[zumalong]

We have all heard the good and bad of national health care. I witnessed it during a Dr. visit the other day. I had to have a follow up for abd surgery--my surgeon does lots of bariatric surgeries. I live in Rochester Ny which is about 3 hours from Toronto.

I was in waiting room when two women walked in and apologized for being late. (It was snowing out very hard this day). we started talking and it turns out they lived in Canada north of toronto. They drove for 7 hours to get to their appts. for a screening to see if they meant criteria for bariatric surgery. The one woman explained that in Canada they met criteria but the waiting list was over 4 years. She said it was worth it to come to the states so they don't have to wait. I asked about who pays and she said national health care will pay for most of it.

Now this isn't a life or death surgery, but to these woman it was important enough to drive in a snow storm for 7 hours. Where would we go as Americans if the tables were turned??? Scary scenario. There is no easy answer.

[pickledpepperRN]

Originally Posted by zumalong

There is no easy answer.

Isn't that the truth?

[sanctuary]

I can understand a 4 year wait for bariatric surgery.

[ingelein]

Many private health insurance companies DENY this surgery, it is considered "cosmetic", despite all the evidence that this can turn aroubd an obese patients chronic conditions that were caused by obesity. If Canada is paying for bariatric surgery , I think that is far better than our private health insurance companies denying this, then the patient has to go to the lengths of getting a lawyer and suing the insurance company, thus delaying the surgery for years. If the patient loses in court, the patient doesnt get the surgery at all. Yeah, great system we have here.

[pickledpepperRN]

Originally Posted by zumalong

We have all heard the good and bad of national health care. I witnessed it during a Dr. visit the other day. I had to have a follow up for abd surgery--my surgeon does lots of bariatric surgeries. I live in Rochester Ny which is about 3 hours from Toronto.

I was in waiting room when two women walked in and apologized for being late. (It was snowing out very hard this day). we started talking and it turns out they lived in Canada north of toronto. They drove for 7 hours to get to their appts. for a screening to see if they meant criteria for bariatric surgery. The one woman explained that in Canada they met criteria but the waiting list was over 4 years. She said it was worth it to come to the states so they don't have to wait. I asked about who pays and she said national health care will pay for most of it.

Now this isn't a life or death surgery, but to these woman it was important enough to drive in a snow storm for 7 hours. Where would we go as Americans if the tables were turned??? Scary scenario. There is no easy answer.

It too eighteen weeks for me to go through the authorization process to get treatment for a shoulder injury. I couldn't move my arn and was in pain.
I sure wish I could have gone elsewhere for treatment and my "insurance" would pay.
Canada send children to UCSF hospital in San Francisaco from the Northern Territories for BMT. Travel for the child and a parent is paid by their Medicare as well as housing for the parent.