The great thing about having a blog is that it allows you to vent, so here goes. I was booked to have a colonoscopy Monday morning at a large downtown Toronto hospital (not mentioning any names). As far as I know there's nothing wrong with me, but once you get to be a certain age, your family doctor generally reccommends you have one, so I am. Or rather, was, until I returned home this afternoon to a message from the secretary of the doctor who was supposed to perform the routine procedure informing me that, due to "budgetary issues," my test on Monday had been summarily cancelled. This after waiting nearly a year to see this specialist (who I know well, and who I have seen before) and another year for the colonoscopy; this after having purchased the crap you have to drink prior to the test, making the necessary arrangements for my son after school Monday, and getting into the headspace such that I was psychologically prepared for the scoping.
When the doctor's secretary phoned me a few minutes ago to ask if I would like to rebook, I told her that I was outraged to have been treated in such a disgusting manner, and that I would not definitely not be rebooking with her boss/hospital.
Thanks you, Tommy Douglas, for our "fabulous" socialized medicine utopia. It's strictly, you should pardon the expression, for the birds.
We know someone who got himself all "cleaned out" in preparation for his colonoscopy. He showed up for his appointment and was told he was a day early. Turned out it was their booking error -- he was furious.
ReplyDeleteNow in my case, I made an appointment today for a barium enema. Hubby thought I'd have to wait at least 3-4 months, but thanks to cancellations I go Dec 23rd. He tells me it's my lucky day. I'm trying hard to see it that way...
I'm with your hubby. Best to get it over with post haste rather than having to wait 3-4 months (or in my case, almost two years and having to book with someone else).
ReplyDeleteI had mine done (happy 50th!) at the Upper Canada Bowel Clinic and it wasn't as long a wait and I didn't think it was too bad. You might check that out.
ReplyDeleteBut I don't understand how they can cancel a procedure for budgetary reasons.
I suggest asking to be referred to the newest GI specialist/surgeon in the area. They will have smaller patient loads and shorter wait times.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestions, MM and M. The "budgetary" thing sounded kind of weird to me too.
ReplyDeleteIs it possible this particular Doc has billed OHIP for too many procedures this year and won't get paid for any more? That could be the reason you were asked to re-book
ReplyDeleteCould be. Odds are I'll never know, though, since I won't be going back.
ReplyDelete