MRI choice- What is the problem?

The right of health choice debate - It comes down to service not government dictate QJ

winnipegsun.com - Manitoba - What's the problem?: "'When did we lose our freedom in this country?' said Corlett, who says he just wants to get better and return to work.

'Why do they have to control us?'

Corlett needs an MRI so his doctor can make a diagnosis and decide whether he needs surgery or not.In the meantime, he can't even lift his arm, much less work on airplanes.'I can't work because they don't have work for a one-armed person,' said Corlett.Like many patients who will use The Maples clinic, Corlett didn't have to pay out-of-pocket for his MRI. Instead, his insurance company did. Like many Manitobans, Corlett has private disability insurance and it's in his insurance company's best interest to get him an MRI as quickly as possible so he can be treated and return to work.In fact, the insurance company was planning to fly him to Calgary for an MRI until The Maples announced it would be providing MRIs.'Why do I have to go to Calgary when we've got one in Winnipeg?' said Corlett.Precisely.How can government possibly have a problem with this? Government sends Workers Compensation Board patients to clinics for preferential treatment.Why can't a private insurance company send one of its clients to a clinic, too?The Supreme Court of Canada ruled in a recent Quebec case that government cannot prevent people from buying private insurance and using it to obtain medical services if government is not providing that service in a timely fashion.Clearly, the Manitoba government is not providing elective MRIs in a timely fashion.So I'd say The Maples clinic has the blessing of Canada's top court.

Besides, if people like Corlett aren't getting their MRIs in Manitoba, they'll go out-of-province for them and they'll take their money with them"