CT patients face delays in radiology results at ECHN hospitals: ‘Could … affect someone’s life’

CT Insider – Tuesday, December 10, 2024
By Eric Bedner

Patients at Eastern Connecticut Health Network hospitals are facing significant delays in getting results for their radiology tests, with some saying they waited months for what could be life-threatening diagnoses.

ECHN partners with Jefferson Radiology, whose officials say the delays are due to high demand and insufficient staff.

Radiology tests can determine a variety of ailments, from broken bones and infections to tumors.

Barbara Barry said that she had a test done in November at Manchester Memorial Hospital for a potentially “very serious” issue, and was supposed to get results in a day or two.

Even though the test was deemed urgent, she didn’t get results for nine days.

She opines that there are hundreds of people waiting for their test results, many of whom took to social media to complain, with some saying they waited months for their results.

“There are people waiting for a diagnosis,” Barry said. “I’m just appalled because it could literally affect someone’s life.”

In a letter responding to her complaint, ECHN wrote that it is “committed to providing the best care possible,” and is working with Jefferson Radiology to resolve the issue.

A spokeswoman for ECHN deferred questions to Jefferson Radiology and did not provide a response to questions from CT Insider.

Amy Bullen, senior director of operations for Jefferson Radiology, said the delays are due to “unprecedented demand.”

“Our dedicated team is working diligently to minimize wait times and ensure patients receive the best possible care,” she said. “We understand how challenging this can be and are actively hiring improving processes, and prioritizing urgent cases to reduce wait times. If patients need results sooner, patients should speak with their referring provider about alternative care options.”

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