New Surgery Patient

Introduction

You are referred by your physician to see one of the General Surgeons at Centro Medical – Dr. Caleb Leung, Dr. Jieun Newman-Bremang, Dr. Jin-Si Pao, or Dr. Emile Woo. They have interests in different areas in general surgery. They perform surgical and endoscopic procedures at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital under Providence Health Care. Consultations are by referral only.

Before your first appointment

1. Complete the online questionnaire on Thrive Health ► Step-by-Step Guide

The surgeon needs a detailed health history to provide better care for you. The information is necessary for us to be able to book your surgery or colonoscopy. This is facilitated by a secure online platform provided by Thrive Health who works closely with Providence Health Care to improve patient care. The information will only be accessible to our office. You need to complete three online forms (consent to electronic communications, your profile, and health questionnaire) in Thrive Health before your first appointment.

It is important to complete the online forms BEFORE your first appointment. Click the button below to start.

Registration code: centrosurgery

If you have difficulty in completing the online questionnaire, you may complete and print the PHC Health Questionnaire and Pre-Admission Form then bring it to your appointment.

2. Additional preparation for proctology patients

If you are coming to see the surgeons because of proctology problem (e.g. hemorrhoids, anal fissure, other anorectal conditions), you need to buy and use one glycerin suppository rectally 3 hours prior to coming to your appointment. You can ask your pharmacist for additional instructions.

How to use a suppository:

• Instruction from MyHealth.Alberta.ca
• Chinese version from Hong Kong Hospital Authority – 如何使用肛門栓劑

While you are waiting for the appointment, here are some tips to manage your anal/rectal condition:

• High fibre diet and aim to have about 25-35g of fibre per day with both soluble and insoluble fibre
• Fibre for bowel regularity (Chinese version 纖維與健康)
• Metamucil 1 teaspoon per day
• Drink plenty of water, about 6-8 cups per day
• Avoid coffee, tea and alcohol
• Sit in a tub of comfortably warm water for 5-10 minutes after bowel movement and up to 3 times a day
• Dealing with constipation

Your first office appointment

• Please plan to arrive at our clinic 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to complete the registration process.

• Our address is 4610 Main Street, Vancouver, BC. We are located at the South East corner of 30^th Avenue and Main Street. There is ample street parking.

You need to bring your BC Services Card (CareCard) and all your medications.

• Your appointment will take about 15-30 minutes depending on the nature of your health issues.

• While the surgeons aim to be punctual with your appointment, unexpected circumstances can occur. You may have to wait longer than expected.

Your first telehealth (“virtual”) appointment

• Under special circumstances (e.g. COVID situation), the surgeon would arrange a telehealth appointment to meet you by telephone. If it is necessary, video conference might be arranged.

• Your telehealth appointment will take about 10-20 minutes depending on the nature of your health issues.

• Please have your phone or electronic equipment fully charged before the appointment.

• While the surgeons aim to be punctual with your appointment and will call you as scheduled, unexpected circumstances can occur. The surgeon will aim to call you later within the same day.