Canadian patients currently on the waiting list for a knee or hip replacement can often wait up to three years from the time the decision is made to the actual surgical date. Surgeries are often scheduled, then cancelled, sometimes more than once.

Patients experience continuing pain and disability – and so do their families. One patient experiencing excruciating pain while waiting for a knee replacement expressed her frustration as “I couldn’t participate in my life. I did not want to turn my husband into a caretaker.” Patients tell stories of lives put on hold; in those months of waiting, a lot of life, and lot of memories, are left in the ‘what-could-have-been’ dust.

As they move from waiting room to consultation then back to waiting room, patient’s pain worsens and hope declines. Many needing a joint replacement have worked hard most of their lives to be able to live their passions in retirement. “Passions” means chasing your grandchildren, crisp mornings on the golf course, and sunset bike rides with your life partner. Rarely do “Passions” come equipped with crutches and pain killers.

With our partner hospitals, the wait is short, and life can begin again. Before and after treatment, many other modalities are available to aid recovery. We can connect our patients with physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, massage therapy, and pain management. We are dedicated to ensuring that each of our patients has a care plan throughout the process, and ensure that every patient has complete aftercare arranged before they leave for the hospital.

Canadians have health care options. Our partnerships with U.S.health care providers are the product of long hours at board room tables, ironing out every detail of our client’s recovery. The IHP team has worked hard and passionately at creating these health care choices, allowing patients to safely and seamlessly evolve from ‘waiting patient’ to ‘willing medical traveler.’

To those Canadians on waiting lists for health care, there are superior resources and options for you to consider. Call our office today and allow us to help you in making health care choices that will bring you back to your passion.