Canada - medical care

[wombat2u2004]

Neither system can continue to function in it's current form. But if they are to change society needs to figure out how to balance equity (the Canadian approach) against the free market (the American approach). There are advantages and disadvantages to both systems, but they are evolving to look more similar. So in 10 to 15 years who knows what they will look like

Why would it be of any advantage should those two systems evolve to be more similar ???? The rich and the poor are still going to get the respective treatment that they have always had, and always been able to afford.
The problem doesn't seem to be with the system I feel.....more so than the need for more doctors and trained health professionals, more hospitals, more surgeries etc etc. The system as is in both countries works on supply and demand, and everyone knows that if the demand outstrips the supply, then something gives, and that is the bank accounts of the patients.
It's the same with me.....I'm a builder and consultant, there is a big shortage of us guys at the moment....we can charge what we want....we can work for who we like....and this has beeen going on for years. It just boils down to plain old economics.......the dollars are there....we go for them. Everyone is the same. You want change ??? Get more services and doctors going, and then the cost of those services will find their own level.
Wom
Wom

[Catty1]

Shortage of medical staff here too. Big time. Nurses just accepted a 15% increase in their last contract. I agree, cause they do all the grunge work, and put up with patient abuse, and since they are short-staffed they are run off their feet.

Also, being the highest-paid nurses in Canada, they are hoping local grads will stay and work here.

One argument here for the paid-private system is that it would shorten waiting lines and times in the public system

However, I fear the public system and facilities would REALLY go downhill....

Alberta Health (gov't dept) is affiliated with Blue Cross. I can pay additional premiums to BC through AB Health. I have prescription coverage right now, which is a lifesaver. I pay 30% of scrip costs, to a maximum of $25. I did the math on the premiums and I am further ahead.

juggle juggle juggle

[sparks19]

Great post Catty1

Most people just look at the word "free" and hop on the bandwagon.... but they don't really think of the implications that come with "free" or as I like to call it "pre paid" health care.

You are completely at the mercy of the government.

My grandmother is 85 and has been waiting for about 2 years for a hip replacement. Every day is agony for her.... but is she any closer to a hip replacement than she was 2 years ago? Not really. She is starting to feel like they are just trying to "wait her out" in other words she feels like they are hoping she will just die off before they have to do the replacement.... and no one should have to feel like that

My brother is 40.... he has had 3 knee surgeries.... one total reconstructive. Nothing has worked. They have already told him he needs a total knee replacement but he cannot have one until he is over 50. For now he just has to have surgery after surgery.... he is currently waiting for his next one and he has NO idea when that might be .... he is waiting for them to schedule it STILL and has been waiting for some time.

He has also been quite sick. Since December he has had trouble keeping food down. Are they any closer to figuring out what is wrong? No they aren't.

IN london Ontario you cannot GET a family practitioner. If you haven't had a family Dr for the past ten years you aren't going to get one. Not ONE is taking new patients. Waits in emergency rooms are upwards of 12 + hours depending where you go.

There needs to be some sort of middle ground. But don't be mislead by that appetizing word "FREE" You know what they say.... nothing in life is free.

[Catty1]

Sparks - I had to do some digging - but I found out a couple of things thru the last several years.

Smaller centres with surgical units often have MUCH shorter waiting lists. North Bay, Timmins, the Sault (if you are in ON).

I did an internet search on provincial hospital wait lists...if you phrase the search right, you can find the list.

Also, re: your grandmother - a friend of mine's elderly dad waited TWO YEARS for knee surgery. Finally, his son (my friend) had had it, and PHONED. Apparently his dad had the option to be on a "critical" list or something. My friend got his dad on it, and 3 months later he had it done.

It's one of those 'they-don't-tell-you' things. I'd call the prov health registry and ask....ALSO CALL YOUR MLA. The staff in those offices are connected to EVERYTHING.

"Free" means you can bug us via our toll-free number!

[Marigold2]

Sorry as an American I must say the Candian health care system is one million times better. We have people here who have to decide everyday food or meds.

I had to have laser eye surgery. Took five minutes, cost $2000.00. I have to have the other eye done as well.

We pay $150.00 a month for our insurance, no dental, no vision. I have a $50.00 co-pay everytime I want to see a specialist and a $500.00 deductable per person. Horrible insurance. Meds cost a fortune as well. My pills for the gluacoma were $50.00 a month.

You in Canada might have to wait a bit but you won't loose your home and or life savings to keep your child or spouse alive.