Indicator Metadata

Name	Wait Times for CT Scan
Short/Other Names	Not applicable
Description	The number of days patients waited, from the date the order/requisition was received to the date that patients received CT scans
Interpretation	50th percentile means a time period that typical patients have to wait to receive care. 90th percentile means that provinces could treat 90% of patients within that time period.
HSP Framework Dimension	Health System Outputs: Access to comprehensive, high-quality health services
Areas of Need	Getting Better
Geographic Coverage	Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta
Reporting Level/Disaggregation	Province/Territory
Indicator Results	http://waittimes.cihi.ca/All/ctscan

Identifying Information

Name	Wait Times for CT Scan
Short/Other Names	Not applicable

Indicator Description and Calculation

Description	The number of days patients waited, from the date the order/requisition was received to the date that patients received CT scans
Calculation: Description	The data set contains the following provincial and national wait time information for the first two quarters of the fiscal year (April–September): Measures: Wait times are obtained by calculating 1. The number of days half of patients in the sample received the surgery and half are still waiting (50th percentile) 2. The number of days that 90% of patients in the sample received the surgery and 10% are still waiting (90th percentile) Unit of Analysis: Client or patient
Calculation: Geographic Assignment	Place of service
Calculation: Type of Measurement	Number - 50th percentile, 90th percentile
Calculation: Adjustment Applied	None
Calculation: Method of Adjustment	Not applicable
Denominator	Description: Not applicable
Numerator	Description: 1. The number of days that half of patients in the sample received the surgery and half are still waiting (50th percentile) 2. The number of days that 90% of patients in the sample received the surgery and 10% are still waiting (90th percentile) Inclusions: 1. Those age 18 and older 2. Diagnostic scans (inpatient and/or outpatient) 3. All priority levels Exclusions: 1. Routine follow-up scans 2. Mammography screening and prenatal screening

Background, Interpretation and Benchmarks

Rationale	In 2004, Canada's first ministers agreed to work toward reducing wait times for five priority areas: cancer treatment, cardiac care, diagnostic imaging, joint replacement and sight restoration. CIHI was mandated to collect wait time information and monitor provincial progress in meeting benchmarks. Many factors affect wait times, for example, availability of resources, efficiency of a particular facility, seasonal effects, volumes, patient choice, patient condition, follow-up care and/or treatment complexity. This indicator can be used to help understand access to care and to know how provinces are performing in providing access to services.
Interpretation	50th percentile means a time period that typical patients have to wait to receive care. 90th percentile means that provinces could treat 90% of patients within that time period.
HSP Framework Dimension	Health System Outputs: Access to comprehensive, high-quality health services
Areas of Need	Getting Better
Targets/Benchmarks	Not applicable
References	Health Canada. A 10-Year Plan to Strengthen Health Care. Health Canada. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hcs-sss/delivery-prestation/fptcollab/2004-fmm-rpm/index-eng.php. Updated September 16, 2004. Accessed June 7, 2013.

Availability of Data Sources and Results

Data Sources	Provincial Wait Times Registry, Data may come from various sources, depending on the province.
Available Data Years	Type of Year: Fiscal First Available Year: 2008 Last Available Year: 2017
Geographic Coverage	Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta
Reporting Level/Disaggregation	Province/Territory

Result Updates

Update Frequency	Every year
Indicator Results	Web Tool: Wait Times URL: http://waittimes.cihi.ca/All/ctscan
Updates	There might be some provincial exceptions to the standard methodology each year. For more information, visit the Wait Times website and view provincial exceptions (http://waittimes.cihi.ca/All/ctscan).

Quality Statement

Caveats and Limitations	Some provinces may have some exceptions and their methodology may be slightly different than the standard methodology. For more information, visit the Wait Times website and view provincial exceptions (http://waittimes.cihi.ca/All/ctscan).
Trending Issues	Since 2008, an increasing number of provinces have adapted to the standard methodology to increase the comparability of results. When comparing several years of data for a particular province, attention should be given to the exceptions. For more information, visit the Wait Times website and view provincial exceptions (http://waittimes.cihi.ca/All/ctscan).
Comments	Not applicable