canadian healthcare vs US

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Hi all,

I need your help. I need to write a research paper comparing the Candian , UK and US healthcare systems. For instance, how is insurance funded? Is there any private insurance? How long is the wait to see a specialist or get a procedure? IS there any one who is not covered? What do you think of the quality of care that is provided? What improvments are needed? Are prescripition drugs covered? How commonly are tests such as MRi, CT, Nuc med scans ordered? What are the advantages/disadvatages of your healthcare system vs the USA

Thanks

Monica

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Those are big questions, and the answers may vary among provinces, to some extent.

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well, what are the answers? I would like to hear about the system in general as well as the variations among the provinces. I have some information from articles I read but it is only current as of 2002. Have things changed? What are the main complaints about the Canadian healthcare system? The wait for special procedures or to see physicans? THe shortage of physicans?

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well, what are the answers? I would like to hear about the system in general as well as the variations among the provinces. I have some information from articles I read but it is only current as of 2002. Have things changed? What are the main complaints about the Canadian healthcare system? The wait for special procedures or to see physicans? THe shortage of physicans?

You know, I just don't like the demanding tone of your post, so I think I'll refrain from answering. Have you looked at the number and severity of your questions? I have better than things to do with my time, with people who treat me better. Keep reading and do your own homework.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

I think you should visit a website and get solid info. All you will get here is personal views on things. The only question I can answer for sure is that all Canadian citizens are covered but certain procedures are not covered like cosmetic surgery. Good luck.

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Thank you Lori, I did find some good information via the web.

Mark- I don't think my questions are severe at all. They are straight to the point. I thought this would be a good place to get some first hand insight from Canadian citizans.

Please feel free not to answer my post at all if you feel like I am attacking you in some way. I don't know you, therefore, I have no reason to attack you.

I posted the same questions on the U.K. nursing board and got some very good information from the participants there. No one there thought my questions were demanding. I thought these boards were set up for the purpose of obtaining and sharing information. That is all I am asking for- information. I don't have a clue why you are taking this so personally.

Monica

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That is all I am asking for- information. I don't have a clue why you are taking this so personally.

You are not important in my life, so I am not taking this personally, I simply did not like the tone of your post.

I don't think my questions are severe at all

Your questions are huge, complex and plentiful. I will not spend my Sunday answering them. Do your own research.

"Nuff said.

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:) Sorry I accidently double posted

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The Canadian System has it's pros and cons. Yes things are paid for but in order to have that service we pay a higher tax rate to the government. Waiting lists are long and people suffer with their illness for a long time befroe they can receive treatment. My family has just been through this. My mother waited almost a year to have surgery for diverticulitis. She could only eat protein shakes and mashed potatoes. I inquired to going to the states and if we were able to pay for the surgery she could have it done 3 days after I called. The American system has it's pros and cons as well. I like the idea of a two teir system. There is still government funded services but there is also private services available and if you can afford to pay you go there. This will also open up the government funded services waiting list because some of the people will be able to go to the private services. It's seems to me a win win scenario. Many Canadians do not see it this way. They think that if we give up our free healthcare (it really isn't free because we pay a boat load of taxes) we are giving up the Canadian way. A two tier system gives the best of both worlds. If you are wealthy you can go and pay for your healthcare if you so desire and the others who aren't so fortunate still receive good healthcare from a government funded center.

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Here is a link you might find useful. Like Mark said, your questions are big so maybe reading the link below will provide some insight.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_and_American_health_care_systems_compared

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I've lived and worked in both Canada and the US. As a patient, I prefer the Canadian system hands down for a variety of reasons. This has been covered on this bb many times so I suggest you do a search. Just type in universal health care and you'll get a zillion threads.

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Thank you Pamela Jean; That is very helpful. Long wait times seem to be the common complaint among countries that offer universal healthcare ( for example , the U.K).

I agree with you about the two tier system. In fact, I had to write a research paper about reforming the US healthcare system ( which is far from perfect - 60 million uninsured) and that was my recommendation, have the government fund basic healthcare services for the entire population and have those who can afford it purchase supplementary insurance .

Monica

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