After Hours
only 4 days so far and it's 4 doctor's appointments.
off to the 5th right now.
They are playing the 'pass the paycheque" game with me trying to track down the cause of the health issues.
by robo_dev
Without getting into a big health care debate, there are obviously big differences between the US and Canada.
Here you either get more care than you need, and pay a lot, or get virtually no care, and pay a lot. Canada seems to have more of a safety-net for all it's citizens. The states may offer better access to care for those with private insurance, but much much worse access to care for those without.
I have relatives in Canada who tell me that the care is generally quite good, and while costs are reasonable, there are 'gatekeepers' who can keep you from getting the care you need, and you must jump through many hoops when there is a more complex medical issue.
Hope things go well for you.
by jaqui
and yeah, it's getting past the gatekeepers that is the struggle.
soon as you get past the first one though, the system kicks into gear.
gotta wait up to 3 months for appointment for 1 lab test right now, only lab in BC that does this particular test so it's very busy.
after that test is done and results back, if it doesn't help give diagnosis it's time to get appointment with a different specialist. [ I suspect it will be needed to wait for the neurologist, and wait to get those tests done ]
yesterday got prescriptions or two different puffers for breathing difficulties, one got filled. the other isn't covered and I can't afford the $89/mo x3 to get it filled. :(
so the doctor has to apply for a special authority from the insurer to get it covered, usually takes a few days to hear back.
just so much fun. :\
by jamesrl
Here cost is not a factor. But in my experience, which is somewhat extensive given my family's history, it depends a great deal on your primary care doctor. My wife's doctor is great, he opens the doors, follows the progress, and takes care of my wife. He even attended my wife's last birth even though it was a scheduled C section in a hospital where he was just an observer.
Similarly my mom got great treatment with the right GP who would make the referrals to the right specialist. When he retired, my mom struggled.
by jaqui
it was finding a primary care GP after mine retired that has made it hard.
took about 14 months to find one.
and at that, it's a "no appointment required" walk in clinic to get anything done.
by jamesrl
by jaqui
only took a week to get 1 script filled, for a product not covered.
and even that was only 3 weeks of the 52 prescribed.
still have to figure out how I'm gonna get the other 49 weeks covered.
[ it's now down to only about $5,600 in cost though, since the $350 of the three weeks covered. ]
by slayer_
by jaqui
we all gonna die anyway.
I just figure, why not make it as low an expense to live as I can.
by nexs
Would be clever if it were stress related - having sent you on a wild goose chase.
Alternatively, you could allow yourself to be the first attempt at cyborg technology. That'd be cool, and you could go to a mechanic instead.
by seanferd
My woman's primaries disappear like mosquitoes in winter. Heck, twice they have sent out letters referring her to another doctor who was leaving the area as well. (She also must have an internist and not a GP as a primary, which makes it a bigger PITA.)
I wish you lots of luck and a speedier process. Also hoping that your illness isn't too bad. :(
by tigger_two
I have sung these blues both in my own care and my husband's. I sometimes think that they intentionally make the whole process as difficult as possible in hopes that you will get fed up and go away.
I hope that whatever you are chasing down is solvable.
by nicknielsen
My teammate's in training this week, so I have two territories to cover. 35 calls closed through today (weekly average is 21), and over 1100 miles logged. One more day to go... :_|
Good luck, Jaqui. Hope it's something they can fix.
by cmiller5400
by nicknielsen
Leased vehicle, company card... :-(
Even the reduced rates they paid (usually 5-7 cents below IRS) back in the days I was driving my own car would be nice, though. Discounting wear and tear, it cost about a quarter a mile to operate the Escort. I was cleaning up on the expenses, then claiming the difference on my taxes at the end of the year. B-) One year, I did so many miles, the unreimbursed expense deduction was more than the mortgage interest. :0
by boxfiddler
Good to see you. :) Sorry to hear of your troubles. :(
Involved in a health care nightmare of sorts, here, too. Be glad when it's over. *sighs*
by robo_dev
A couple of Canadian hunters are out in the woods when one of them falls to the ground. He doesn't seem to be breathing, his eyes are rolled back in his head. The other guy whips out his cell phone and calls the emergency services. He gasps to the operator: ???My friend is dead, eh? What can I do????
The operator, in a calm soothing voice says: ???Just take it easy,eh. I can help. First, let's make sure he's dead.??? There is a silence, then a shot is heard.
The guy's voice comes back on the line. He says: ???OK, now what????
by cmiller5400
by jamesrl
For showing how much you care by practising recyling in your everyday activities.
I'm sure there are a raft of ethnicities and cultural groups that had previously been used as the identity in this joke. I'm pretty sure Canadians don't have to think about which provinces citizens have been targeted...
Did you hear it first as a redneck joke?
by cmiller5400
My Mom has basically been living in doctor's offices between her eye problems and lung problems.
Hope things turn out for the better!
by robo_dev
by jamesrl
Substitute "Newfie" for Polish. Though truth be told we heard lots of both growing up.
I imagine in Newfoundland they substitute "Capers", those from Cape Breton, where Purple Sky is from.
by jaqui
to also add to include eh.
it just ain't canadian if there ain't no eh in it.
ike the hunter tells the 911 operator, "buddy is dead eh"
[ there it be Canadian and newphie ;) ]
by av .
It can become like a full time job going from doctor to doctor. The worst thing is not knowing whats causing your health issues, though.
In the US, I think we get too much care and we pay ALOT for it. God help you if you get really sick or have to be on certain meds for life. Open your wallet. I always thought Canada had a better system, but it really doesn't seem to matter where you live. Healthcare costs too much money everywhere.
I hope you're feeling better soon.
AV
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