Massive Backlog in Costa Rica’s CCSS Health System
Costa Rica’s Social Security Fund, commonly known as CCSS, had a victorious moment when it managed to resolve 32,000 mammogram cases. This was achieved through an expenditure of ¢336 million to Asembis under an emergency plan. Unfortunately, within a span of just two months, the waiting list swelled back to an alarming figure of 31,959 individuals.
The average waiting period for a mammogram in Costa Rica currently stands at 103 days. This extended wait period means 8.4% of radiology exam appointments are perpetually on standby, adding to the growing healthcare crisis in the country.
The Real-life Impact of Diagnostic Procedure Wait Times
The waiting list for diagnostic procedures paints a more somber picture, with 552,802 pending cases. These aren’t just statistics, but real individuals, like you or your neighbor, anxiously awaiting results for potentially severe health conditions.
Specific Wait Times for Various Medical Procedures
The following are the specific wait times and pending appointments for several common medical procedures:
- General Ultrasounds: 131,457 pending appointments, with an average wait time of 272 days.
- Abdominal Ultrasounds: 25,475 pending appointments, with an average wait time of 227 days.
- Breast Ultrasounds: 21,001 pending appointments, with an average wait time of 217 days.
- General X-rays: 96,428 pending appointments, with an average wait time of 95 days.
- CT Scans without Contrast: 10,838 pending appointments, with an average wait time of 57 days.
- General Chest X-ray: 26,938 pending appointments, with an average wait time of 75 days.
- Electrocardiograms: 48,565 pending appointments, with an average wait time of 308 days.
- Cardiac Catheterizations: 608 pending appointments, with an average wait time of 347 days.
A Hard-Hitting Reality in Children’s Hospital
Unfortunately, the Children’s Hospital in Costa Rica is also suffering from similar backlog issues. Currently, there are 9,033 pending appointments, with children having to wait an average of 105 days for medical procedures. If a child needs an electroencephalogram or ultrasound, the wait time extends to 139 days and 155 days, respectively, leading to prolonged pain and suffering.
The State of Geriatric Healthcare in Costa Rica
Our senior citizens aren’t being spared either. The Geriatric Hospital is grappling with 3,850 pending appointments, making the seniors wait an average of 90 days for their turn.
