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You don’t have a family doctor, and you can’t get an admission bed. So you end up waiting and waiting in the ER for a physician who might not be able to help much, writes Dr. Brian Wall.
This is something keeping me from returning to Canada.
I live in France now. Looking at the ranking linked in the article I see that it doesn’t score very well here either. This is shocking because I find it so much better here in terms of health care. Today, for example, my son was unwell. At 8:30 we called and were given an appointment for 9:15. By 9:30 we had seen a doctor and had a blood test. By the end of the day I was emailed the results. This is the type of experience I’ve had again and again here.
The last time I was home, my partner waited 5 hours in agony in a waiting room. It took us 6 hours to find an clinic or ER that would take us. We drove over 200 km. When all was said and done, they charged us over $900 just to see a doctor. The doctor’s bill was separate.
I cannot even fathom what things must be like in countries that rank higher.
I really hope Canada can find a solution. It should not be like this in any developed country. In fact, it should not be like this in any country.
I think the issue in Canada is inconsiatency due to various funding issues. i’m in British Columbia and don’t have terrible stories, some people might. For me: Called for a dr. appointment got in next day, doctor ordered bloodwork, walked downstairs to the lab for blood draw, results available online in about 12 hours, followup from dr. next day. Seemed reasonable because I was not sick/feeling ill, was just a lymph node check.
Same when I had cancer, once the diagnosis came back positive from a biopsy I was acheduled at admissions, they built a whole plan/tests/ body mask for radiation machine/ nutritionist, etc over 2 week course then into chemo and radiation.
I haven’t had emergency myself, but a family member did --was severe/life threatening and just went right in.
Not having doctor practises open on some weekends does put a strain on emergency room or walk in clinics.
I moved back to Canada after living over 20 years in Europe. I regret it every day. My family and I will be returning to Europe as soon as the paperwork comes through.
That would make sense but they also should have said as much. The way they phrased it is coming off like Canadians in general are getting charged this as well.
Expats who stop paying their medical services plan (or whatever it’s called in other provinces) are not covered, hence the ER bill. People who intended to live abroad for a long time often cancel them.
This is something keeping me from returning to Canada.
I live in France now. Looking at the ranking linked in the article I see that it doesn’t score very well here either. This is shocking because I find it so much better here in terms of health care. Today, for example, my son was unwell. At 8:30 we called and were given an appointment for 9:15. By 9:30 we had seen a doctor and had a blood test. By the end of the day I was emailed the results. This is the type of experience I’ve had again and again here.
The last time I was home, my partner waited 5 hours in agony in a waiting room. It took us 6 hours to find an clinic or ER that would take us. We drove over 200 km. When all was said and done, they charged us over $900 just to see a doctor. The doctor’s bill was separate.
I cannot even fathom what things must be like in countries that rank higher.
I really hope Canada can find a solution. It should not be like this in any developed country. In fact, it should not be like this in any country.
I think the issue in Canada is inconsiatency due to various funding issues. i’m in British Columbia and don’t have terrible stories, some people might. For me: Called for a dr. appointment got in next day, doctor ordered bloodwork, walked downstairs to the lab for blood draw, results available online in about 12 hours, followup from dr. next day. Seemed reasonable because I was not sick/feeling ill, was just a lymph node check. Same when I had cancer, once the diagnosis came back positive from a biopsy I was acheduled at admissions, they built a whole plan/tests/ body mask for radiation machine/ nutritionist, etc over 2 week course then into chemo and radiation. I haven’t had emergency myself, but a family member did --was severe/life threatening and just went right in. Not having doctor practises open on some weekends does put a strain on emergency room or walk in clinics.
I moved back to Canada after living over 20 years in Europe. I regret it every day. My family and I will be returning to Europe as soon as the paperwork comes through.
In Canada? Doubt. I’ve been at multiple hospitals and this has never been a thing. Ambulance, sure, but never charged to see a doctor.
They might no longer have a Canadian/provincial health coverage since they live out of the country.
That would make sense but they also should have said as much. The way they phrased it is coming off like Canadians in general are getting charged this as well.
Sorry for the confusion. I am Canadian, but you lose plenty of rights after 6 months. My wife is Spanish.
We were able to get a partial refund once we returned home.
Nova Scotia. I am not a resident anymore. No doubt to be had friend
Check it: https://www.nshealth.ca/documents-and-reports/hospital-fees-out-country-visitors-english
Expats who stop paying their medical services plan (or whatever it’s called in other provinces) are not covered, hence the ER bill. People who intended to live abroad for a long time often cancel them.