Health authorities in the Canadian health care system often tell us that patients who really need diagnostic tests get access to them right away. Last month a patient in British Columbia was told he would have to wait months on a list for a colonoscopy. A week after Roman Cremonese filed a suit in small claims court against the Vancouver Island Health Authority he was bumped up the list and granted access to the test.
A timely diagnosis can mean all the difference in treatment options and outcomes. It’s up to each of us to advocate for our own patient-centered care. The next time you’re placed on a waiting list for a diagnostic test consider filing a suit in small claims court to help you jump the queue. It could turn out to be a life-saving leap for you!
I am the first to agree that we must all be our own patient advocate. Although Mr. Cremonese now has improved access, I’m wondering about the people who he bumped; did their delayed diagnosis, due to queue-jumping, impact their treatment options and outcomes?
Mr. Cremonese’s life does not belong to the people in the queue, it belongs to him. Each of us must be free to act in the best interest of our own health. Queues are one of the ills caused by a government monopoly on health care. Open up this closed system and the queues will disappear. In the meantime, when your life or the life of someone you love is on the line, you may need to jump a public health care queue.
When I read Tanya’s comment I smiled because the same thought had initially crossed my mind. However, I “checked” myself immediately realizing that fighting for one’s life is not only sometimes necessary but also it is responsible. Let the system figure it out when they are hit with lawsuits.The problem does remain that there are probably as close to as many people not able to take on a fight or of the opinion that medicine is always honorable. These people would be the ones who would still lose out.