Frequently Asked Questions

In order to become a new patient, you must be referred by your primary care physician. The referring physician can find a copy of our new customer referral form under the patient forms section of our website. We will evaluate the information on the form , and contact you in order for you to schedule an appointment. for consultation. If your insurance needs a record of this referral, you must acquire it from your primary care physician.

Although we recognize that time is a precious thing, it is important for us so that we can evaluate your medical information to ensure that this treatment option is valuable to you and that we are a suitable place for you to receive treatment.

You will be seen by various medical professionals during your visit. This offers the advantage of many physicians thinking about your conditions and care. There will also be nurses and clinical associates who assist with your care during your visit.

We do offer a physician answering line that allows you to leave a message for a physician. Your call will usually be returned by one of our residents or fellows who have access to your medical records from our clinic. If they are unable to assist with your question or problem, your call will be directed to the attending physician.

We typically perform an initial consultation and then decide on the best course of treatment. This may include injections, implantations, medications, physical therapy, behavioral therapy (pain psychology), enrollment in one of our research studies, or even no further clinic treatment.. We strive to schedule injections within two weeks of the initial consultation. If we have an opening in the schedule, we may be able to schedule an injection on the same day of your initial clinic consultation.

Some procedures may require sedation that prevents you from safely eating or drinking. Also, some procedures may inhibit movement in parts of your body that would make it difficult or unsafe for you to drive. Since we cannot be sure how the treatment will affect you, we require you to follow instructions that will be provided. If you have any more questions, feel free to contact us and a staff member will be more than happy to assist you.

Appointment duration vary based on type of appointment. You can verify the expected duration of your appointment at the time of booking. The following is a list of average appointment times.

Please be aware that delays are not uncommon, and appointment duration can vary based on unforeseen circumstances. Your patience is greatly appreciated, as our staff strives to provide all patients with the best care, and to answer all questions and concerns.

Our physicians make sure that all of your questions and concerns have been addressed before you leave. As such, your appointment time may run longer than planned, or may be delayed. As a result of possible unforeseen circumstances, your appointment time is NOT guaranteed. We ask that you are patient when this is the case.

Our receptionists will inform you if you need to arrange for a ride home after a procedure at the time of booking. Generally, you are required to make arrangement following Lidocaine IV Infusions performed by Dr. Wilderman, as well as facet joint and epidural injections performed by Dr. Shulman at the Markham-Stoufville Hospital. It is also a good idea to have a friend or family member accompany you if you do not tolerate your injections well and experience side effects, such as dizziness.

Urine samples are required by certain physicians, depending on several factors. You should always be prepared to provide a urine sample.

In order to be seen by our physicians, we require a referral form, which you can obtain from your family physician. Please have your referring physician fax the referral form to us in order to ensure that you will be seen as soon as possible. If your physician is not familiar with Wilderman Medical Clinic and our services, you may direct them to our website, or have them give us a call. A new referral form is required every 12 months. Download the Wilderman Medical Clinic Referral Form here: Wilderman Medical Clinic Referral Form (PDF)

You are required to present a valid Health Card at every visit. Although you will be informed at the time of booking if you are required to bring anything specific, it’s always a good idea to come prepared. You may want to consider bringing a list of your medication (including names, dose and frequency), any imaging reports or results, and any additional information for legal representative, WSIB claims, insurance companies, etc.

Trauma in the joints can result in damaged cartilage, which increases the presence of inflammatory molecules by the joint tissues – this increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis.
Cortisone injections are used for pain relief associated with inflammation in the joints. Many patients are concerned with potential long-term side effects of cortisone injections.
Not only are cortisone injections safe, but a study from MIT has shown that cortisone injections can prevent long-term damage to the joints.
When the cartilage present in joints becomes damaged, increasing levels of molecules called cytokines are produced. These cytokines, including TNF, IL-1, and IL-6, can cause damage to the already injured cartilage.
The study showed that cortisone injections can decrease the amount of cytokines produced, thereby preventing continued damage to the joint, and promoting the production of new cartilage.
The study shows the potential of cortisone injections to not only reduce pain associated with joint injury, but to also promote healing, and prevent long-term damage that is associated with osteoarthritis. 

While there is no direct evidence that proves cortisone injections have an impact on the COVID vaccine, we recommend to schedule elective cortisone injections 2 weeks before or one week after an administered COVID vaccine. At this time, there are no time restrictions or suggested time intervals between receiving nerve blocks (marcaine or lidocaine injections) and the COVID vaccine.