Canada better than US?

[Callen]

Yes, and there is that too (kind of like the covid vaccine situation and the lack of any missile defense program - reliance on another country for the complicated or sophisticated things). Now, I'll expect you to head right into your Rand Paul story

Ignoring your typical , unnecessary and twisted snark.......

Canada is a country of 30 million people. It is totally, impossible for us to have specialists and facilities for health issues that present themselves infrequently. When that happens our doctors will refer to other countries that specialize in that issue and our healthcare system picks up the tab. My niece was part of a very specialized trial for liver cancer at Sloane Kitterick (sp?) in Manhattan. The trial was a joint effort between the hospital in Manhattan and a hospital here in Toronto but carried out at Sloane. Our health care picked up the tab including hotels and travel. She went 6 times.

I suspect that Americans may often have to travel to other cities for treatments not available locally, do the insurnace companies pick up the travel and accomodation costs?

 

[Callen]

If Canadians come to America for health care, it's always elective surgeries, stuff you either can't get in Canada or you have to pay for out of pocket.

Yes, there are hundreds of medical clinics in America along the Canadian border that cater to Canadians with cosmetic surgery and other elective medical procedures.

That is true. Our healthcare system does not cover most elective procedures like cosmetic surgery therefore there aren't a lot of practices offering it outside of the large cities. It's also cheaper in the States so many do go to the States for their boob jobs and facelifts. I should note though that any cosmetic surgery associate with a neccessary surgery is covered , things like breast restructuring post cancer surgery.

 

[Peter King]

in some ways the US is better than the US and in some ways Canada is better than the US. You cannot make a total comparison because the wishes and the desires of both nations and people's are different and both will mostly think their own country is the better one. It is something that one can never say with complete or mostly objective criteria.

 

[gbg3]

That U.S. News article linked just above was interesting. The last time I was on a cruise just prior to covid hitting, it was long South American cruise and over the 3 weeks, I got to know some of the passengers pretty well. We met two couples we chose to have dinner with quite often. One was Canadian. We spent one dinner talking for hours about the differences in the healthcare situations in both countries. The Canadian man was very hopeful that Canada would soon adopt a private/public hybrid situation as used in many European countries and discussed at the end of the linked article. Overall, he was happy with Canadian healthcare but felt adding the private element was becoming more and more critical due to unacceptable wait times.
On that same trip there was another Canadian man who was in great back pain. My husband has had several disc surgeries over decades and noticed the way the man walked and got in and out of a chair. They struck up a conversation one day and it turned out the man had a ruptured disk and was on a long wait list for surgery. His pain had gotten unbearable and was truly ruining his quality of life. The poor guy found a comfortable chaise in the shade near the pool and spent nearly the entire day there covered with blankets and often trying to sleep. He couldn't participate in any of the excursions as he just hurt too much - despite his pain medication. Well, as the trip progressed, he had long talks with my husband with all sorts of questions about disk surgeries. Over the course of the weeks, he and his wife decided the time had come to just pay for it and do it in the U.S. Luckily, they could afford that option. We don't live close to the border and my husband felt confident they'd have no problem finding excellent surgeons closer to their home but they left armed with doc names and numbers so they could get recommendations for docs in cities further north. Just thinking of the relief of potentially getting past his constant pain lifted the spirits of man quite a bit and actually brought his wife to tears a couple times. She was so hoping their long planned trip would still work out for them and maybe even take his mind off his pain, but it was just too much for him to deal with and enjoy life. I've never had a disk surgery but I've certainly seen how bad the pain can get (sometimes quite quickly) prior to diagnosis and surgery.

 

[gbg3]

Americans do not typically have to travel for more than a couple hour drive (and only if they live in a remote and rural location) for treatments and surgeries. Cities of substantial size are plentiful in America and loaded with talented specialists. I could quickly get an organ transplant, stem cell transplant, and other sophisticated surgeries right here. There might be rare conditions that could require a flight but that would be quite unusual. Flights to surgeries seems to be VERY common in Canada, following the sometimes long wait time.

