Now this issue is near and dear to my heart. Recently I've spent more time tied up in medical bureaucracy just to figure out what was going on with my foot. I've been to 3 different doctors, had x-rays, then put on a 4 month waiting list for an MRI, whose results took a month to collect to be put on yet another waiting list for a surgeon. Through all of it I'm wondering how efficient and effective this system of ours is? And if it's not effective, is it sustainable?
While Canada boasts the most cost efficient medical system in North America there are hundreds of forms and approvals and red tape that the average individual has to do. Now people like the friends of medicare would claim that this is a small price on our time to pay so that everyone can receive quality medical help. But what do those pieces of paper actually prove, and why do they need to be filled out? On another note as well, more and more organizations require doctors notes for sick days, and physical examinations for work and or insurance purposes. These are not covered under medicare and have to be paid for out of pocket. Is that necessarily sustainable?
For many Canadians such as myself this whole process is daunting and confusing. Which leads many to avoid going to the doctors at all costs. That may be an indicator that the present system is not sustainable; especially if a large portion of individuals avoid using the system when it may be medically necessary for them to actually use it.
But there are several other opinions on this intense topic for Canadians. Here are a few of their opinions:
Canadian Health Coalition
http://www.healthcoalition.ca/sus-e.pdf
The Atlantic Institute for Market Studies:
http://www.aims.ca/library/sustainability.pdf
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