Diagnostic Waiting Times
Latest PublicationsPublished: 27 November 2012
Waiting Times - Diagnostics
Published: 28 August 2012
Diagnostic Waiting Times
Published: 29 May 2012
Diagnostic tests waiting times
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Background
In 2007, the Cabinet Secretary of Health and Wellbeing stated that
"A whole journey waiting time target of 18 weeks general practitioner referral to treatment ... by December 2011"
Diagnostic Waiting Times are an important component in the delivery of this 18 Week Referral to Treatment Standard (RTT).
Information on the following 8 key diagnostic tests and investigations waiting times has been collected nationally since 2006:
Endoscopy
- Upper Endoscopy
- Lower Endoscopy (excluding Colonoscopy)
- Colonoscopy
- Cystoscopy
Radiology
- CT Scan
- MRI Scan
- Barium Studies
- Non-obstetric ultrasound
NHS Boards submit to ISD the number of NHS patients who are waiting for any of the eight diagnostic tests and investigations at the end of the month, including those who have an appointment date or who have been seen but whose verified report has not yet been received by or made available to the requester.
The Scottish Government introduced a 9 week maximum waiting time for these 8 key diagnostic tests and investigations from 31 December 2007. This wait was reduced to 6 weeks from 31 March 2009.
Data Definitions
Diagnostic test: test or procedure that is used to identify a person's condition, disease or injury to enable a medical diagnosis to be made.
Patients waiting: number of patients waiting, but not yet reported/verified. The number of patients waiting at the census date in each time band corresponds to the time that has elapsed from the receipt of the referral.
Submission guidance for data providers
Diagnostics Tests and Investigations: Monthly Data Submission Guidance v5.1 
[100kb] with OPCS codes for the 8 key diagnostic procedures [Added 2 Aug 2011].
