For Referring Physicians: When to Refer to a Urogynecologist

This guide is intended for family physicians and other referring providers to help identify patients who would benefit from urogynecology or minimally invasive gynecologic surgery consultation.

Conditions We Manage

Urogynecology and Pelvic Floor Disorders

Referral is appropriate for patients with pelvic organ prolapse (symptomatic cystocele, rectocele, uterine or vault prolapse), urinary incontinence that has not responded to first-line management (behavioural therapy, pelvic floor exercises, or medication), recurrent urinary tract infections requiring further investigation, voiding dysfunction or urinary retention, fecal incontinence with suspected pelvic floor etiology, pelvic pain thought to be related to pelvic floor dysfunction, and complications related to prior pelvic floor surgery including mesh-related concerns.

Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

Referral is appropriate for patients with endometriosis (suspected or confirmed, particularly with failed medical management or deep infiltrating disease), symptomatic uterine fibroids not responding to medical therapy, chronic pelvic pain requiring surgical evaluation, abnormal uterine bleeding requiring surgical management (hysteroscopy or hysterectomy), ovarian cysts or adnexal masses requiring surgical evaluation, and any gynecologic condition where a laparoscopic approach may be beneficial.

Obstetrics

I accept obstetric referrals for both routine and high-risk pregnancies.

When Referral Is Not Necessary

To help streamline access for patients who need subspecialist evaluation, the following are generally managed effectively in primary care or general gynecology and do not require urogynecology referral: routine well-woman examinations, contraception management, cervical screening and colposcopy, fertility assessment and management, routine menstrual irregularities responsive to medical therapy, and vulvar dermatologic conditions.

How to Refer

Referrals are accepted by fax at 780-426-6698. Please include the patient’s demographic information (name, date of birth, PHN, phone number), a brief clinical summary including relevant history and examination findings, any relevant investigations (imaging, urodynamics, laboratory results), current medications, and the specific clinical question or reason for referral.

Non-urgent referrals are typically seen within 2 to 4 weeks. Urgent cases are accommodated as quickly as possible. Following consultation, a detailed report is sent to the referring physician. If surgery is performed, an operative summary is also provided.

What to Tell Your Patient

Once the referral is received, the patient will be contacted by our office to schedule an appointment. The initial consultation typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. Patients should bring a list of current medications, any relevant imaging on disc or USB, and a completed bladder diary if applicable (for urinary symptoms). All treatment options — including non-surgical approaches — are discussed before any decisions are made.

For questions regarding referral appropriateness or to discuss a complex case, the office can be reached at 780-421-4728.