need advice for community gynecologists and do not wish to refer the patient to the clinic, you can request an advice call.

What should I do if my patient is over 55 or post-menopausal?

• Unfortunately, the clinic does not accept patients over 55 or those who are post-menopausal. Refer them to another specialist who can manage their care.

Conclusion