Practice Advisory: Referral Protocols for Patients Formerly Under Dr. Wayne Gulliver’s Care
Sent on behalf of Coffey Dermatology:
Following the unexpected passing of Dr. Wayne Gulliver, Coffey Dermatology and other dermatologists in the province are managing an increased volume of patient referrals. To ensure efficient triage and patient care, specific guidance is being provided to family physicians regarding the management and referral of patients formerly under Dr. Gulliver’s care.
To facilitate triage and the management of patient care, Coffey Dermatology is recommending the following to Family Medicine physicians:
Management of patients with stable or inactive conditions
Patients previously under Dr. Gulliver’s care who are not experiencing active issues can be managed by their family physician. In-person consultations or eConsults are welcome if guidance is needed for treatment decisions.
Management of Patients on Biologic Therapies
Patients requiring biologic medication refills while awaiting reassignment to a new Dermatologist can have prescriptions renewed by specialty pharmacies (e.g., Sentrex, Innomar, Bioscript) until they are re-evaluated by a dermatologist. Specialty clinics will be reaching out to the patients on biologics and letting them know where to get their next injection.
Referral requirements of patients for Active Issues
Patients with ongoing or active dermatologic issues should be referred to a Dermatologist for assessment. To facilitate appropriate triage and timely assessment, referral letters to Dermatologists from family physicians should include the following elements:
- State “Patient of Dr. Gulliver” on the consult letter to expedite triage;
- A summary to identify the active issue requiring ongoing assessment (e.g., psoriasis, eczema, hidradenitis, alopecia, skin survey);
- A summary of the current treatment in place for the active issue (e.g., Skyrizi for psoriasis, phototherapy for eczema); (Note – please provide ‘key relevant’ information on 1-2 pages and not the patient’s complete medical record).
- Please indicate whether the referral is for a new issue or a continuation of an issue previously managed by Dr. Wayne Gulliver.
Not Mandatory: - If known, please specify the date (month and year) the patient was last seen by Dr. Gulliver, and if the patient was being actively managed (e.g. a recent or ongoing issue).
- If known, please specify the date (month and year) the patient was scheduled to be seen again.
Notes:
- Patients may contact Dr. Gulliver’s office to request their most recent clinical encounter documents.
- Referral letters lacking the details above may delay triage and access to care.
- Routine or historical issues (e.g., annual skin checks, resolved conditions) should continue to be managed by Family Medicine physicians and only active or flared issues require a Dermatology consultation.