There are different types of medical treatments available and different wait times for hospitals and doctors across British Columbia.

When it comes to your health, it is important to discuss all treatment options with your doctor.

Medical tests, treatments or surgeries may have various degrees of risk. These procedures also have varying outcomes in terms of health and quality of life.

If you are scheduled for a surgery, medical treatment or test, ask your family doctor or your specialist the following questions:

• How necessary or urgent is this treatment or test?
• When can I expect to have my treatment? Is there any evidence that my condition may change while I wait?
• What are the possible benefits and risks of the treatment?
• Is there a specialist who can perform the same surgery or treatment sooner?
• If the wait time for a surgery is long, could you please check the Ministry of Health's Surgical Wait Times website for another surgeon or hospital?