Ontario leads the country in CT & MRI wait times reductions

OAKVILLE, ON, June 12, 2013 /CNW/ - The recent findings contained in the 2013 Wait Time Alliance Report Card highlights that Ontario continues to lead the country in reducing CT and MRI wait times, said Ontario Association of Radiologists' President, Dr. Mark Prieditis.

"CT wait lists have experienced the second consecutive year of improvement increasing access for Ontario patients according to the WTA Report Card and a greater degree of access to MRI services," said Dr. Prieditis.

"This has come about as a result of much hard work, including the Ontario government's decision to consistently approve more CT and MRI scanners across the province to address proven patient care needs.  Additional overtime funding demonstrates that MRI wait lists are being reduced making a diagnosis available sooner so that vital treatment such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy can be delivered faster."

Dr. Prieditis said that these investments, in partnership with Ontario radiologists and hospitals charged with delivering the services to thousands of patients, mean that cancers and other leading causes of death are being diagnosed by radiologists earlier, resulting in better treatment while also contributing to health care system savings.

The Wait Time Alliance, a consortium of national medical associations reported that Ontario is the only province in Canada to demonstrate an improvement in CT and MRI wait lists across Canada.  Ontario's CT and MRI equipment is scanning patients every day of the week for extended hours, and in many cases 24 hours a day.  Ontario's radiologists triage all CT and MRI requisitions as they are received to ensure the tests are appropriately ordered before an appointment is scheduled.  The results are dramatic.

"Less than 10 years ago CT wait lists were 8-12 months long versus today's average of 35 days, and in many cases much less.  MRI waits used to be 12-18 months and are now 63 days on average.  This dramatic reduction and measurable improvement in patient care came about because the Ontario Ministry of Health listened to the advice of Ontario radiologist experts about how to effect change and provided the necessary tools so that better care was delivered sooner and locally," said Dr. Prieditis.

SOURCE: Ontario Association of Radiologists

contact Anne Parsons at the Ontario Association of Radiologists
905-337-2680