Executive Summary
- Canada’s public healthcare system often features long wait times, particularly for orthopedic operations, prompting many Canadians to consider private knee surgery.
- Private clinics, especially ones in the United States, can offer Canadians faster access to specialized surgeons and advanced surgical technology.
- By opting for private knee surgery, Canadian patients can enjoy shorter recovery periods, personalized care, and a more comfortable overall surgical experience.
- Although private knee surgery requires a financial investment, the economic and transparent pricing, faster access to care, and better long-term outcomes it offers make it an ideal alternative to waiting in the public system.
Why More Canadians Are Considering Private Knee Surgery
The prevalence of knee pain has increased by nearly 65% over the past two decades, resulting in a rise in demand for knee surgery across the Great White North. However, Canada’s public healthcare system has been struggling to keep up with the heightened demands, forcing many Canadians to wait anywhere from 6 months to a year or more for their surgery.
Unaddressed knee pain can significantly hinder daily life by limiting people’s ability to walk, exercise, and sleep comfortably. Knee pain can be caused by various issues, ranging from previous injuries to degenerative joint conditions like osteoarthritis, and not all of them necessitate surgery. Nevertheless, it is vital to address severe knee complications as soon as possible to avoid further issues.
Therefore, more Canadians have been exploring private options for knee surgery. Local and international private facilities offer a wide range of benefits, including access to highly specialized surgeons and more personalized care, which can expedite your ability to regain mobility and alleviate chronic pain.
Read through the considerations below to better understand how private knee surgery can be advantageous for you.
Knee Surgery Challenges in Canada’s Public System
On the surface, Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system appears attractive, as it is designed to provide universal access to medical care for the nation’s residents. However, this system comes with numerous downsides, particularly in the realm of orthopedic care.
For instance, there are regional disparities. Access to orthopedic specialists can vary significantly depending on what province you live in and whether you reside in a rural or urban area. The average wait time for orthopedic surgery throughout Canada exceeds 27 weeks from the time of referral to treatment; however, in some parts of the country, patients may have to wait over a year for a surgical consultation.
During these lengthy wait times, many patients experience a decline in their quality of life. The dangers of delaying knee surgery can include complications, such as:
- Increased pain
- Reduced mobility
- Mental health challenges like anxiety or depression
Unfortunately, outside of emergency cases, Canada’s public healthcare system offers very few fast-track options, meaning it’s rare for patients to move up the queue, even if their condition is deteriorating.
Explaining Private Knee Surgery
Private knee surgery enables patients to circumvent many of the challenges associated with Canada’s public healthcare system, including lengthy wait times. Understanding what private knee surgery entails and where it can be accessed can help you make informed decisions about your medical care.
What Is Private Knee Surgery?
Private surgery involves paying out of pocket or through private insurance to access medical care outside Canada’s publicly funded, government-run system. Unlike Canada’s public hospitals, which operate under budget constraints and patient quotas, private clinics offer faster and more individualized treatment.
Where Is It Available?
Private clinics exist in Canada, but many Canadians are opting for medical tourism to take advantage of the internationally recognized surgical centers in the United States, such as the Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale.
Some examples of reasons U.S. private clinics often outperform Canadian private clinics include:
- Higher surgical volumes
- More advanced technology
- Faster scheduling
- Fewer regulatory restrictions
Trusted U.S. medical facilities, such as the Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale, offer specialized care, robotic-assisted surgeries, and concierge-style services that surpass those of most private clinics in Canada.
Types of Surgeries Offered
Some common types of private knee surgery offered by private clinics include:
- Total knee replacement
- Partial knee replacement
- Arthroscopic surgery for meniscus or ligament repair
- Total knee replacement revision
At The Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale, we combine compassionate care with state-of-the-art technology to provide you with the best possible outcome for total and partial knee replacements.Advanced Methods for the Best Results
Key Benefits of Choosing Private Knee Surgery
When compared to traditional public pathways, private medical care offers a wide range of advantages, particularly for patients seeking to reduce wait times for joint replacement in Canada and enhance surgical outcomes.
The following benefits may be experienced by Canadians choosing private U.S. facilities for their knee surgery.
