General

Too many unnecessary surgeries in Canada?

Report: Canada could save millions by reducing potentially unnecessary surgeries

An annual report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) found that Canada could save up to $180 million a year if doctors consistently offered the most appropriate and most cost-effective procedures to their patients, and put fewer people under the knife by reducing the number of potentially unnecessary surgeries done in the country each year. The report found discrepancies in the number of caesarian sections and hysterectomies performed in Canada, suggesting some of those procedures are not needed. For example, last year, Ontario’s rate of first-time caesarian sections was 19.6 per cent of all deliveries; if that rate could be lowered to match Manitoba’s rate of 14 per cent, the lowest in Canada, Ontario would do 7,200 fewer surgeries and save $16.2 million. The report also showed that too many procedures are still being done despite evidence that indicates they don’t help patients, such as surgery for knee pain.

Toronto Star

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