Row over radiology in Canada affecting patients as well as providers
A radiology issue that had been dogging Quebec has become a two-province problem, with patients crossing into Ontario as Quebec imaging centers reel from the loss of business.
The unfortunate development began when Quebec’s public health payer and the province’s radiologists failed to reach an agreement on reimbursement rates for ultrasound.
The owner of an ultrasound clinic in Gatineau, Quebec, tells CBC News that he got tired of waiting for an answer on where this ends up. He closed his business even though it meant canceling dozens of patient appointments.
“I find that very stupid of the minister to announce something without having any details to announce to the private clinics,” the owner says. “We're not a public enterprise, we’re private, so therefore I have some risk. When I take risks, I assess them and make the best decision on what I have in my hand.”
“We are entrepreneurs,” he adds, “and we have to know how much we are going to receive.”
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Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.