Simple solution could cut long MRI wait times in Canada

March 11, 2009 Diagnostic Imaging. Simple solution could cut long MRI wait times in Canada By H.A. Abella Referring physicians and MR imaging centers in Canada could substantially reduce wait times by sticking to standard rules dictating scanning priorities and appropriate clinical indications. Trouble is, according to a study from the University of Calgary, those guidelines already exist but few pay heed. As the U.S. enters its first serious debate on healthcare reform in more than a decade, comparisons with other developed nations inevitably crop up. Though generally praised for its overall access, the healthcare system of our neighbor to the north is hardly flawless. Canada lags behind other countries in the number of diagnostic imaging devices, and its MR imaging facilities deal with long wait lists, said senior investigator Dr. Tom Feasby, dean of medicine at the University of Calgary. Prioritizing MRI requests effectively rather than buying more machines could solve the problem, according to Feasby.

See full article and related articles at DiagnosticImaging.com
This article was republished with permission from CMPMedica, LLC