Close X
Thursday, November 14, 2024
ADVT 
Health

Saskatchewan Law Allowing People To Privately Pay For MRIs Kicks In

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 01 Mar, 2016 11:53 AM
    REGINA — Two private firms have been licensed by Saskatchewan's Ministry of Health to provide MRI services that people will pay for out of their own pockets.
     
    Legislation that allows people to pay privately for scans has come into force in Saskatchewan.
     
    Each private facility will set its own price for the MRI services and any patient who chooses to pay will not be eligible for cost coverage or reimbursement.
     
    But it doesn't mean people can get an MRI whenever they want one, because they'll still need to be referred by a doctor.
     
    Facilities that do a private MRI scan must also provide a second scan at no charge to an individual who is on the public waiting list.
     
    The government says that last November there were 6,649 patients waiting for MRI services in the province.
     
    Saskatchewan Health Minister Dustin Duncan introduced the legislation last year, saying it would reduce wait times for MRIs at no cost to taxpayers.
     
    However, a letter to physicians from the president of the Saskatchewan Medical Association says it opposes the move.  The letter says Health Minister Dustin Duncan was informed of the group's position in October.
     
    A briefing note attached to the Dec. 4 letter says creating dual access to MRI scans does not reduce surgical wait times, and suggests it could lead to queue-jumping for surgery because those with a completed scan could see a specialist sooner.

    MORE Health ARTICLES

    How To Combat Your Hangover The Natural Way

    How To Combat Your Hangover The Natural Way
    Eat ginger and stay hydrated to get over your hangover naturally. Nutritionist Jacquie Newson doles out tips on how one can remain fine after a few drinks.

    How To Combat Your Hangover The Natural Way

    Here's How To Live Longer Without Cutting Calorie Intake

    Here's How To Live Longer Without Cutting Calorie Intake
    You may get a long and healthy life simply by balancing your protein and carbohydrate intake, without drastically cutting down your calorie intake.

    Here's How To Live Longer Without Cutting Calorie Intake

    Cancer Cases To Rise 40% By 2030; Aging Population Fuel Increase: Report

    Cancer Cases To Rise 40% By 2030; Aging Population Fuel Increase: Report
    TORONTO — The annual number of new cancer diagnoses in Canada will increase by 40 per cent by 2030, the Canadian Cancer Society predicted in a report released Wednesday.

    Cancer Cases To Rise 40% By 2030; Aging Population Fuel Increase: Report

    Indian-Origin Scientist Latha Venkataraman Creates First Single-Molecule Device

    Indian-Origin Scientist Latha Venkataraman Creates First Single-Molecule Device
    A team of Columbia Engineering researchers led by an Indian-American scientist Latha Venkataraman has created a single-molecule electronic device which has a potential of real-world technological applications for nanoscale devices.

    Indian-Origin Scientist Latha Venkataraman Creates First Single-Molecule Device

    Indo-Canadian Researcher Mick Bhatia And Team Discover How To Turn Blood Into Nerve Cells

    Indo-Canadian Researcher Mick Bhatia And Team Discover How To Turn Blood Into Nerve Cells
    TORONTO — Canadian scientists have discovered how to turn a simple blood sample into a variety of nerve cells, including those that are responsible for pain, numbness and other sensations.

    Indo-Canadian Researcher Mick Bhatia And Team Discover How To Turn Blood Into Nerve Cells

    Have Coffee Daily To Boost Your Sex Life

    According to researchers from the University of Texas, men who drink two to three cups of coffee a day are less likely to have erectile dysfunction 

    Have Coffee Daily To Boost Your Sex Life