Fwd: A Diagnostic Imaging Problem

Subject: A Diagnostic Imaging Problem

Thank you for all you are doing to make things better for healthcare in Alberta.

This is my story regarding access to diagnostic imaging.

PET Scan:
I have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, but my neurologist feels that some of the symptoms I present with are possibly caused by another problem. They don’t fit with what he knows are Parkinson’s in origin, so he referred me for a PET scan. The earliest appointment available is March 23, 2027. This is a waiting period of 11 months from when the neurologist put in the referral.
I have asked to be on a cancellation list, but because I have to use DATS for transportation, I cannot take a same-day cancellation. It makes getting an earlier appointment trickier.

X-Ray and Ultrasound:
Over the past 5 or 6 weeks, my partner experienced pain in her shoulder and arm. She tried exercises, stretching, and anti-inflammatory cream in the hope that it would work itself out. Unfortunately, the pain has increased in severity instead of subsiding and it makes every task harder to undertake. My partner is also my care giver and it makes helping me much harder.
At a medical appointment last week, her doctor referred her for an x-ray and ultrasound before proceeding with further treatment. The earliest appointment available at Medical Imaging Consultants is February 12, 2027. That waiting time is extraordinary.
When she asked the booking agent why it was so long away, the response she received was that their facilities are experiencing a large input of private pay patients as a result of the UCP government’s policy to open up private pay diagnostic imaging without medical referrals.

There is certainly proof that private healthcare in Alberta is NOT going to ease waiting times for patient access to timely treatment. Just the opposite is happening.

Thank you, again,

P. S.