GIST Support WikiBC Cancer Agency serves British Columbia with several locations, the largest being in Vancouver.
Charles Blanke, M.D., a GIST expert previously at Oregon Health & Science University, moved to practice at BC Cancer Agency and teach at the University of British Columbia. For appointments phone Scheduling at 1 604 877 6000 ext 2738. His email: cblanke@bccancer.bc.ca
Margaret Knowling, M.D. is an oncologist at BC Cancer Agency who treats a number of GIST patients.
FROM MARINA:
He says adjuvant Gleevec is available in BC, and that while Alberta oncologists are reluctant to use it, he spoke to them yesterday.
It is my understanding from him that American GIST patients can be seen in his clinic. Payment will be different since it is the Canadian Health care rather than US Health care. You might be able to get your American insurance to reimburse you, though you will probably have to do ALL the paper work yourself. When trying to map out a game plan for myself, I inquired with my own Blue Cross Blue Shield in Okla. This company was willing to give out of network benefits in this setting, and since he had been my doctor for years and years, I could ask for a referral for in network benefits based on "continuity of care."