MENOPAUSE & PERIMENOPAUSE
Menopause: A word that is often joked about. However, the symptoms of menopause are no laughing matter. Hot flashes, insomnia, irritability, dryness, and more can take a toll on a woman and the people around her.
Symptoms can start in a woman's 30's and 40's (perimenopause) and can be just as bothersome as when they have reached menopause.
Many women don't have access to a comprehensive assessment and range of treatment options.
That's why this clinic was developed!
Clients book appointments with Roberta Heale, an NP with more than 23 years of experience.
Let's Talk About Hot Flashes!
There's a lot of information and misinformation about menopause and the years leading up to it (perimenopause). It's important to have great resources to answer your questions about this transition in your life. The link connects to the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada's website all about the menopause transition. Check it out.
When you schedule a consultation, you'll receive an intake form with a lot of questions about your health and wellness. Not only is it important for the NP to understand how menopause, or perimenopause is impacting your life, but since symptoms of perimenopause and menopause can be similar to other conditions and it's important that your primary care provider is involved in caring for health issues that are beyond menopause.
What can nurse practitioners do?
NPs you see at the Virtual Menopause Clinic are able to complete care that is related to your menopause symptoms. This may include a full history and, if recommended, lab work or diagnostic testing. NPs can prescribe medications and refer you to specialists and programs.
Are Appointments Covered?
When an NP orders diagnostic testing and lab work that is covered by OHIP there is no charge to you. In addition, if you have a drug plan, then eligible prescriptions written by NPs are covered under it.
However, the initial consultation and follow up provided by the NP is not covered by OHIP. People may have coverage through their Private Health Insurance, and you will need to check with your own personal provider.
Also, medical expenses are tax deductible.
The general rule is that medical expenses you incur for yourself are eligible for a non-refundable credit (Medical Expense Tax Credit) provided they are listed as an eligible expense under the Income Tax Act.
A ‘medical service’ is defined as a ‘service relating to the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of disease performed by a medical practitioner acting within the scope of his or her professional training” Diagnostic procedures or services must be either for maintaining health, preventing disease, or assisting in the diagnosis of treatment of any injury, illness or disability.
Please speak to your own accountant to verify that this applies in your personal situation.
