Anyone go to a private clinic in Canada?

Options
mommy13
mommy13 Member Posts: 127
edited June 2014 in Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer

Hello I am from Canada and I have started to look into a private clinic so I can get the testing over with. But of course comes a price tag so I don't even know if this is something I could afford (probably not)



I have an appointment for a ultrasound guided core biopsy in 3 weeks. THREE WEEEKS ugh I am going insane.



My mammo/u/s were pretty much inconclusive. Radiologist said it's either a benign mass or.....The C word. Although he said he's not terribly worried... I am.



I was wondering if anyone has used private clinics and how much everything cost.



I have called around and left msgs but no responses yet.



There is a private breast clinic an hour away from me that does everything in 1 day and has pathology reports back to you in 24 hrs. But I wonder how much it would cost...!!!



If anyone has experience with this I'd love to hear about it.

Thanks!

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • liefie
    liefie Member Posts: 2,440
    edited October 2013

    Mommy 13, I have no experience with private clinics, but nothing prevents you from calling them and asking them what the cost would be. Then you can make an informed decision. Three weeks sounds like a long time to wait, and for your peace of mind it is maybe better to pay the money (if it is not totally outrageous), and find out what is going on. Best wishes!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mommy13
    mommy13 Member Posts: 127
    edited October 2013

    Got a price.... $1985 YIKES!!

    looks like a 3 week wait :(

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • liefie
    liefie Member Posts: 2,440
    edited October 2013


    Have to agree this amount is really outrageous - wow! Hang in there, and keep busy, mommy13. Is there maybe another clinic nearby or in a neighbouring town where you can get in earlier?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited October 2013


    Take a look at this website. It's a U.S. site but I would expect a private clinic in Canada to charge about the same amount:

    How Much Does a Biopsy Cost?


    "For patients not covered by health insurance, the cost of a breast biopsy ranges from $1,000 to $5,000. A needle biopsy performed in a doctor's office would be at the lower end of the range, while a surgical biopsy performed in a hospital would be at the higher end."


    So $1985 is not unreasonable. It's right in the ball-park of what I would have guessed.


    In Canada we don't get exposed to the costs but I have seen a number of my parents' medical bills from the U.S. (they had Medicare and private insurance; both would send quarterly statements showing everything they paid). Health care is expensive, and even more so when you go to a private facility.


    My suggestion is that you let the facility where you are scheduled for the biopsy know that you are anxious to get this done and are available to come in on short notice, if they have a cancellation.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • slv58
    slv58 Member Posts: 1,216
    edited October 2013


    mommy13,if you are in Ontario, try a hospital with a rapid diagnostic clinic. I went to sunnybrook and they have one. I went on a wed. And had core biopsy done the following Thursday. Results were a week later and I had a picc line inserted, Muga scan and my first chemo 2 days after results. If you have any questions, let me know.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mommy13
    mommy13 Member Posts: 127
    edited October 2013


    I was able to find a hospital 4 hrs away with a rapid diagnostic breast clinic. My apt is at the end of the month and results should be ready within 48 hrs woo hoo! taking about 3-4 weeks off my wait time.


    very happy!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories