Mammos in Canada?

It should be as easy as explaining the family history to her PCP.  Or walking into the nearest walk in clinic and explaining the family history.  I'm happy she is in Canada and dosen't have to deal an Insurance Company.    Take Care  Angel  

Where does your daughter live?  In Montreal, you can get a mammo very quickly since there are many teaching hospitals.  She will need to have her family doctor give her a referral, and she can then call the hospital for an appointment.

When I lived in Toronto, I had no problem booking a mammo within a month. When I moved up north, it was a minimum of 6 months to get an appointment. I ended up having it done in Toronto and prebooked an appointment for the following year in the town where I live. As for the walk in clinic, if she does not have a family doctor, I can't see any other option. Most family doctor seem to have waiting list to become a patient. As part of the Ontario Breast Screening program, I'm fortunate that I was able to book my own appointment without a referral. However, now that I have breast cancer, I believe I can no longer be part of the Ontario Breast Screening Program so I'll lose that privilege.

I have never had any problem getting a referral for a mammo...never had to wait for any length of time either.  Good luck!

I live in Toronto and had never had a problem getting a mammogram and never had to wait more than a few days. When I see my GP, she arranges it. Now that I'm followed at the Cancer Centre it's done automatically. I see signs all over the place of GPS who are opening up new practices and indicate that new patients are welcome. I don't know anyone who has to wait for a mammogram.

I concur with fellow Canadians regarding mammos.  I have never had to wait for any type of procedure.  I live in British Columbia- the left coast .  Contrary to what the US media would LIKE Americans to believe, I would not trade my healthcare here, which costs me a total of $96 a month for both of us. It's not just the low cost, but ease of getting things done without paperwork and haggling over insurace, copays, etc. Just doesn't happen here. I experienced the US medical system for 1/2 a century until we became full on citizens of Canada. I did not find my care was superior in the States.  Au contraire.  It was tough going thru immigration at our ages but we are sure glad we did it. Canada fully paid for my aneurysm surgery, and I was still a permanent resident, not even a citizen!  And I didn't have to wait.  I also was dx with a benign ovarian cyst January, 2008.  Had surgery Feb, 2008.  Wouldn't say that was a long wait   Dx with breast ca Aug. 2008 had surgery Sept. 2008.  I pay taxes but still, I have cost this country quite a bit. Glad I don't have to pay 20% or any % of all these surgeries.  We'd be broke.

 I just hear such garbage on TV about our healthcare system I wanted to pipe up and say a few words.  And no, I have never known anyone who went to the US to get care because they could not get it here.  I suspect what you hear on TV is more from Joe the Plumber.

You are lucky to have options for care eh?

tuckertwo 

Hi Annie -- your daughter will not have a problem getting the mammo in Ottawa -- I'm an Ottawa girl and got prompt service.  Good luck to your daughter.  Hugs,

Elizabeth

When I lived in Toronto, I always had a family doctor. Then I moved about an hour north and there was not a family doctor in sight who was taking new patients. I continued to go to my doctor in Toronto but the family doctor's started to thumb their noses at the system by having a "maximum three issues per visit rule." I remember driving to Toronto to see the doctor. I had "saved up" four medical issues simply because of the long drive there . . . and of course the long drive back. When I got there he told me I could only talk about three medical problems. I told him I had four issues and he said, sorry but pick three. I chose three and there was no way in the world I was going to drive to Toronto again just to discuss one issue. So I started going to a walk-in clinic and the level of health care provided left much to be desired. Basically it is the doctor's way of keeping the appointment short and in line with what the government pays them for a regular office visit.

Fortunately, part of Ontario's health plan is to recruit new doctors into more rural areas. They managed to recruit 5 new  . . . and I do mean new . .. as in newly graduated family physicians to my area. You had to apply online and the doctors went through 1000's of applications and then hand picked the patients they wanted. Fortunately, my daughter and her family were selected and the doctor agreed to take on me and my husband because she felt having the whole family in her care was better for everyone. I remember we had to be interviewed!! How do you act in an interview for being a patient? Do they want you if you're too sick? How 'bout too healthy? Very odd feeling.

I remember saying to DH that I was very nervous about having a brand new doctor. We both agreed that we were healthy and it shouldn't be an issue. Little did I know that breast cancer had already started to develop. Although she is new, she is very dedicated and if anything is amiss, she had no hesitation about referring you to a specialist. My old doctor in Toronto was the opposite. It was almost like a power trip with him saying he's been a family doctor for 30 years and he would try and solve the problem before seeing a specialist. So in reality, I'm happy having a new doctor who isn't afraid to admit she doesn't know everything and refers you to someone who does.

