Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept walk-ins?
No. You must have a scheduled appointment with Dr. Samy. To request an appointment for any ears, nose, throat symptoms, a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner is required in order for you to see Dr. Samy. You would need to visit your family physician or nurse practitioner.
If you are without a family physician, you could visit your nearest walk-in clinic or your nearest Emergency department..
Do you accept patients from out of the Chatham-Kent area?
No. Unfortunately due to long wait times and Dr. Samy being the only ENT in Chatham-Kent, our office is no longer accepting referrals outside of the Chatham-Kent Municipality area. However, if our wait times decrease we may be able to open to outside of Chatham-Kent in the future. You may check back here for updates or have your family doctor fax our office an inquiry.
When and How should I expect to hear from you regarding my referral?
Within two weeks from when our office received the referral.
All referrals are received by fax from the referring physician. Once received they are triaged and scheduled accordingly. Patients are then mailed or emailed an appointment letter with their appointment information. Make sure your family doctor or nurse practitioner has your updated email or mailing address. Your mailing address should include a PO Box or apartment/unit number, if you have one. You may have to update your current address on your health card as well.
How do I confirm my appointment with Dr. Samy?
You may call our office during our telephone hours. You may also email our office at samyoffice438@gmail.com. Please ensure you include your name (first & last), date, time and location of your appointment in the email.
Email may be the best way as we have a high volume of phone calls.
What to bring to my appointment?
Please bring your valid OHIP health card, Medication list, and reading glasses (if needed).
I am a previous patient. Do I need a new referral?
- If you saw Dr. Samy and need to see her again for the same problem, if it's within one year you do not need a new referral.
- If you saw Dr. Samy and need to see her for a different problem, you will need a new referral.
- If you saw Dr. Samy over one year ago, you will need a new referral.
- If Dr. Samy stated no further follow-up was necessary, you will need a new referral.
What are your wait times for the first consultation?
All referrals are triaged and scheduled accordingly to the reason for your visit, making wait times vary. It could be up to one year.
What to do if my symptoms worsen before my first consultation?
If your symptoms worsen or if there is a change in your symptoms, contact your primary care provider or the physician that referred you to Dr. Samy. If they feel your symptoms are more urgent, they may send a note to Dr. Samy if they feel your appointment should be moved up.
What is the wait time for surgery?
Surgeries are scheduled on a first come first serve basis after your initial consult, and urgency of your condition according to Dr. Samy. Wait times for surgery may vary depending on medical conditions as well as if an assist is required for surgery. It could vary from a few days, if clinically required, or more commonly, four to eight months after initial consult with Dr. Samy.
What is going to happen at my appointment?
Dr. Samy sees patients at two locations; her private office and in Ambulatory Care at CKHA.
If you are scheduled to see Dr. Samy in the office, at your consultation you will discuss your medical symptoms and history with Dr. Samy. Depending on the nature of your visit, a hearing test may be required first, which will be communicated to you prior, either by phone, mail or email.
If you are scheduled to see Dr. Samy in Ambulatory Care at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, be prepared to possibly have a procedure done the same day, such as a laryngoscopy, skin cancer/lesion excision or biopsy.
Depending on the nature of your visit, your referring physician may be asked to arrange imaging prior or Dr. Samy may arrange imaging prior; again this would be communicated to you before, either by phone, mail, or email.
Please read your appointment letter thoroughly for any steps to take prior to your appointment and the location of your appointment.
Do you call with reminders?
We do not call or email with appointment reminders. It is the patient’s responsibility to attend their appointment.
Do you charge for missed appointments?
We do not charge for missed consultation appointments.
However, if you do not show up for your surgery, there will be a fee before it is rescheduled.
Do you reschedule missed appointments?
Our office does not call or email patients who miss their appointments.
If you would like to reschedule your missed appointment, you may contact our office within six months. However, be prepared for a long wait as you will be scheduled at the next available date.