tusketwedge Loc: Nova Scotia Canada

Over the years I've read and heard a lot of negativity against the medical system that Canada has adopted. I for one am very happy with the program. In 1999 I had a stroke that I ended in Hospital for 10 days. (came out of it with no major side effects) Had multiple test performed from daily blood tests to cat scans and being seen by multiple specialist. Since then I'm being seen by my doctor ever 2 months with EKG's once a year and basic blood test ever 2 months.
Fast forward to a week and a half ago (Aug 02) ,had my regular appointment with my doctor and mentioned was having tingling on the left side of my face and it sometimes runs to my extremities on the left side. On Aug 09 had an appointment with a specialist and today Aug 12 had an MRI plus X-ray.
I can not see where all the hip-hooray that is spread around that our system is at a crawl and cost a fortune. If I spend 5000.00/month on food ,clothes etc., my contribution to the program would be roughly 8% or 400.00.
For that measly 400.00 dollars ,I have peace of mind that when my appointment, MRI, Cat Scans , Stays in Hospitals, etc. etc. are all taken care of. No worry that I'll be getting a 20% percent co-pay and probably have to sell my house to pay for major surgery not covered by insurance.

Calico8828

I'm from Ohio and I know your system is great. I will also say, there is other countries that have a great system especially Aus. How I know is reading, talking to Canadians and residents of other countries. When I her negative stuff, I know right off the bat, that the person doesn't know what there talking about.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

I get the impression that you are saying that Canada has a great Medical System. It probably is. Canada, with land extending as wide as the USA, has a population of about 36 million people. The US has over 300 million people. Which country do you think has the most sick people?

happy sailor Loc: Ontario, Canada

The system works very well for those that need medical attention. I had a heart attack on July 1st, admitted to the hospital, monitored and transferred to a regional heart centre on July 4th had an angiogram and a stent placed in my LAD, it was 95% blocked. Transferred back to my own hospital and released from there. Follow up with cardiologist and stress test four weeks later, cardio rehab program at local hospital. Everyone was super, provided me with great care!!!!!

I had an emergency in Florida two years ago and had to have my gall bladder removed, everyone at that hospital were super and provided great care. The only difference was the $46,000 bill. I guess my taxes in Canada prepaid my medical costs here.

Everything is relative, we have about 10 percent of the population of the US and our number of sick people is probably about 10 percent of what the US has, we probably also have about 10 percent of the taxpayers the US has. No system is perfect and we have not been without problems here due to waste, political grandstanding and outright fraud but at the end of the day it seems that those that need medical attention do get it and usually in a very timely matter.

I must say that I am a very happy patient at the present time and am enjoying my new lease on life!!!!

tusketwedge Loc: Nova Scotia Canada

You by far have the most sick. Not disputing that at all. All I'm stating is that when a discussion is in progress about our system and the one in other countries ,they always saying that our, England's and any other country that has socialised medicine ,that it's inferior, slow, and substandard. I'm just saying that sometimes if you show up with a pimple on your arse your not going to be seen as fast as one with a broken arm or worst. But EVERONE that looking for medical assistance will never be turned away because of no insurance ,and a pauper gets the same treatment as a billionaire.

tusketwedge Loc: Nova Scotia Canada

[quote=happy sailor]The system works very well for those that need medical attention. I had a heart attack on July 1st, admitted to the hospital, monitored and transferred to a regional heart centre on July 4th had an angiogram and a stent placed in my LAD, it was 95% blocked
Glad to hear that the system worked for you. Had a friend that was in Florida and had an episode with a spinal injury that hospitalised him for 14 days before the Canadian Gov. could send a medivac to bring him back to N.S. Can you imagine the cost if he or the insurance co-pay if he had to cough up that expense. He had top notch care in Florida and he recuperated and playing golf like he never was sick. Koodos to the medical team that took care of him while in Florida.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Which has more money?

MtnMan Loc: ID

Sorry but a few positive anecdotes do not make a case. I have wonderful anecdotes for myself (heart stint) wife (breast cancer) and many family members for the US system (not involving Obamacare: we all work for a living).

I understand that if you are 80 and need a hip in Canada it's "sorry". Since I might be there soon I'll stick with US Medicare, thank you.

tusketwedge Loc: Nova Scotia Canada

I understand that if you are 80 and need a hip in Canada it's "sorry". Since I might be there soon I'll stick with US Medicare, thank you.[/quote]

You are right on that point, but don't forget if a young person of 20, let's say, shows up at the hospital in an ambulance or even a walk in with major trauma, he or she does not have to prove that they can pay for the upcoming procedures with either insurance or cash before they are taking care of . Here , if your a hobo on the street or a high roller, you are not refused medical . And furthermore if I reach 80 I would gladly give up a hip replacement to a young persons change of a full life anytime.

happy sailor Loc: Ontario, Canada

Well, I must disagree, my mother who will be 94 this year had both of her knees replaced in the last 18 months. The decision for who does and who does not receive new knees or hips is based on the need, the chance of success for the operation and not just age. I know another man in my community that had his right hip replaced when he was 83.

I am not saying the American system is wrong, I think the OP was trying to make the point that the system we have in Canada does work and works very well and that everyone gets the medical care they need.

I needed no medical treatments whatsoever from 1984 to 1998 and I do not begrudge the taxes I paid that went to health care. They are no different than paying for a medical insurance plan. Either way I am much happier not having to need any medical care. I would have preferred to not needed anything this summer either but happy the system was there to fix me up when I needed it.

jim quist Loc: Missouri

Percentage wise the number of sick may be very close in both countries. I am a disabled vet so I have free medical except for dental. With the exception of one VA hospital I have had great care. The other two hospitals and the clinics I have been treated at have been wonderful.

tusketwedge Loc: Nova Scotia Canada

And isn't a lot less stressful to not be worrying about not having to pay a 20% co-pay. All we have to do is say thank you to the medical staff that gave us good care and set us on the right tract. By the way ,congrats on your recovery.

tusketwedge Loc: Nova Scotia Canada

First of all thank you for your service, and you and your comrades SHOULD and DESERVE the best of care for your service.

Keldon Loc: Yukon, B.C.

Not true about the hip replacement. My father-in-law just had his second hip replaced: he's 84.

As another "anecdote," when I was working in Czech repblic I needed to see a doctor for some issues I was having. The Prague hospital sent the bill to my provincial health department. I didnt pay a cent.

Another anecdote: When I lived in the Yukon, pregnant women from Haines and Skagway, Alaska would come to Whitehorse to have their babies. Even with the travel expenses, hospital stay, and room and board at local hotels before and after the birth, it was still cheaper for them than staying in Alaska to have their baby.

Jackdoor Loc: Huddersfield, Yorkshire.

I've been a doc in the British NHS since 1978. The thing that always amazes me when people return from vacation in 'for profit' health service countries, is how often people have wholly unnecessary interventions, often harmful ones. I've seen real damage done on numerous occasions, presumably to generate income for the clinician/hospital involved.
The beauty of 'socialised' medicine is that if the best thing for the patient is just to wait a bit (and it often is the best thing) then that's what happens.