Centralized lists that match waiting patients with the next available surgeon are showing promise at reducing wait times, but doctors say there are still some hurdles to overcome before they become commonplace.
Lois Cooper says she was upsold thousands of dollars in extra services at a private, for-profit clinic, and when she started to ask questions, the doctor told her to leave. She's not the only Canadian who's gone through the questionable practice.
Despite promises from some politicians that it will streamline services and solve the issue of long wait times, health-care professionals that CBC News interviewed say there are nuances and that such happy outcomes are not borne out by the data.
Do private, for-profit clinics save taxpayers money and reduce wait times? The data says no ici.radio-canada.ca - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from ici.radio-canada.ca Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.