Re: Class action lawwuit in Canada due to waiting lists for treatment Originally Posted by ARealMan
Universal Healthcare? No thanks -
As a footnote on Canada, the average wait for a simple MRI is three months. In Manitoba, the median wait for neurosurgery is 15.2 months. For chemotherapy in Saskatchewan, patients can expect to be in line for 10 weeks. At last report, 10,000 breast cancer patients who waited an average of two months for post-operation radiation treatments have filed a class action lawsuit against Quebec’s hospitals.
http://www.capmag.com/article.asp?ID=4157
Sorry I can't read these. The links don't work.
My shoulder was injured in an accident. My insurance was PacifiCare. I went to my primary physician who filled out request forms for me to see an orthopedic doctor. It took two weeks for the authorization.
I had to go park and wait at my primary MD office to get the authorization to take to the office of the orthopedic MD. He could see me in a week. He examined and X-rayed me then ordered an MRI. His office filled our authorization forms. The authorization took another two weeks. Then it was another week before I could have the MRI.
Then I waited a couple days as instructed by the MRI technician. The orthopedic office told me I needed another authorization before the doctor could see me regarding the MRI results for an injury that had not yet been treated!
I had been working buy by now was in such pain I couldn’t think and also could not move my arm. I held it against my side, elbow flexed. With much pain I could extend my elbow or adduct my arm enough to get it in a sleeve. I could not brush my hair.
I went to my primary doctor who filled out forms for authorization to see the orthopedic doctor and to go on state disability.
After two weeks for authorization and another week the ortho guy injected my shoulder with cortisone and Marcaine.
NO PAIN! Then the Marcaine wore off.
He also ordered physical therapy 3 times a week for four weeks. It was another two weeks for the authorization for four sessions.
I was a good student so learned to do my treatments at home and went once a week for four weeks.
I was almost pain free and had improved ROM.
It only took eleven weeks for treatment to be started after my accident. The ortho guy told me my strength and ROM would now be better if I had started PT right away.
Oh well, at least I can work.
BUT this was the insurance I was paying for every month for many years. Even during the time I was going through this my premiums for that year were more than the company paid for my care.
I think it cost them more for the delaying authorizations than if I had been allowed to go right to the orthopedic MD, have the MRI, and start PT.
I probably would not have had to go on disability and have the taxpayers support me for two months either.
Nursing News