I am also very pleasantly surprised how fast my surgeries have been. I don't know if the doctors are less busy here, or if the small town atmosphere has anything to do with it, but the specialists I've seen have gone out of their way to see me ASAP, even coming in on their days off or staying after hours. I was diagnosed July 10 and on July 13 I saw the breast cancer surgeon. My first surgery was August 10th and it could have been earlier but another health issue needed to be dealt with first. My pathology results were given on August 25th and my next breast surgery is Sept 16. That said, I know our health care system is far from perfect. Our doctors train here and then head to the US where they earn a lot more money. It's known as Brain Drain.

On the other hand, I have experienced health care on both sides of the border. I live in the US about 5 months each year. I remember having what I thought to be a yeast infection. The doctor listened to my symptoms and prescribed an OTC medication. He never even examined me!! The bill was $160. And the worst part was, that it was not a yeast infection and I paid dearly for his error. I was also in the ER last winter and the bill was $1,000. I never saw a doctor and instead saw a physician's assistant (I think that is what they are called). Regardless, I had out of country insurance so I paid very little out of pocket.  

I am still very happy to know that I don't have to worry about how to pay for my medical bills. I don't have to fight with insurance companies to get my treatment. And I also know that the doctor's receptionists are your best source of getting treatment as fast as possible. They hold the cards and I can tell you I never miss an opportunity to thank them for going to bat for me and doing everything they can to get me in to see the specialists ASAP.

Newday, were you referring to wait times in emergency or wait times at hospital clinics?  For emergency rooms, unfortunately 4 hour wait timea aren't unusual but for a clinic, that would certainly be an excessive wait.  These days I can usually get in to see my family doctor on the same day or the next day, but I used to use clinics more often.  There were a few times when the waits were long; in those situations, I was usually put into the queue and told to come back a few hours later.

One thing I've been glad to see in Ontario is the campaign that the Ontario government is running to explain all the different health services options.  I think it's great, and hopefully it will cut down on wait times at both emergency rooms and clinics, as it directs people to other services that are available and sometimes more appropriate.  For example, I used the TeleHealth service a few months ago and was very impressed.  I was on the phone talking to a nurse after only a couple of minutes of waiting; after a number of questions from her, she transferred me to another nurse who specialized in the area where I had my concern.  This second nurse asked more questions and based on what I said, gave me very specific directions on what to do.  She also explained what to expect and told me that I should go to emergency if certain things happened (that fortunately turned out to be unnecessary). It was great - as good as if I'd seen a doctor, and all done in 10 minutes over the phone.

I've used Telehealth as well. Both times they sent me to the ER and they fax ahead to the hospital. They say it doesn't get you in faster, but lets the ER know you tried another option. The last experience in the ER was a result of Telehealth.

I've used Telehealth - got answered right away.  I had one of those I thought iffy situations and the nurse was quite clear "see your doctor within 3 hours or go to the ER".  I drove up to our clinic, saw the on call doc and was out.  Yes I had to wait an hour or so, but it was more appropriate for me to be there than the ER.

I think telehealth is a great innovation, especially for young mothers.  I would have loved having a nurse on call when I had babies.

Oooooh Tuckertwo, you have to go to the threads that are ranting on Healthcare in the US. I think a LOT of us know what is going on there, we see the news...we do have an idea. My sister has lived in the US for 30 years and pays $1,200 a month for her and her 2 teenagers.

I've only used Telehealth at night when the clinics are closed. I got my call answered immediately as well. Great system. Comforting at least to know someone is there!

I have had no wait times to get any of my mammos...the first one I called for took about 2 weeks to get me in.

In Sicko, Moore took a woman dx with cervical cancer from the states to Canada for care.  No health insurer in the states would take her.  Pre-existing condition.  She was happy to receive care right away in Canada.  I don't remember if it was ER he took her to or not, but that is not the point, is it? 

