What is the deal with MRIs in Canada?

[bravotwozero]

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I get this from Americans all the time: You want an MRI in Canada, you'll be placed on a 6 month waiting list.

But anyone know how the system works? What if the doctors suspect a brain tumor in a patient? Are they going to wait 6 months too?

 

[med2UCC]

I get this from Americans all the time: You want an MRI in Canada, you'll be placed on a 6 month waiting list.

But anyone know how the system works? What if the doctors suspect a brain tumor in a patient? Are they going to wait 6 months too?

Absolutely not! if you suspect something really bad, you call the radiologist and pitch it to them. If they give you grief, you call the neurologist and pitch it to them, then call the radiologist back and tell them the neurologist now wants it too. Then you get your MRI, usually the same day. Occasionally they will argue for a preliminary CT in my joint, mostly because it is quicker and more accessable, but we have never had a problem getting an urgent MRI. The 6 month waiting list is for MRI's for nonspecific dizziness, long standing knee pain (trauma gets done sooner) and similar stuff. Urgent stuff gets done urgently.
Now let me tell you a little story. A few years ago I had an eye problem that required surgery. I was diagnosed on Wednesday afternoon and in the OR Friday morning, in Halifax, a city with a serious shortage of ophthalmologists. My guy refered me to the guy down the hall who saw me that day and operated on Friday. The delay was so I could tell my university what was happening, settle it with my employer and get my pre-op bloodwork done. If I hadn't needed the 2 days, it would have been done the next day.
When you really need the Canadian health care system, it delivers. You wait for non-urgent stuff sometimes, but it is getting better. But when the s**t hits the fan, the system usually comes through.
Bottom line: Americans don't know what they are talking about when they talk about the Canadian health care system. Neither do most Canadians.
Cheers,
M
PS: Almost 100% vision in that eye, repair holding 12 years out. Thank you Dan O'Brien.

 

[Danae00]

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[docbill]

Overated. Not everyone needs an MRI (or other imaging).

Being in the US and doing a radiology elective, 50% of imaging that is done is not necessary. It is either fishing for Dx or defensive medicine. American's think differently, they believe that they should have every option available to them, if the insurance company covers it.

However at the same time, Canada needs more MRI machines, perhaps private companies where you can go and get an MRI done and pay out of pocket.