Dr Rossiter

Prepare for your appointment

Remember, you are a partner in your health.

If you are hard of hearing or have difficulty communicating by telephone then please book an in-person appointment; Dr Rossiter is always happy to see you in person.

Prior to any appointments please inform Cindy, Dr Rossiter’s MOA (Medical Office Assistant) if you have any forms to be completed, including work notes – see the uninsured services fee schedule.

Ask for health screening based on your age – see the Lifetime Prevention Screening Guide.

See more details below for patients with the following conditions:

Patients with Diabetes

Diabetic appointments are in person, but if you are unable to follow up in person then have the following ready for Dr Rossiter prior to your telephone appointment:

  • Weight (kg).
  • Blood pressure.
  • Make sure you have been to the lab.

Full physicals must be in person, and you should be seen in person at least once a year.

See the Diabetic Sick Day Medication Hold List.

See my information for diabetic patients.

Patients with High Blood Pressure

If you have a machine then perform home blood pressure readings three times before your next appointment; you may bring your machine with you if you would like us to check its accuracy.

How do I measure my blood pressure?

Before you check your blood pressure you should:

  • Wait 30 minutes after eating or using caffeine, alcohol or tobacco products.
  • Go to the bathroom and empty your bladder.
  • Rest for 3 to 5 minutes and do not talk.
  • Sit in a comfortable position with your legs and ankles uncrossed and your back supported.
  • Elevate your left arm to the level of your heart, place it on a table or desk and sit still.
  • Wrap the cuff around the upper part of your bare arm; the cuff should be smooth and snug and there should be enough room for you to slip one fingertip under the cuff.
  • Check the placement of the cuff; the bottom edge of it should be 1 inch above the crease of your elbow.

Patients with Heart Failure

Weigh yourself daily because weight is important for heart-failure management in a number of ways:

  • Rapid changes in your weight can mean you are gaining or losing fluid.
  • Weighing yourself daily – at the same time every morning – and keeping a record will help you and your healthcare providers to know if your heart failure is under control.

Refer to the Heart Failure Zones.

Patients with COPD ( Chronic bronchitis, emphysema)

Watch for a COPD flareup when:

  • I get a cold or flu.
  • I feel run down or tired.
  • I am exposed to smoke or air pollution.
  • After weather changes.
  • When my mood changes, such as feeling stressed or anxious.

Schedule an in-person appointment if:

  • I am more short of breath than usual.
  • I have more sputum or mucus than usual.
  • I am coughing or wheezing more than usual.
  • I have green, yellow or rust coloured sputum.