Waiting lists increase for diagnostic tests in 2022

Last year more people were waiting for a diagnostic test or a visit to a specialist in Catalonia, according to figures from the health department seen by the Catalan News Agency (ACN).

In January, 406,363 people were waiting for a doctor to visit them, while in December, the number increased to 461,031. Those queueing for a diagnostic test went up from 161,626 to 175,005.

In some cases, even though the number of people waiting increased, the average time decreased, as in the case of mammograms. 

Meanwhile, the wait list for heart surgery was reduced, something similar for patients needing a colon cancer or breast cancer operation. However, the list of those waiting for a skin or lung neoplasm operation grew in 2022.

Waiting lists are one of the main worries of the Catalan health sector after they increased in 2011, led by the budget cuts seen during the financial crisis. The Covid-19 pandemic also led to halting surgery operations and delaying diagnostic tests, worsening the problem.