Canadian Wait Times
There are three types of wait lists in orthopaedics.
- The first list is the length of time between when a physician orders a test such as an ultrasound, CT scan or an MRI and when the patient physically undergoes the test. Many provinces collect this data and publish it on their website(s).
- The second list is the length of time between when a surgeon receives a referral letter from a physician to when the patient is physically seen for the first time by a surgeon. Just because a patient is offered an appointment does not mean the patient will be offered surgery – only after a surgeon examines a patient can they determine if surgery is indicated. This data is not collected or reported by all provincial health organizations.
- The third list is the length of time between the date a patient is offered surgery by a surgeon in their office and when the patient actually undergoes surgery. This data is collected and reported by provincial health organizations.
As you read wait time data in each province, the two most important things to look for are;
(1) the percentage of procedures performed in 182 days (a higher percentage is very good and what you’re looking for).
(2) the number of days or weeks that 90% of patients waited for surgery to be performed (a low number of days is very good and what you’re looking for)
Hip Replacements Data
- Before the pandemic 75% of hip replacements in Canada were performed within 182 days (6 months).
- Before the pandemic, it took 271 days for 90% of all patients waiting for hip replacement to undergo surgery. In 2021, the number of days increased to 369 days (not good).
Knee Replacements Data
- Before the pandemic 70% of knee replacements in Canada were performed within 182 days (6 months).
- Before the pandemic, it took 314 days for 90% of all patients waiting for knee replacement to undergo surgery. In 2021, the number of days increased to 425 days (not good).
For more detailed information on hip and knee replacement data in Canada please click here.
