60 sats \ 5 replies \ @nichro 23 Mar \ on: We're number 10, We're number 10! meta
I believe you, fellow canuck.
Imagine paying so much tax to fund a system, and then still having to shell more money and pay to see someone in the private sector. Because you just need to see someone.
Happened to me, happened to some of my friends. By contrast I didnt even know private healthcare in Canada existed til I was like 18yo. It probably did but you rarely or never heard of it. Now it's thriving because public healthcare cannot meet demand.
Oh and it seems some specialists, like dermatologists, just don't exist. I was looking for a family member around my city and found a total of one who took patients, and when I called they mentioned it was for kids only.
If your arm is not literally falling off, just save yourself the wait. Stay home and take some advil. That's probably what they'd tell you if you go to emergency anyway.
I asked a friend, when they told me they had the same experience and had to pay to go private, how they felt about it, and they basically read my mind:
"It feels like a heresy and betrayal to do it as a Canadian. And I felt like a customer. But as a VALUED customer."
Personally I think a lot of the doctor shortage issue has to do with the government changing the taxation rules for doctors. They used to be able to operate individually as professional corporations but no longer. Their practices can operate as professional corporations but individually they have to file taxes as employees. Many doctors began reducing their office hours after that change, many veteran doctors just retired.
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Brain drain?
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Doctor shortages are created by the state or medical association, unconscionable
Canada population is tiny compared to USA.
There is a doctor shortage in South Korea. Government mandated medical schools admit more students. Doctors are now on strike in South Korea.
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Is private healthcare in Canada private insurance or cash out of pocket?
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I'm not 100% sure.
I know there are group insurance plans (typically from employers) who will cover stuff like dental, vision, drugs either in part or fully up to a certain amount. You pay the difference.
Note: as far as I know, most of those private insurance plans do NOT cover your visits at the private sector. If I go pay to see a private doctor, it's like going for a massage without a doctor's note, they will refuse to reimburse.
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