Speaking of health care systems.......

[mrj]

How would you Canadians posting here rate your health care system?

We in the USA are probably going to get much the same system, if 'O' has his way.

Hopefully, it won't be so bad as it would surely have been had T Daschle not been caught at his tax evasion.

I don't have much confidence in government 'help', and really fear any system that gets between patient and doctor "for the greater good".

Our current systems may not be perfect, but I don't believe it as bad as some claim when they are promoting more government involvement. I've never heard of anyone being denied treatment due to not having money or insurance, BTW. The woman with all the babies in CA is proof positive of no one being denied care, even in extreme cases, IMO.

mrj

 

[Silver]

In many ways the our health care system is very very good. The quality of our specialists is second to none and we have great university hospitals.
However, the system does incur long wait times for many services, and there is a shortage of frontline caregivers. Nothing more money won't fix :wink: But generally, if you're in immediate danger, you go to the front of the line.
The way I figure it, with the money your government currently spends on health care you could set up a system like ours only better and save money in the end.
One assumption many Americans make is that our system is free. I believe I pay about $108 per month (you'd have to confirm with my wife that's her dept. :wink: ) Those that make under a certain amount qualify for assistance, often for the full amount. Many things are not covered, in fact an ambulance ride is a pretty pricey way to get to a doctor.

 

[Aaron]

I don't get along with the communist health care system (or other services: EI, CPP, GST etc. etc.) up here very well. I am one of those people that would rather we lean towards a more capitalist-type system. The only things, I think, should be fully paid for by government are all immunizations and drugs (no matter age) and possibly critical emergency care. All other services (other than cosmetic surgery, which gets no funding whatsoever) should be subsidized by government, with a process in which the government recoups on it's investment.

Example: If your 35 years old and you need knee surgery, the government pays for it, and then works out a plan for repayment, say over the remainder of your working life (30 years). If you need such surgery, it is assumed that upon the completion of such surgery you will be a more worthwhile contributor to society and increase your working lifespan.

We waste $123 billion a year on health care up here. But if you need quality service reasonable fast, a lot still end up driving down to the Mayo Clinic. Specialists and surgeries can take months to line up in this country.

I don't think we should get into a insurance-type system up here, but I definitely would like to see more user fees and less subsidization.

 

[miocene]

i must say that despite our provincal goverments best efforts to fix our health care service it still functions.2 years ago i needed emrgency care for kidney failure.the nearest dialysis machine and specialist was in kamloops 3.5 hours away.the whole ordeal was covered by the medical services plan.and im here today with no side effects and healthier because of a lifestyle change this experience brought on .i have relatives in the states who are in tough times due to lack of medical insurance coverage.

 

[gcreekrch]

In many ways the our health care system is very very good. The quality of our specialists is second to none and we have great university hospitals.
However, the system does incur long wait times for many services, and there is a shortage of frontline caregivers. Nothing more money won't fix :wink: But generally, if you're in immediate danger, you go to the front of the line.
The way I figure it, with the money your government currently spends on health care you could set up a system like ours only better and save money in the end.
One assumption many Americans make is that our system is free. I believe I pay about $108 per month (you'd have to confirm with my wife that's her dept. :wink: ) Those that make under a certain amount qualify for assistance, often for the full amount. Many things are not covered, in fact an ambulance ride is a pretty pricey way to get to a doctor.

:agree:

 

[Mrs.Greg]

Its not completely generic either...every province looks after their own health care system. As of Jan 1 this yr Albertan's don't pay premiums but we're in the process of being revampted. I personally am hoping for some sort of a user fee system that charges health care abusers but at the same time overlooks the fee for someone like my 23 yr old nephew who's been doctoring with his four yr old son since he was a yr,and first diagnosed with stomach cancer.

I've seen a large number of changes over the last couple of yrs,seniors are having to prove their use of depends,stockings,hearing aids,walkers,wheelchairs..the list goes on,these items were being totally abused because a lot of them were givin free,now they have to pay for them and justify the need for them,these items are now more available for ones that need it. Not a bad thing in my books!

Our system isn't perfect but if there's a perfect one out there,please let me know about it.I sure don't think its anywhere near as bad as some Canadians complain about.

 

[Richard Doolittle]

Its not completely generic either...every province looks after their own health care system. As of Jan 1 this yr Albertan's don't pay premiums but we're in the process of being revampted. I personally am hoping for some sort of a user fee system that charges health care abusers but at the same time overlooks the fee for someone like my 23 yr old nephew who's been doctoring with his four yr old son since he was a yr,and first diagnosed with stomach cancer.

I've seen a large number of changes over the last couple of yrs,seniors are having to prove their use of depends,stockings,hearing aids,walkers,wheelchairs..the list goes on,these items were being totally abused because a lot of them were givin free,now they have to pay for them and justify the need for them,these items are now more available for ones that need it. Not a bad thing in my books!

Our system isn't perfect but if there's a perfect one out there,please let me know about it.I sure don't think its anywhere near as bad as some Canadians complain about.