Significantly Shorter Wait Times
Experienced private clinics in the United States can typically book consultations and imaging more quickly than Canada’s public facilities. For example, the Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale can normally connect Canadian medical tourists with surgeons within four weeks, potentially saving them months of waiting. In turn, this means it is easier for patients to schedule surgery around their lives and responsibilities, and return to work or physical activity more quickly.
Access to Highly Specialized Surgeons
The medical professionals in Canada’s public healthcare systems are usually responsible for multiple types of surgeries, causing them to be spread thin. However, private clinics have the freedom to focus specifically on joint surgeries, freeing up their schedule and helping them hone procedure-specific skills.
Since the private system typically allows you to select a surgeon based on their experience and focus area, you may experience benefits like:
- Increased confidence in your care plan
- Continuity of care from consultation through post-op recovery
- Access to specialists who specialize in revisions or complex procedures
Enhanced Patient Experience and Comfort
Private orthopedic facilities in the United States are designed for comfort and efficiency. Some examples of benefits Canadian patients can experience by opting for private knee surgery in the U.S. are:
- Private rooms for consultations, imaging, and surgery
- More individualized attention due to fewer patients per provider
- Coordinated care that limits wait times and confusion
- Upscale resorts that make recovery comfortable
Advanced Technology and Surgical Techniques
Leading-edge private surgical centers, such as the Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale, offer advanced technology and time-tested approaches to knee surgery that have the potential to improve patient outcomes. For instance, our team utilizes robotic technology, such as Mako SmartRobotics™ and a CORI surgical system, which can be used to ensure precise incisions and implant placement. In turn, these minimally invasive approaches can lead to faster recovery times.
Greater Control and Flexibility
As mentioned earlier, private knee surgery can offer patients more flexibility than the public system, allowing them to schedule appointments that better suit their lifestyle and pre-existing plans. It also gives patients the freedom to receive care close to home or travel to get access to the best possible provider.
Cost Considerations & Value
While most instances of private knee surgery require an out-of-pocket financial investment, many patients believe it is worthwhile due to the quicker speed and higher quality of care. Some examples of long-term value that can result from the faster nature of private surgery include:
- Less joint deterioration
- Reduced time off work
- Better long-term outcomes and satisfaction
Additionally, reputable private clinics should provide transparent pricing that clearly outlines all expenses, including surgeon fees, facility charges, anesthesia, and follow-up care.
How to Get Started as a Canadian Patient
At first, choosing private care outside Canada can sound overwhelming. However, the process is more straightforward than many expect. In fact, the Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale is dedicated to helping Canadians every step of the way. Some steps that may be involved in your private knee surgery experience in the United States are:
- Initial contact – Reach out to our team online or by calling us at (623) 220-0289 to learn more about our care options.
- Virtual consultation – After scheduling an appointment with our team, you will meet with Dr. Shane Martin to review your condition and discuss whether surgery is a suitable option for your situation.
- Submit medical imaging – To expedite the process, your Canadian medical provider can send relevant X-rays or MRIs for assessment by our medical professionals.
- Plan your travel – Our team can provide helpful suggestions to assist with accommodations, flight scheduling, and local transportation.
- Surgery and recovery – The Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale delivers expert care tailored to each patient’s individual needs, minimizing downtime after completion.
- Post-op follow-up – Even after you return to Canada, we will continue communication through video chats or phone calls to ensure you have easy access to our knowledgeable team.
If you have already received or started a treatment plan from a medical provider in your country, our team can offer second opinions to ensure you are on the right path.
Choose Private Surgery for Faster Relief
Living with knee pain can be physically and emotionally draining. Unfortunately, the extended wait for surgical relief through Canada’s public healthcare system can exacerbate knee conditions. However, you don’t have to wait around in pain—there are other avenues out there. Private knee surgery can be a quicker, more effective way to regain control over your health, mobility, and quality of life.
The Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale is composed of world-class joint specialists who offer dependable surgeries and non-invasive alternative therapies, making our center a popular choice for Canadian patients interested in medical tourism. We can help Canadians avoid the obstacles of their country’s public health system by providing timely and personalized medical attention, access to advanced technology, and highly experienced surgical care.
Schedule an initial consultation to learn how we can help Canadians take a faster and more effective path to healing.