[Milton Miteybad]

When I last visited my internist, reviewing my most recent blood test numbers, I mentioned that I had having some pain in the big toe. The doctor guessed it was gout, and had the phlebotomist come in and draw a little more blood for a blood urea test. Told me to call him later that afternoon for the results. If I needed a prescription to treat the condition, he'd have one ready.

The diagnosis was confirmed by the test, so the doc calls in a prescription, which I picked up within an hour.

Time required for diagnosis? 5 minutes.

Time required to confirm diagnosis and sketch out a plan of treatment? 4 hours.

Time required to acquire medicine and commence treatment? 1 hour.







Total time from initial consultation to beginning treatment? < 6 hours.







Top that, Canada. ;-)

[steve86]

I have gout also but that scenario would be no different in Canada (where I have lived). Consultation, go to lab (down the hall, often), then to pharmacy. No difference. It’s the big, expensive, limited availability labs like MRI Imaging that have the long wait times.

[sweeperboy]

I’ve had all than I can stand of this. My mother’s 84 years old, been down and weak. You can’t get them admitted.Even called an ambulance to take her to er. Not an emergency according to them.

[Snowyman]

Well , I can come close. Last December I had a TRUS ( a not so much fun biopsy) . Christmas Day I noticed my urine had a slight odour. I had an urologist appointment 9am January 9th so I waited and mentioned it to her. On my way out I stopped at the private lab on the main floor , left a urine sample and at around 1:30 pm her nurse called saying a prescription had been faxed to my pharmacy . The infection and odour were gone in less than a week.

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I had the TRUS, bone scan (MRI), CT scan,and I was passed on to an Oncologist . She had me wait 2 months, letting 2 drugs do their magic and I had a “simulation” which is a CT scan for mapping and tattooing. I then waited a couple of weeks for the computer program that controlled my radiation treatment to come back from the programmer and then the radiation , 33 times with weekends off for healing. I finished in early Judy . My first follow up was last week and my blood test readings are very, very acceptable. And I feel great.

Last November I paid $35 for a PSA test , and I never questioned or worried about who was paying for this trip I was forced to take. I don’t recommend that trip so if you’re male and over 50 , get a PSA test, it might save your life.