[joshlemer]

That's correct, if a doctor has ordered an X-Ray for you, you can walk into a lab and get it right away. The GP made up that specific example and it was wrong but I think their broader point is correct that there is a severe lack of access to basic health services in Canada. In British Columbia, about 25% of the population has no access to a family doctor, and an other 35% or so report being unable to easily book an appointment with them. Wait times to see a specialist actually are many months, and doctors are reluctant to give any referrals to them. In fact, it is difficult to get doctors to take anything seriously. IME they do very little proactive work and getting them to think critically about what could be the underlying cause of an issue rather than just telling you to try Tylenol is very difficult. There is zero recourse and you can't go to a different doctor because it's impossible to find a family doctor these days, at least in the Vancouver area. I've called dozens of practices within a couple hours of Vancouver and none are taking patients. Many literally turn off their phones and don't answer them anymore because it's easier to only have patients email them. There are no consequences for bad service because again, you have no choice, and of course they don't care about negative reviews.

It's common for doctors to have a "single issue per visit" policy these days, which is completely ridiculous because obviously a patient's entire overall condition should be taken into consideration when deciding on a strategy to address issues. And patients are not themselves medical professionals, they are not really in a position to say that two different symptoms are actually unconnected. But doctors are paid by the government on a per-appointment basis so they want to churn through as many as possible. They want you out the door ASAP.

We basically are dealing with third world level of care in this country, and Canadians accept it because "at least we're not America". Even middle class Canadians are being forced to travel to the US to receive basic services in a timely manner.

[PierceJoy]

I agree with almost everything you wrote except for the conclusion. In no way is this a third world level of care. Your statement that middle class Canadians are being forced to travel to the US to receive basic services in untrue. The situations where Canadians are travelling to the US are very few and far between and for very specialized things, like specific spinal surgery procedures. We should absolutely be doing it Canada in a timely matter, but don't blow things out of proportion.

I particularly agree with doctors doing little proactive work, but this is very doctor dependant. I've had doctors who are like this, and others who been quite proactive. I don't see what that situation would be any different in the US.

[ttul]

Well, while it lasts, for $60 I can chat with a doctor in another province using Maple within the next five minutes…

[joshlemer]

Honestly asking though, what good is that? They can't take a look at you really, they can't refer you to a specialist, or order any tests for you, and if they find something somehow, they can't prescribe anything or perform any procedures. Or am I mistaken?

[aprdm]

You’re mistaken, why do you speak with confidence when you don’t know what you’re talking about ?

[joshlemer]

I was not meaning to convey confidence in my question, I don't have any experience in paying for out-of-province doctors, that's why I asked the question in the first place, and even asked if I was mistaken. I was asking if all of those things are the case or not...

[ttul]

It’s true that doctors are limited in what they can do without a physical exam. But a lot of doctors’ appointments are for things that can be handled remotely, such as renewing a prescription.