Pt INR test in Toronto

[Aalok jain]

Hii
I am moving to Toronto, Canada in 2nd week of September from India and wants to know How can I check my Pt/INR in a Lab there to cross check it with my Coagucheck XS meter .
Also I want to connect with a good Primary Doctor
Is there anyone from Toronto who can help me with this?

 

[pellicle]

Hii
I am moving to Toronto, Canada in 2nd week of September from India and wants to know How can I check my Pt/INR in a Lab there to cross check it with my Coagucheck XS meter .
Also I want to connect with a good Primary Doctor
Is there anyone from Toronto who can help me with this?

a "friend" of mine from here (no longer active here) lives in Toronto and used to get INR tests (and you don't want PT anyway, its meaningless now) at local labs. Apparently it was so easy he didn't bother getting a machine.

perhaps someone else can be more specific.

Also, as you're from India, are you on warfarin or the other short half life thing? You may not be able to get that as easily (and if you change you may not ever want to go back)

 

[Aalok jain]

a "friend" of mine from here (no longer active here) lives in Toronto and used to get INR tests (and you don't want PT anyway, its meaningless now) at local labs. Apparently it was so easy he didn't bother getting a machine.

perhaps someone else can be more specific.

Also, as you're from India, are you on warfarin or the other short half life thing? You may not be able to get that as easily (and if you change you may not ever want to go back)

I am on warfarin taking 22 mg weekly dose

 

[Lynn]

I’m from British Columbia and before I offer my two cents it is important to know that all Provinces must adhere to the Canada Health Act, but there are provincial differences in implementation models.

Basically, it’s easy. Go to a doctor, and get a requisition and take it to any lab. If you are still in the process of finding a “family doctor” (a doctor that will take you as a long term patient) go to a walk in clinic. In B.C. my requisition is good for 12 months, and I can use any lab that is part of the medical system I want.

Lastly, you should note that if moving to Canada you will need to enrol in the Provincial Health Care system. I don’t know if there is a waiting period in Ontario, that likely depends on your specific situation. But if you have heart issues, get yourself enrolled promptly. I can’t comment on the process for that in Ontario, maybe someone else can weigh in.

 

[Ruby]

Toronto general Hospital on University Avenue.

 

[pellicle]

I am on warfarin taking 22 mg weekly dose

Ok, well another hint is that reporting dose in weekly is pretty old school, daily dose is how you take it right? I mean you don't take 22mg on Monday morning right?

Best Wishes

 

[Aalok jain]

Th

I’m from British Columbia and before I offer my two cents it is important to know that all Provinces must adhere to the Canada Health Act, but there are provincial differences in implementation models.

Basically, it’s easy. Go to a doctor, and get a requisition and take it to any lab. If you are still in the process of finding a “family doctor” (a doctor that will take you as a long term patient) go to a walk in clinic. In B.C. my requisition is good for 12 months, and I can use any lab that is part of the medical system I want.

Lastly, you should note that if moving to Canada you will need to enrol in the Provincial Health Care system. I don’t know if there is a waiting period in Ontario, that likely depends on your specific situation. But if you have heart issues, get yourself enrolled promptly. I can’t comment on the process for that in Ontario, maybe someone else can weigh in.

Ok I am on study visa and for students in Ontario they don't issue Health card during studies .I will get the Health card when I will be on work permit.

 

[Thomas]

I'm in Toronto.
Your 1st step is to register in Ontario for a provincial health card at a Service Ontario branch. There are many. Then, find a doc. The process may be different since your not Canadian but you may already know the process requirements.

You need a requisition for INR testing as well as prescription for warfarin from the doctor - no exceptions.

I use a private company called Lifelabs for weekly tests. They have many locations to choose from in and around Toronto based on where you will be living.
In my experience, their process is very consistent and reliable. Results are emailed to my doctor and myself usually within 8 hrs.
Your costs are 100% covered by the Provincial government.
The process is very easy after the hurdle of finding a doctor.

If you would like any info that I may be able to help with, feel free to message me.

 

[Aalok jain]

I'm in Toronto.
Your 1st step is to register in Ontario for a provincial health card at a Service Ontario branch. There are many. Then, find a doc. The process may be different since your not Canadian but you may already know the process requirements.

You need a requisition for INR testing as well as prescription for warfarin from the doctor - no exceptions.

I use a private company called Lifelabs for weekly tests. They have many locations to choose from in and around Toronto based on where you will be living.
In my experience, their process is very consistent and reliable. Results are emailed to my doctor and myself usually within 8 hrs.
Your costs are 100% covered by the Provincial government.
The process is very easy after the hurdle of finding a doctor.

If you would like any info that I may be able to help with, feel free to message me.

Thanks for the information.
I will not get provincial health card on my study visa and any health insurance company doesn't cover for existing diseases.

 

[Thomas]

You will have to pay out of pocket then for INR tests. My recommendation would be to research the purchase a meter at home now or on EBay and do your own testing. It may be a less expensive option. Sorry I don't know the cost for lab testing. I will ask when I go on Wednesday an I'll relay my findings. Also, it will be more convenient, test when and as often as you want. As you said, you'll need to find a doctor for your warfarin prescriptions.

 

[Aalok jain]

I

You will have to pay out of pocket then for INR tests. My recommendation would be to research the purchase a meter at home now or on EBay and do your own testing. It may be a less expensive option. Sorry I don't know the cost for lab testing. I will ask when I go on Wednesday an I'll relay my findings. Also, it will be more convenient, test when and as often as you want. As you said, you'll need to find a doctor for your warfarin prescriptions.

I already have meter and will continue to use it in Canada.

 

[Superman]

Just keep using your meter. I haven’t bothered with a lab draw in years.

 

[pellicle]

@Aalok jain
I would support this view too

Just keep using your meter. I haven’t bothered with a lab draw in years.

 

[Brinntache]

Home meter is way better than getting a poke.

 

[user 15848]

Yes, buy a meter, is the best solution at the end anyways.