FAQs

Do you have a question?

Do you have a question that is not on this list? Send us an e-mail at irsm@albertahealthservices.ca and we will respond as quickly as possible.

What is IRSM?

IRSM stands for Institute for Reconstructive Sciences in Medicine. IRSM is a clinical and research facility in the Misericordia Community Hospital. Within our functional assessment program, we measure speech, chewing, and swallowing in patients who may undergo surgery and/or radiation therapy in the head and neck region. We work closely with professionals from the ENT program at the University of Alberta Hospital and at the Cross Cancer Institute.

What does treatment cost?

Alberta Health will cover the cost of your treatment undertaken by iRSM provided that:

  1. You meet the criteria for acceptance for treatment by iRSM
  2. You are a resident of Alberta who is fully insured by Alberta Health
  3. You adhere to the maintenance and homecare procedures stipulated by iRSM staff.

In certain instances iRSM will cover only a part of your treatment. For example, iRSM will not cover routine dental restorations or extractions. You may be able to claim certain procedures through your private health/dental insurance or other funding agencies.

iRSM may have to charge a fee for service in certain cases. For example, if you reside outside of Alberta, your provincial health care plan may not cover the cost of your treatment. Please discuss details of your treatment coverage with our Scheduling Coordinator if:

  1. You are not a resident of Alberta;
  2. You are a resident of Alberta but do not have Alberta Health coverage.

The treatment is costly. Both you and the iRSM staff will invest a great deal of time and effort into your treatment. To gain the full benefit from your treatment and to ensure that it serves you well, please attend the follow-up visits as required. In addition, please follow the maintenance and homecare instruction as directed by iRSM staff.

Why do I need a functional assessment?

Your doctor may request a functional assessment to understand more about your speech, chewing and swallowing. These things can be affected by surgery or radiation therapy in the head and neck region. Your doctor may also refer you to us if you agree to participate in a research study.

What is a functional assessment?

During a functional assessment a Speech-Language Pathologist will work with you. The Speech-Language Pathologist will talk to you about your speech and swallowing. She will do a number of simple speech tests, a swallowing test, a chewing test (if required), and take a few pictures of your face and in your mouth.

How many appointments will I have?

We will book several functional assessments for you during the first year after your treatment. We will see you once before treatment and two to three times after treatment.

How long is each appointment?

Each functional assessment will take between 1½ hours and 3 hours. We will advise you on the duration of your appointment.

Where is IRSM?

We are located in room 1W-02 in the Misericordia Community Hospital (across from West Edmonton Mall) in Edmonton, Alberta.

How can you contact us?

Institute for Reconstructive Sciences in Medicine (iRSM)
Misericordia Community Hospital
1W-02, 16940 – 87 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 4H5
Telephone: (780) 735-2660
Fax: (780) 735-2658
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.