Table 1 Results of statistical analysis of actual and appropriate wait times for various thyroid pathologies in Canada

Time to see new consults with:

Undiagnosed nodule >1 cm

4-8 weeks

4-8 weeks

0.57

0.0351

Positive/suspicious FNA

2-4 weeks

2-4 weeks

0.25

0.0351

Time to OR if FNA shows:

Papillary Carcinoma

6-8 weeks

4-6 weeks

0.61

0.0002

Follicular neoplasm

8-12 weeks

8-12 weeks

0.57

0.0002

AUS*

8-12 weeks

6-8 weeks

0.51

0.0013

Indeterminate/Non-diagnostic

3-6 months

2-3 months

0.52

0.0002

Medullary carcinoma

2-4 weeks

2-4 weeks

0.34

0.0198

Benign symptomatic disease

3-6 months

3-6 months

0.61

0.0001

Time to completion thyroidectomy if initial hemi shows:

Papillary or Follicular Ca

6-8 weeks

4-6 weeks

0.52

0.0041

Medullary Ca

4-6 weeks

2-4 weeks

0.29

0.0027