An individual reported to Lusa agency difficulties in scheduling this exam, stating that the Lisbon Oncology Institute (IPO) informed her in writing that there were not enough slots for all requests, and the procedure was planned to be conducted outside the institute.
The Lisbon IPO acknowledged a significant increase in the number of exams requested and conducted in recent years. This rise is attributed to the expansion of screening programs and the growth in the number of patients undergoing treatment.
The institute highlighted that managing these various requests has become more complex due to the influx, both from internal patients and those referred to the institute. They emphasized their adherence to safety and quality protocols for diagnostic procedures.
In radiology, breast MRI scans are among the most in-demand exams, with activity increasing by approximately 18% over the past five years.
Exam scheduling is managed based on clinical necessity and the exam’s objective, with priority given to MRIs for diagnostic purposes, tumor staging, or assessing response to treatment. These exams are crucial for therapeutic decisions, including surgical interventions.
Surveillance exams are also part of IPO’s service, though they have a more extended scheduling window.
To ensure timely execution, the Radiology Department plans appointments and promotes the referral of patients in remission to primary health care for surveillance.
This coordination is essential because it is not feasible to indefinitely monitor all diagnosed, operated, and treated patients at the Lisbon IPO.
To ensure timely follow-ups for patients under surveillance, “the Board of Directors recently decided to outsource the surveillance MRIs, a process currently being operationalized and expected to conclude this week.” This decision aims to complement the additional activities performed at the IPO on Saturdays and to improve adherence to response times.
“With the measures implemented, it is expected that the situation will be resolved,” the statement noted.
Lusa also inquired about the availability of Exemestane, used in hormonal treatments to prevent breast cancer recurrence, following reports from patients unable to obtain the medication for periods exceeding one month, complicating situations for those living far from the hospital.
The IPO explained that the situation results from a change in the centralized procurement process for this medication, assuring that availability for all patients has been maintained, without compromising treatment continuity.
Due to this change, and to ensure equitable access, the IPO temporarily adjusted dispensing to 30-day periods, differing from the extended periods commonly practiced.
“The situation is being resolved, and the resumption of usual dispensing periods at the IPO is anticipated,” aiming to provide “greater comfort and reduce the need for travel.”
It is assured that outpatient medication dispensation complies with the quality and safety standards and protocols defined for different pathologies.
