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First I have to tell you that this must be done correctly. While certification is widely available under California law, there are doctors and "clinics" who take shortcuts. This puts your certification in possible jeopardy. Also, there are fraudulent operations issuing certificates which are simply bogus. Here in Santa Rosa one of the clinics (C.H.A.D.) simple disappeared overnight.
Your evaluation for medical marijuana will be in the context of the fact that you have a documented diagnosis from another state licensed health professional or that I am the diagnosing physician. Unless we make another agreement, I will serve as the evaluating and certifying, but not the diagnosing, physician. Therefore, I will not be making a diagnosis but rather I will be certifying the diagnosis of your health care professional. Therefore, I must have documentation of your diagnosis from that person. This could be a simple note from your doctor, or a copy of a page out your medical record stating your diagnosis, or even a medical test which proves your diagnosis. (A previous certification will not work.) You must bring in the document yourself, literally in your own hands. Do not rely on anyone to fax, mail, or email your documents. This may mean that you will visit your health professional's office and ask for the documents. For your information, licensed health professionals are required by California law to hand over your medical records upon your request. You may need to remind your doctor of that fact. If you do not have this documentation, I can become the diagnosing physician. This may involve additional lab tests, although in most cases the history and physical exam will suffice. You must have a picture ID and something official to establish that you have a residence in California. A California driver's license satisfies both of these requirements. A PG&E bill or lease agreement, for example, will establish residency. If you bring documentation of your diagnosis, the cost is $125. If not, and I am to render a diagnosis, there is an additional charge of $125 for that service. That additional charge does not apply to the yearly renewals.
When you are ready for an appointment, email me at nexus@sonic.net (or if you do not have email access, call me at 707-576-0100). If you email me, I will send you an appointment email with day and time and the address of the clinic. If that day and time do not work for you, email me back and we will work it out. If you do not have email, call me at 707-576-0100 during business hours, early evening, or weekends.
When you email me, give me your phone number and your full name.
Also, when you email me, tell me if you have your documentation of diagnosis or if I will be your diagnosing physician.
Barring complications, you will be at the clinic about 30 minutes. You will fill out a medical history form and I will do a physical exam as required by law.
The cannabinoids are known to improve the symptoms of many different conditions. California law allows a lot of latitude in recognition of that fact.
Thank you, and I look forward to our appointment.
Ron Kennedy, M.D. Santa Rosa, California
Here is the address and phone number of the clinic:
The Anti-aging Medicine Clinic
2448 Guernevile Rd., Ste. 800
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
707-591-4088
Again, when you are ready for an appointment, email me at nexus@sonic.net or if you do not have email access, call me at 707-591-4088.
If you are not clear about the requirements to qualify for medical marijuana in California, click here.
Click here for more general information about medical marijuana. |
