Service Category Definitions

Cancer Services (Screening, Diagnosis & Treatment)

Cancer services are provided to patients with suspected or proven cancer. Cancer services includes consultation with an oncologist, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. 

Popular searches: Mammography (Diagnostic), Breast Biopsy (Needle Core), Breast Cancer Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Surgery, Medical Oncologist

Diagnostic Imaging & Tests

Diagnostic imaging services use a variety of machines and techniques to create pictures of the inside of the body. Physicians use these images to diagnose medical conditions.  Wait times for diagnostic imaging include services such as MRI, CT scan, an Ultrasound. 

Popular searches: MRI - IWK Health Centre, MRI - Nova Scotia Health Authority, Mammography (Screening), CT Scan - Nova Scotia Health Authority, Ultrasound - Nova Scotia Health Authority

Internal Medicine Referrals & Interventions

Internal medicine covers a wide range of conditions affecting the internal organs of the body - the heart, the lungs, the liver and gastro-intestinal tract, the kidneys and urinary tract, the brain, spinal column, nerves, muscles and joints. Wait times are displayed for numerous internal medicine services such as digestive care and endoscopy, neurology, cardiac care, rheumatology, and clinical-dermatology-cutaneous-science. 

Popular searches: Digestive Care & Endoscopy, Neurology, Cardiology, Genetic Consultation, Clinical Dermatology & Cutaneous Science

Long-Term Care

Long-term care facilities licensed and funded by the Department of Health and Wellness provide services for people who need ongoing care; either on a long-term basis (permanent placement) or short-term basis (respite care). There are two types of long-term care facilities available: nursing homes and residential care facilities.

Mental Health and Addictions

Surgery & Surgeon Consultations

Surgery is the treatment or diagnosis of injuries or disorders of the body by incision or manipulation. Wait times for surgery include procedures such as hip/knee replacement, gall bladder surgery, male circumcision, and tubal ligation.

Popular searches: Hip Replacement, Knee Replacement, Cataract Surgery, Male Circumcision (Pediatric), Gallbladder Surgery

Reduce your wait time

Not all wait times are the same, and you may reduce your wait time for health care services. Explore options and talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner.

Talk to your primary care provider

Wait time information can help you and your primary care provider make informed decisions. Find wait times and share the numbers with your healthcare provider.