'We should not be doing an MRI if an X-ray can do the job.' - Elisabeth Ballermann
Edmonton (27 Oct. 2006) - The Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA/NUPGE) is welcoming the announcement of a three-year study on wait times for MRIs. It will be funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
"We applaud this research aimed at reducing wait times for patients accessing the health care system," says HSAA president Elisabeth Ballermann.
"It is encouraging that this study will investigate the appropriate use of MRIs and help determine best practices for triaging patients who require an MRI. MRI is an excellent diagnostic tool, but for some conditions, other lower-cost tests that are more readily available can provide an accurate diagnosis. Just as we would not do an open heart surgery for a condition that could be resolved with medication, we should not be doing an MRI if an X-ray can do the job," Ballermann added.
"HSAA supports any initiative designed to improve the quality of the public health care system," Ballermann concluded.
HSAA is a union that represents more than 14,000 professional, technical, support and ambulance workers in Alberta's health care system. NUPGE
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