I'm wondering what they have to do to prove they've used the depends......

 

[miocene]

i do not support abuse of the system,i am da-- glad its there.i feel user fees would clean up the un nescesary trips and force people to be more aware of the costs.i would support a user fee of 10 dollars per visit to the doctors office.or emergency room.

 

[Mrs.Greg]

Its not completely generic either...every province looks after their own health care system. As of Jan 1 this yr Albertan's don't pay premiums but we're in the process of being revampted. I personally am hoping for some sort of a user fee system that charges health care abusers but at the same time overlooks the fee for someone like my 23 yr old nephew who's been doctoring with his four yr old son since he was a yr,and first diagnosed with stomach cancer.

I've seen a large number of changes over the last couple of yrs,seniors are having to prove their use of depends,stockings,hearing aids,walkers,wheelchairs..the list goes on,these items were being totally abused because a lot of them were givin free,now they have to pay for them and justify the need for them,these items are now more available for ones that need it. Not a bad thing in my books!

Our system isn't perfect but if there's a perfect one out there,please let me know about it.I sure don't think its anywhere near as bad as some Canadians complain about.

I'm wondering what they have to do to prove they've used the depends......

Well it "Depends" on the amount used... Literally though,a journal of use is kept'd. If they can't do it on their own a caregiver does the journal.I believe its done for around a week or so. They're a huge expense that thankfully doesn't have to be covered and abused anymore. And hospitals ,lodges,nursing homes aren't stacked to the ceiling anymore.

 

[Anonymous]

i do not support abuse of the system,i am da-- glad its there.i feel user fees would clean up the un nescesary trips and force people to be more aware of the costs.i would support a user fee of 10 dollars per visit to the doctors office.or emergency room.

Yep- I don't think that would break anyone- when we're paying $20-25 copay just for a doctors visit after paying $1000 a month insurance....

 

[Mrs.Greg]

i do not support abuse of the system,i am da-- glad its there.i feel user fees would clean up the un nescesary trips and force people to be more aware of the costs.i would support a user fee of 10 dollars per visit to the doctors office.or emergency room.

Yep- I don't think that would break anyone- when we're paying $20-25 copay just for a doctors visit after paying $1000 a month insurance....

I don't know...I'm not sure $10 is anywhere near enough to scare abusers away. I think after a certain number of visits going on need,then a pretty high user fee should be implemented.Kinda like Alberta's ambulance rules....

 

[Broke Cowboy]

i do not support abuse of the system,i am da-- glad its there.i feel user fees would clean up the un nescesary trips and force people to be more aware of the costs.i would support a user fee of 10 dollars per visit to the doctors office.or emergency room.

Yep- I don't think that would break anyone- when we're paying $20-25 copay just for a doctors visit after paying $1000 a month insurance....

I don't know...I'm not sure $10 is anywhere near enough to scare abusers away. I think after a certain number of visits going on need,then a pretty high user fee should be implemented.Kinda like Alberta's ambulance rules....

Going to be a long time before you see any serious user fees come into play - Toronto Star and area codes 416, 514 and 519 are all against it - Liberal strongholds.

They also killed many of the "for fee" clinics.

The concentration of votes get what they want - not what is necessarily good. Remember that Layton and his wife carry a certain amount of media power and they will fight this forever - meaning present day government back away from it.

BC

 

[Mrs.Greg]

Yep- I don't think that would break anyone- when we're paying $20-25 copay just for a doctors visit after paying $1000 a month insurance....

I don't know...I'm not sure $10 is anywhere near enough to scare abusers away. I think after a certain number of visits going on need,then a pretty high user fee should be implemented.Kinda like Alberta's ambulance rules....

Going to be a long time before you see any serious user fees come into play - Toronto Star and area codes 416, 514 and 519 are all against it - Liberal strongholds.

They also killed many of the "for fee" clinics.

The concentration of votes get what they want - not what is necessarily good. Remember that Layton and his wife carry a certain amount of media power and they will fight this forever - meaning present day government back away from it.

BC

Darn it...I don't have the information at my fingertips but Alberta's implemented a bit of this,not really user fee's but there's some services that are now being personally paid for...this is a very recent occurance,last week or so. Hmmm,sorry they're not coming to mind. I had figured when AB dropped the premiums that we were going to see some "user fee" or having to pay for services that had been covered under healthcare.


Jack Layton..SHUDDER.....

 

[HAY MAKER]

Well with a shortage of doctors and hospitals and health care workers in general,seems like some of the einstein politicians we elected would put people to work building hospitals,and put more effort/promote student loans for youngsters intersted in medicine,would this be a good place for some of this so called stimulus money ?.................good luck

 

[I Luv Herfrds]

This is pretty interesting talk.
I'm with Silver though, I'm not too sure about this type of system.
The one we have now is also abused with people coming in and getting major medical services and then walking away without paying a cent towards the cost. Example is the foreign diplomat who got a bone marrow transplant, ran up over $200,000 in bills then flew back to his own country. Nothing the hospital could do.
A hospital is a business that provides a service and the more people who refuse to pay the more the rest of us are charged to make up for it.
With my medical history I would not be able to deal with a waiting list to get in to see my doctor.
As for the insurance part, that cost keeps rising due to so many different factors.

