I have had some situations where my health care has taken a very long time to begin or carry on.
I would like to see some rules and regulations that put a limit on the time taken to see a patient and begin treatment.
Okay, there's a bee in my toque. I was recently referred to a heart specialist to investigate a condition I have that may be circulation related. The initial communication happened in acceptable time. I wore a heart rate monitor and blood pressure cuff for about 20 hours. I was told I would get the results back in a week and at the most 2 weeks. Well, here it is 3 weeks and I've heard nothing. I'm not impressed with this specialist. I could get very old before he wakes up and sees me.
A family member was referred to specialist and waited 6 months for an appointment which was done by phone! Not Zoom. Just the old land line. 2 more calls were made and finally a test was done and biopsies taken. Now the guy is away all Feb and an appointment is made for March to go over a test from Jan 17.
So this is where I'm coming from. Once referrals are made it should be mandatory to meet and have examinations and tests in a short time and not wait for 6 months.
Now I know specialists and physicians have all kinds of challenges because of limitations from health facilities.
However, I think that there should be some kind of penalty for taking too long to see and treat a patient.
