April 30, 2018
I received the following email:
“We have received your MRI results and Dr. _____ would like to see you back in the AKIC to go over those results on:
Wednesday, May 16th at 10:45am. (16 day wait time)
We are happy to report that there are no urgent surgical findings in your #knee. Please continue with rehab exercises (ie. physiotherapy, athletic therapy, or home strengthening/flexibility program) and activities as tolerated. Please remain in linear activity only (no pivoting or twisting) and no impact exercise (no running or jumping).
Please reply to this email confirming the above appointment”
To which I promptly replied:
“Are there any non-urgent surgical findings?
It really blows my mind I know 2 people who had MRI's scheduled, results provided and in 1 case surgery conducted in less than 2 weeks, and I have to wait over 2 weeks just to review them. A phone call would be great to give me an idea of what's going on.
Also wondering if I am better to have results sent to my previous sports medicine doctor in Toronto and fly their to speed receipt of diagnosis. I understand from my healthcare background this is due to the medical care system setup, not individual people. If you would like to reduce your turn around times, I would be happy to help.
As for your recommendation not to run or jump, I can barely walk.
Evening prior to MRI I stepped off a curb and bent my knee more than it wanted, and it has been quite challenging since then.
Confirming the appointment in half a month.”
The step off the curb 3 days prior brought the inflammation back to where it started.
Received call from AKIC doctor at U Calgary next day, who provided some clarification. Very grateful for this.
*even though the radiologist completed their report promptly, & the doctor received it, there’s still a 16 day wait time for results instead of scheduling them within 24 hours of actual availability. Go back 4 & 7 posts to see examples how wait times are reduced with lean healthcare in the emergency room and MRI, which can be done
Total Wait Time so far for diagnosis: 40 days
Plus the additional 16 days now.