Wait Times by categories

This website does not provide wait times for all health care services in Nova Scotia. We currently provide wait time information for 72 services.
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Wait Times for Surgery - by Category

Wait Times for Diagnostic Tests - by Category

  • Barium Enema
    A barium enema is a special x-ray of the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum. Before x-rays are taken, a liquid called barium sulfate is placed in the rectum. Barium blocks x-rays providing an image that outlines the interior of the intestine.
  • Bone Density
    Bone mineral density (BMD) tests are usually done with low dosage x-rays. Doctors conduct these tests to determine the health of your bones or to confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis.
  • Breast Biopsy (Needle Core)
    A Breast Biopsy (Needle Core) is the removal of a small amount of breast tissue to examine it for signs of breast cancer or other disorders. This procedure is performed in the mammography department. See Breast Biopsy (Needle Core) wait time
  • CT Scan
    Computed tomography (CT) is a diagnostic procedure that uses special x-ray equipment to obtain cross-sectional pictures of the body. The CT computer displays these pictures as detailed images of organs, bones, and other tissues.
  • Cardiac Catheterization
    Cardiac catheterization is when a thin flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into the heart, usually from the groin or the arm to allow an x-ray blocking dye to be injected to outline the blood vessels and heart.
  • MRI
    Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive way of taking high-quality images of areas inside the body. Instead of x-rays, MRIs use powerful magnets, radio waves and computerized sensors to take readings that can be transformed into three-dimensional pictures.
  • Mammography (Diagnostic)
    A diagnostic mammogram is an x-ray of a symptomatic woman's breasts to help in the early detection of breast cancer.
  • Mammography (Screening)
    A screening mammogram is an x-ray of an asymptomatic woman's breasts to help in early detection of breast cancer.
  • PET Scan
    A Nuclear Medicine Scan is a test that uses a radioactive substance called a tracer to show how organs and tissues are working. For this procedure the tracer is injected into a vein. It travels through the patient's blood and settles into the organs and tissues. A scanner detects the amount of radiation given off by these tissues and can show abnormal concentrations or voids that may indicate the presence of cancer or inflammation.
  • Ultrasound
    An Ultrasound refers to a type of photo taken of organs or different parts of the body using high-frequency sound waves. Also known as sonograms, this procedure can make cross-sectional pictures of the underlying body structure by measuring the intensity of reflected (like an echo) sound waves.
  • Upper GI
    An upper gastrointestinal series is a set of x-rays taken to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. For this procedure, the patient drinks a chalky liquid containing barium which outlines the interior of the organs as it passes through.

Wait Times for Referral to Specialist - by Category

  • Cancer Specialists
    Medical Cancer Specialists or Oncologists are doctors that specialize in cancer care.
  • Genetic Consultation
    Individuals seeking genetic services may have a personal and/or family history of a genetic condition. They may also be concerned that a condition in their family has a genetic cause, which could impact their health or the health of future generations. Maritime Medical Genetics Service serves patients of all ages from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Members of our team include medical geneticists, genetic counsellors, metabolic nurses, a dietician, social worker and administrative support. This service offers diagnosis, treatment, education and counselling for families throughout the life cycle (prenatal, newborns, children, adults and families).
  • Radiation Specialist
    A Radiation Cancer Specialist is doctor specially trained in the use of radiation therapy for treating cancer.

Wait Times for Joints and Bones - by Category

Wait Times for Cancer - by Category

Wait Times for Heart And Blood Vessels - by Category

Wait Times for Eyes and Ears - by Category

Wait Times for Stomach And Abdomen - by Category

Wait Times for Addiction Services - by Category

  • CHOICES Adolescent Services
    CHOICES is a voluntary program helping adolescents aged 13-19 dealing with problems around substance abuse and gambling through counselling and support. CHOICES has moved to a new location (1 Craigmore Drive, Halifax B3N 1M3) and can be reached at 902-491-2401.
  • Community Based Services
    Community Based (Outpatient) Services is an accessible outreach, intervention, and treatment service delivered to individuals and groups who reside in their own communities. Services are based on client needs and commitment to change, and based on a bio-psycho-social assessment.
  • Structured Treatment
    Structured Treatment Program is an intensive time-limited group treatment service for clients who have successfully completed the withdrawal process. It provides bio-psycho-social assessment, education, counseling, and treatment in collaboration with other components of the Addiction Services continuum. It is offered in both residential and non-residential settings.
  • Withdrawal Management
    The residential component of the Withdrawal Management service is designed to meet the needs of individuals requiring inpatient treatment. It is a process designed to optimize the health of individuals harmfully involved with alcohol, drugs and/or gambling through the provision of a comprehensive range of integrated bio-psycho-social treatment services. These services include but are not limited to: assessment, medically-managed detoxification, treatment planning, therapeutic counseling and support, education, vocational and employability counselling, family counselling and support, and referrals.