Maybe the time is right for a Second Opinion

When questions about the accuracy of cancer pathology emerge & re-emerge within a span of a a short few weeks, it is enough to give rise to concern.... Was my pathology done correctly?

The current episode of the ongoing Canadian saga of questioning the accuracy of pathology tests for breast cancer began at the beginning of June when the Quebec health minister ordered breast cancer retests. The move came as Minister Yves Bolduc, reacted to the Quebec College of Physicians issued report that 30% of pathology tests were potentially questionable.

Now, it turns out that the initial group of about 2,100 reassesments will be increased by another 630. CTV reports that this might not even be the end to test called into question.

Unfortunately these tests will only be concluded by the end of 2009!

The expectation is that some 100 patients will have a new course of treatment recommended. Which means, that until the treatment is changed, they are on the wrong treatment plan. Some Quebecers could be receiving inappropriate care for 6 months before it is corrected.

The underlying problem is that the system is overburdened. While there are an increasing number of cases the resource; professional and technological, have not been invested in to accommodate the increased demand.

MedExtra has been organizing Remote Second Opinions for nearly a decade to take the guesswork out of diagnosis and treatment of our members' medical conditions. Learn more about how MedExtra's Remote Second Opinions integrate with Critical Illness Insurance.