It sounds, newday, like you have to be more of a squeaky wheel to be seen by the medical world. The doctor did not take you seriously?  Why?  Believe me, I would not be leaving a medical facility until I had all the tests I needed, if I had to chain myself to a post.  But you have been helped, haven't you?  And how much did that cost? Do you want to move to the States? Aren't you glad you weren't there when dx with breast cancer? I notice you are back in Canada.  Can you imagine how much your care would have cost in the states...IF they decided to take you on? People are mortgaging their homes to pay for medical care. That is a fact.  I think what is happening in the states is ridiculous. Only those with money get care!  Moore's movie didn't stop at describing medical care in Cuba. He also went to Europe and Norway. I would have no complaints with their medical systems either. Would you?  I do feel sorry for folks caught in the US, trying to hold onto their homes while dealing with medical issues. People should be grateful for Moore for bringing this forward, and I think by & large more educated people are.  Obama's got his work cut out for him with all the carp about Canada killing older people- talk about hyperbole and lies!  The Repubs must be worried.  I don't want to turn this thread into a political rant. People who complain about the Canadian healthcare system do it from the security of knowing they live in Canada and have pretty darn good care.  I don't see them wanting to move to the States   I sure would not.

Hope Anniebananie's daughter gets the help she needs fast.  I'm thinking she will.

tuckertwo

Hello CT.  If you truly believe that what you say is true, then read this:

http://www.photius.com/rankings/healthranks.html

I LIVED for over 50 years in the US and was born in the US.  I have lived in Canada for over 15 years. I know what I'm talking about.  My sis in law has been an RN in the states for 40 years.  She has to keep working at 65 years old to have medical care. Ditto with millions of other people, if they are lucky enough not to be turned down by their 'healthcare' insurer for a pre-existing condition.

No one in Canada can be turned down for healthcare. That is the law.

The vast majority of people in the US are happy with their care?  Funny, I thought there was a major move to revamp the entire medical system.  That would mean that the vast majority, as you claim- with no facts attached to your statements-  are NOT happy.  Read the link I have supplied.  It also may educate some other folks here.  It is from the World Health Organization. Briefly - 

FACTS:  Healthcare ratings from the WHO: 

#1  France

#2  Italy

#19 Ireland

#30 Canada

#37 US

#38 Slovenia

They also explain their criteria for ranking.

Slovenia is right under the US in rank. Pretty impressive that the US ranks one number better than a developing country, if one can call Slovenia developing.  But the US is supposed to be a developed country, right? You have 200+ million people who are spending a huge amount to get healthcare.  The rest either do not have healthcare or are the wealthy population where it isn't an issue.  Which category do you fit in?

It is interesting that Michael Moore pointed out the huge number of uninsured Americans in his movie Sicko, and that some of the people who would most benefit from getting behind legislation to support better healthcare are against it.  Is it ignorance?  What part of free healthcare for all do you not get? BTW Michael Moore's movie Sicko was a documentary, and in fact he interviewed people in France to ask them what they thought of their healthcare.  It is rated #1 and I can see why. 

Can you name one thing that he said that was a lie?  I'm challenging you.

Yes I will defend Canada's healthcare when I hear absolutely ignorant accounts of what happens to old people in Canada (no, we don't kill grandma here) from American paranoia-fear propaganda machine.  Americans are afraid of the word 'socialism' when in fact that is what you have with your government buying out private corporations. Do you listen to the news?

You also support, with taxes, the postal service and schools. And you military! What do you call that?  However the average American can't wrap their brain around supporting healthcare for everyone.  How sad.

 You live in the US and have no experience with Canadian healthcare.  I have lived in both countries.   I don't speak from ignorance. 

Enjoy being #37. Some people can't admit that the US has screwed up.

I don't have to mortgage my home to pay for medical care.  Thank goodness there is a Michael Moore to make thinking people uncomfortable enough to try & make a change. That's what he wanted to do when he made the movie Sicko.  Maybe young people will actually be able to afford medical care in the US some day without cutting down on groceries or other essentials to do so. 

Ask the average McDonald's employee or anyone else making minimum wage how they afford medical care. 

You say no one is turned down if they come to the hosp for care?  That implies that the taxpayers are paying for medical care for people who can't afford it!!   Why not make medical care affordable so people do not have to go without care?  Preventive health care makes more sense economically than waiting until someone shows up in ER.

No one is turned down in ER?  What about people who need to stay in the hosp for longer periods of time and they have no money?  I would check that out if I were you.  There are coalitions of nursing associations who are getting together because they are sick(o) of patients being turned away.  Nurses, it is assumed, become nurses to take care of people, not put them back on the streets when they are ill. 

Connecticut - where George Bush was born.  I would not expect many folks there to be open minded about much.  Dis-connecticut is more like it.

tuckertwo