TABLE 1.

Key definitions of specialized services

Specialized service	Definition	Wait time measured
Specialist visit	Visit with a medical specialist to obtain a diagnosis for a new illness or condition; does not include specialist visits for ongoing care for a previously diagnosed condition	Time elapsed between point at which individuals and their doctor decided that they should see a specialist and the day of the visit
Non-emergency surgery	Booked or planned surgery provided on an outpatient or inpatient basis; does not refer to surgery provided through an admission to the hospital emergency room as a result of, e.g., an accident or life-threatening situation	Time elapsed between point at which individuals and their surgeon decided to go ahead with the surgery and the day of surgery
Diagnostic test	MRI, CT scan or angiography requested by a physician to determine or confirm a diagnosis; does not include X-rays, blood tests, etc.	Time elapsed between point at which individuals and their doctor decided to go ahead with the test and the day of the test

Statistics Canada, Health Statistics Division. 2006. Access to Health Care Services in Canada: January to December 2005. Ottawa: Minister of Industry.