Statistics published today by ISD Scotland show that 99.9 per cent of patients referred by a GP or dentist for an outpatient appointment are waiting less than 12 weeks.
The figures out today also reveal that 99.9 per cent of those waiting for inpatient/day case treatment have also waited less than 12 weeks.
In addition the waiting time standard for cardiac surgery, cataract surgery and accident and emergency are all being effectively delivered across Scotland.
This performance by NHS Scotland exceeds the national waiting times standards of a maximum 15 week wait for both outpatients and inpatients and day case treatment which were due to be delivered by March 2009.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:
"Waiting for diagnosis or treatment can be an anxious time for patients and their families and that's why the government and NHS Scotland have put such a priority on cutting waiting times.
"The fact that the 12 week maximum wait for referrals from a GP or dentist and for inpatient/day case treatment continues to be met ahead of schedule is testament to the hard work of Scotland's health boards and staff.
"All NHS boards are now focusing their efforts on achieving the 18 week target from GP referral to receiving treatment. This is an ambitious target but I'm confident it's one that we can achieve for the benefit of patients across the country."
NHS Scotland is currently working towards a whole journey waiting time target of 18 weeks from GP referral to treatment. This was announced by the Health Secretary in June 2007 and is due to be delivered by December 2011.
It was subsequently announced that, by the end of March 2009, the longest wait for a first outpatient appointment would reduce to 15 weeks; the wait for diagnostic tests would come down to six weeks and the wait for inpatient or day case treatment would reduce to 15 weeks. From the end of March 2010, the maximum waiting times will reduce from 15 to 12 weeks.
As part of data development the statistics published today include waiting times for Audiology.