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Originally Posted by flstf
For some of the above reasons as well as others, many of us are beginning to think that the system is getting to the point of being beyond fixing as it now stands. For most of the fixes listed would require legislation that probably has little chance of passing because of various lobbying groups pressure. Perhaps it is time to rethink the entire medical (and medical insurance) industry and consider having the government provide it. Maybe the nature of health care just doesn't lend itself to capitalism and competition.
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That's pretty much my opinion--the system is darned close to being FUBARed. (Beyond recognition AND repair). Although this might be better placed in the politics board, the person who made himself a millionaire by screwing every OB in North Carolina (and raising prices for every expectant parent there) almost got elected vice-president. Unless votes can overpower the money trial lawyers and insurance companies are willing to spend, nothing will change. For the better, anyway.
I also disagree with providing health care for illegal aliens (try walking into a Mexican ER and demanding free treatment), but any attempt at reform will be greeted with cries of "balancing the budget on the backs of the poor."
I would also like to provide some counterpoint to Janey. I doubt that anyone thinks the entire country of Canada provides bad medical care, and she apparently lives in a place where the care is good. However, I've met a lot of Canadians who will tell you they don't have it as well:
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Release Date: October 21, 2003
Vancouver, BC - Canadians are waiting longer than ever for medical treatment. Waiting times for surgical and therapeutic services in Canada have increased 7.3 percent over last year, according to The Fraser Institute’s 13th annual survey, Waiting Your Turn: Hospital Waiting Lists in Canada, released today.
The total waiting time for patients between referral from a general practitioner and treatment, averaged across all 12 specialties and 10 provinces surveyed, increased this year; rising to 17.7 weeks in 2003 (from 16.5 weeks in 2001-02).
“Canadians are waiting almost 18 weeks for essential medical care. And these lineups have almost doubled over the past ten years. The standard solution -- throwing more money at the problem -- is just not working. The federal and provincial governments are still failing to act in the face of international evidence that increasing patient options for private care reduces waiting times,” said John R. Graham, the Institute’s director of health and pharmaceutical policy research.
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Waiting Times
Saskatchewan's 22-month wait for an MRI is "almost criminal" says radiologists' association
Amy Jo Ehman
Saskatoon
Saskatchewan is under fire for having the longest waiting time in the country for a diagnostic MRI — a whopping 22 months.
The Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) describes the situation as "almost criminal" and warned that the province could face legal action from patients. "Denial of care is a violation of the Canada Health Act," said chief executive Dr. Normand Laberge. "To use an expression, they are getting away with murder."
"Waiting a year for a diagnosis of MS is the difference between quality of life and death."
Saskatchewan Minister of Health John Nilson agreed the wait is too long, but denied it is hurting patients.
"We're having some challenges right now," said Nilson. "If you have an emergency situation, you can get an MRI right away. That is how our system works."
He said only elective procedures, including follow-up MRIs for cases already diagnosed, wait longer than about 7 months.
About 4500 people are now waiting for an MRI in Saskatchewan. The province has 3 MRI machines, but a 1999 CAR report estimated at least 5 are needed to meet the needs of 1 million people.
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There is NO shortage of similar cites. My worry is that a nationalized system of health care will put us in the same boat.