British Columbia patients fed up with sojourns on waiting lists as they await tests or treatment are being wooed by a hospital in Washington state that has begun offering package deals. A second US hospital is also considering marketing its services.
Vancouver newspapers now carry advertisements for orthopedic and cardiac surgery services at St. Joseph's Hospital in Bellingham. The "cardiac surgery packages" include professional and hospital fees, all treatments, hotel accommodation for the patient's family and transportation. The package costs from US$20 000 to $25 000.
The hospital used to have a contract with the BC Ministry of Health for radiation oncology services, but it ended when the Victoria Cancer Centre opened a few years ago; there are currently about 600 Lower Mainland patients waiting for radiation oncology treatment.
Dr. Ian Courtice, president of the British Columbia Medical Association, says that even though "it is abysmal that our system has deteriorated to this extent, this is a very viable option for cancer patients. We can't define how Canadians can spend their money in the health care system."
Barbara Dember, vice-president of business development at St. Joseph's, said the hospital has already had "very steady" business from Canadians seeking MRI and CT scans. A CT scan can take about 2 months to obtain in Victoria.
Olympic Memorial Hospital in Port Angeles, a short ferry ride from Victoria, is also considering offering high-technology tests and cancer treatments. In December the hospital surveyed 500 BC doctors to gauge demand and determine whether doctors would tell their patients about the services being offered. If the response is favourable, the hospital will begin advertising and working directly with Victoria doctors, as well as putting together package deals for patients. For instance, an MRI test would be available within 2 days and cost between US$400 and $800.
Mike Glenn, Olympic's CEO, says that given the geography and length of waiting lists, the potential business "just seems to make too much sense."