Why does there exist a misunderstanding that medical care is free in Canada

[Robynator]

The reality with healthcare is that, unless you're in need of it, most people don't have direct experience with it to make any valid comments about the quality of health care. Better yet, most Americans have never accessed Canadian health care but are bombarded with the myths perpetuated in the media. And most Canadians have never accessed American health care and are bombared with... American media bombarding Americans with myths about Canadian health care. Most people are ignorant and don't have first hand experience, so they're just perpetuating myths based on things they've heard or read second hand.



All I know is that if I need healthcare, I walk down the block to the local walk-in clinic, I wait my turn (usually no longer than 30 minutes), I speak with the doctor, I get my prescription or test or whatever, I walk out. Presto.

What I also know is that access to health care and quality of health care depends on the kind of health care you need and where you are in the province. I'm very happy with the health care in Vancouver I've required. However, I've heard completely different stories from other parts of Canada. It really does vary. Since health care is funded provincially, it really depends where you are in this country.

[sunshineleith]

Originally Posted by Robynator

The reality with healthcare is that, unless you're in need of it, most people don't have direct experience with it to make any valid comments about the quality of health care. ...

All I know is that if I need healthcare, I walk down the block to the local walk-in clinic, I wait my turn (usually no longer than 30 minutes), I speak with the doctor, I get my prescription or test or whatever, I walk out. Presto.

What I also know is that access to health care and quality of health care depends on the kind of health care you need and where you are in the province. I'm very happy with the health care in Vancouver I've required. However, I've heard completely different stories from other parts of Canada. It really does vary. Since health care is funded provincially, it really depends where you are in this country.

I've lived in Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Quebec. I received excellent care in all places. In New Brunswick there was a shortage in some cities of family doctors and newcomers to the area had to go to clinics instead of having "one" family doctor until one became available, but it wasn't a big deal - the system is such that the records are accessible and regardless of who you saw at the clinic, your health history was there.

[Kave]

I've had to deal with a number of family members and friends with major health concerns.

Cancer care is really good from my experience right across the board. One of my kids lives with it, my mom died of it, close family and friends have been cured. I've spent way too many hours dealing with cancer of one kind or another and have never been frustrated by the care received.

The palliative care my mom received dying from small intestine cancer was nothing short of amazing. Complete dignity with death. They brought nurses to the home when she could be there, when she was taken to a palliative care unit it was nothing short of the closest place to home. When she died she was pain free and amazingly lucid (she had mid-range dementia).

In the states my daughter would never be covered by health insurance plans as an adult. Without healthcare her treatment would have bankrupted us. For the person saying "but I didn't even see a doctor last year", eventually you will need one and at that time I'm sure you will be grateful for the care you receive.

On the negative side: Getting into the specialists can take time depending on the specialists available in your area. Having a good family doctor is key and good family doctors where we live are golden.

If you have a lifestyle or sports, etc condition expect to join a waiting list or go to the states for your MRI. My husband broke his shoulder playing football and they suspected rotator cuff damage, it would have taken 6 months for the test here. I believe we paid 800$ for the tests in Fargo which were sent to our doctor here and things were taken care of.

I have many clients with sleep apnea, they are subject to waiting lists as well. Of course if they lost weight and or stopped smoking they might not need to be on those lists.

The old joke: Doc when I lift my arm like this it hurts - so stop lifting your arm like that, is alive and well in Canadian medicine.