 

[Anonymous]

Well with a shortage of doctors and hospitals and health care workers in general,seems like some of the einstein politicians we elected would put people to work building hospitals,and put more effort/promote student loans for youngsters intersted in medicine,would this be a good place for some of this so called stimulus money ?.................good luck

I agree Haymaker- especially with the schooling...Some kids are on a waiting list for over a year to get into nursing schools....And I'd add into that Vet schools....Vet Clinics all over up here that can't get help- or sitting empty with no vets to fill them- as most Vet schools only take 6-8 a year ....
Friend who lives 30 miles east called me yesterday- wanted to know if me or my neighbor could do a C-section for him....He'd tried every clinic in a 100 mile radius and none had a vet available--was on his way 150 miles west- closest he could find...

But it seems the last 20 years- business, high finance, and business schools have been promoted more than the sciences....

 

[mrj]

The vet situation is hugely affected by the fact that it doesn't take students and new vets very long to figure out there is tons more money and far easier life caring for pets than for large animals.

There sure are lots of scholarships and other enticements available for veterinary students interested in large animal practice these days, tho. And some places have tuition forgiveness and other 'perks' for each year new vets practice in the state.

Nurses seem to be seeing well deserved higher wages these days, too, having heard of substantial signing bonuses for going to work in large city hospitals given to new RN's.

Sounds like there is lots of improvement needed no matter where one is located. I think we in west central SD are very lucky to have dedicated, caring, and COMPETENT staff at our loney little country hospitals, most connected by internet with the Rapid City Regional health facilities and with quick access to air ambulance when necessary. I know many miracles have been achieved through those people and facilities. And, again, I have heard of no one being turned away for any reason.

Thanks to all of you who participated in this discussion. Good ideas and thoughts exchanged just might be useful in improving local health care for many of us. I know in our area, if we had not gotten together to bring our hospital and staff up to date a few years ago, there would be a very long stretch of I-90 from Chamberlain to Rapid City (over 200 miles) with no health care facilities or personnel except our truly wonderful EMT's.

mrj

 

[burnt]

Well with a shortage of doctors and hospitals and health care workers in general,seems like some of the einstein politicians we elected would put people to work building hospitals,and put more effort/promote student loans for youngsters intersted in medicine,would this be a good place for some of this so called stimulus money ?.................good luck

Good post Hay Maker.

We have far too few doctors and nurses up here. Yet, there is little incentive for young people to get into those professions. Our daughter is in nurse's training and just gets so furious with her brothers who are electrical apprentices and get so much stuff paid for them - i.e. some help with trade school expenses and a few perks for tool purchases.

Meanwhile, when our daughter puts in her practical time as a student nurse in the hospitals to which she is assigned, she even has to pay for her freakin parking spot!!!! I did tell her though, that she will be starting at a higher pay scale than her brothers and has no tools or equipment to by for her profession.

 

[Broke Cowboy]

I don't know...I'm not sure $10 is anywhere near enough to scare abusers away. I think after a certain number of visits going on need,then a pretty high user fee should be implemented.Kinda like Alberta's ambulance rules....

Going to be a long time before you see any serious user fees come into play - Toronto Star and area codes 416, 514 and 519 are all against it - Liberal strongholds.

They also killed many of the "for fee" clinics.

The concentration of votes get what they want - not what is necessarily good. Remember that Layton and his wife carry a certain amount of media power and they will fight this forever - meaning present day government back away from it.

BC

Darn it...I don't have the information at my fingertips but Alberta's implemented a bit of this,not really user fee's but there's some services that are now being personally paid for...this is a very recent occurance,last week or so. Hmmm,sorry they're not coming to mind. I had figured when AB dropped the premiums that we were going to see some "user fee" or having to pay for services that had been covered under healthcare.


Jack Layton..SHUDDER.....

I am sure you do have those figures somewhere - and I know some places use them - despite health care being a provincial matter - I was talking about a national user fee schedule.

What I stated about the areas and the politicians - well, it is all true - any type of user fee is always called a tax on the poor and any type of "fee for service" medicine is always called "medical care for the rich".

Take care

BC

 

[andybob]

We pay 90 sterling per month for our medical, no co-pay, and get to see the GP on the same day for serious illness. We had Craig in the sytem within a week of arriving, and at present he is on 2 days a week at a day centre for disabled adults. Even with blue cross/blue shield cover we didn't do as well as far as family cover is concerned. On the downside, my mom waited over a year for an operation to repair an aneurism, though had good care while in hospital. My daughter is a surgical nurse since leaving the army, and earne more than I do as a farm manager.