Paying for an MRI

[Jonrox]

Paying to get an MRI, rather than going on a waiting list, allows people to jump not only the line for the scan but also the line for surgery and further treatments.

I've done it myself twice. Talking to friends and coworkers there seems to be mixed reactions. Some think it's a great option and others don't think it's fair to have what they say amounts to a 2-tiered health care system.

I understand both points of view, but from a selfish perspective if I can be healed up 6 to 9 months quicker (the wait time I was told I was going to face for the MRI), I'm going to pay to do it. FYI, it cost me $895 both times and it took less than 24 hours to get it done.

Just curious what other people think.

[Gixxer]

Probably the best $895 you spent, and also a tax write off.

[Carrs Landing Viking]

The wait times for anything health care related, are nothing short of criminal.

[Even Steven]

I don't see anything wrong with it.

[Gixxer]

The wait times for anything health care related, are nothing short of criminal.

How so?

[vegas1500]

Nothing wrong with it.....done it myself a couple of times.

[the truth]

why wait longer then you have to for surgery ,good for you get it done

[Silverstarqueen]

I'm not sure how it would help you jump the line for surgery since the surgeries are prioritized according to need, and are I think fully booked already. And you still have to wait for appt with doc for diagnostic assessment. The MRI (theoretically) would have to turn up a more life or limb threatening condition than people already on the surgical waitlist. i.e. diagnostic and surgical waitlists are separate.

[the truth]

the sooner ,a person gets an mri done, the sooner that person gets to see the specialist about the mri result,the sooner the specialist sees you, the sooner they book you in for surgery

[Jonrox]

the truth is exactly right. The MRI is the bottleneck. Once you get past that, everything happens pretty quick. If I followed the 100% free "public system" it would be a wait of around a year before I get surgery. Paying for the MRI gets me surgery in about 3 months.

I had the MRI and within a week I'm back at the specialist. I get on the list for surgery now, rather than having to wait another 9 months to get on the list.

[the truth]

you agree with me on something lol lol
like you said the mri is the bottle neck ,get past that your home free , trust me I know, been there done that twice