What happens at the office?
We interview and examine people about their sleep problems, tell them what we think is going on, answer questions and make plans for treatment and followup.
What to bring:
- The questionnaires we sent you with your appointment information - complete them before you come in. (if you don't have the questionnaires click here)
- Your health card
- A list of all your medications
- Your partner. It is often helpful, and sometimes essential, for your spouse to explain what they see during your sleep and any other concerns they have, and to hear our physician's opinion of what is wrong and your options for treatment.
- Do NOT wear perfume or aftershave because many other patients have allergies/sensitivities
Who will see you:
- Deb Paxton will get you ready for your appointment.
- You may be seen by a medical student, or a resident that is working with one of our physicians. You will also be seen by our physician.
- You will see one of our physicians: either Dr Parisa Rahimi or Dr Stuart Holtby.
- Both Dr Rahimi and Dr Holtby are Canadian trained specialists in internal medicine and respiratory medicine. Dr Holtby is also a diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine, and a egistered Polysomnography Technologist.
Step by step in the office:
Please arrive ahead of your scheduled appointment - the office almost always runs on time.
Deb, the office manager, will:
- check your health card and ask you to sign a Ministry of Health permission to check your health number
- make sure you have completed any questionnaires we sent you
- have you look at and sign a privacy agreement for your protection
- weigh you, measure your height and your neck circumference
- take a photograph of you for your chart - we find it helps us remember you better
- sometimes test your lung capacity with a simple device
- show you to an interview room.
One of our doctors will:
- ask you about what is troubling you and what led your doctor to refer you
- ask you your usual sleep pattern and habits
- review your medical history including any treatment you are taking
- examine your nose and mouth, and often examine other parts of you as relevant to your problems
- usually photograph your upper airway
and then she/he will:
- explain what he thinks is causing your symptoms
- discuss your options and answer your questions
- arrange any tests that are indicated
- arrange followup
- A letter is always sent to the doctor who referred you, and to your family doctor.
- The note will include the details of your story and our phsyician's opinion about the cause of your symptoms. The physician will also comment on anything else they think may be wrong.
- The letter will detail what tests and treatments have been arranged or suggested.
- You will either see us or your own physician for followup of tests/ treatment.
NORTHERN NIGHTS