 

[Callen]

Flights to surgeries seems to be VERY common in Canada, following the sometimes long wait time.

.......and you know that how? Flights to surgeries are not very common unless you live in a remote area and are not related to wait times . You have absolutely no idea what you are talking about and it really is showing.

 

[PeacefulWarrior]

.......and you know that how? Flights to surgeries are not very common unless you live in a remote area and are not rekated to wait times . You have absolutely no idea what you are talking about and it really is showing.

But.....she once talked to a guy on a cruise.

L M A O

 

[Callen]

But.....she once talked to a guy on a cruise

Actually the first time she recounted that story the conversation about referrals occurred as they were travelling up to Machu Picchu. Damn hardy those Canadians!

 

[gbg3]

Actually the first time she recounted that story the conversation about referrals occurred as they were travelling up to Machu Picchu. Damn hardy those Canadians!

Well no. That was a pre-cruise option to Cusco booked by nearly everyone who went on that South American cruise, attached to the same trip. We saw them for the first time while at Machu Picchu and assumed the man was handicapped in some physical capacity. We all boarded the long cruise, two days later. And no, we hadn't yet met them or seen them when traveling down to Machu Picchu from Cusco. The referral conversations happened nearly three weeks later after we had gotten to know the couple and learned all about the situation.
By the way, for those who've been to Machu Picchu, doesn't it just take your breath away as you go around that corner after the entrance and there it is?! Such a cool thing to see. I bet I said a loud WOW at least 10 times before I could even move.

 

[gbg3]

Callen, we both knew a Canadian poster on the forum where we came here from. I had known him for years on that forum. He had a sister who had a very challenging situation with a surgery and flights in Canada. She was in a great deal of pain and needed a surgery. She was finally flown to her surgery only to be informed upon arrival that a greater emergency had "bumped" her surgery. She was flown home and then flown back days or weeks later when she finally got the needed surgery. All the while, she was in significant pain! During that situation, he was very worried and upset about her health and very agitated and frustrated about the logistical issues she had to deal with.
While I've never lived in Canada, I happen to have family member who is a dual citizen, born and raised in the U.S. and then married a Canadian where she moved to and still lives. She's kept her U.S. citizenship. Twice now, she's had to come to the U.S. due to unacceptable and painful wait times (joint replacement and back surgeries). The Canadian I met on the cruise was indeed a person I met while traveling but a very real person with a very real situation. The man we both know from a previous forum whose sister had to go back and forth to get a waited for surgery was also a very real Canadian/person. The man hoping Canada would soon figure out the advantages of a private/public hybrid was another very real Canadian. There are clearly some good things about Canadian healthcare and, especially for those older, some really bad aspects - despite your justifications and rationalizations.
Canadians are used to bashing anything American and feeling very comfortable in doing so but in my experience on these political forums, skin gets particularly thin when the tables are turned and Canadian issues and problems are discussed by Americans. Tempers are easily flared and personal attacks become commonplace with some Canadian posters.

 

[gbg3]

And I'll just bet this opinion piece was written by an actual real life Canadian too. I highly doubt he's a fictional person.

Canada's health care system is hopelessly sclerotic. We need to wake up: Neil Macdonald | CBC News

 

[Callen]

Canadians are used to bashing anything American and feeling very comfortable in doing so but in my experience on these political forums, skin gets particularly thin when the tables are turned and Canadian issues and problems are discussed by Americans

Not playing. I won' t be complicit in bogging down this forum with issues bourne out of your personal dislike of me. You get to play that game all by yourself. I have every right to comment on the American political system which is what I do. I do NOT bash "anything" American, I pretty much limit my " bashing" to Trump , his loyalists and the RW media machine which I will continue to do because it affects my life, my safety, my economy and my finacial interests. I will also continue to correct your erroneous/biased statements or any other poster who posts purposely biased anecdotal or non factual information. Don't like it then just scroll on by!

 

[gbg3]

Here is a recent take on Canadian healthcare (and big government). Canada, you are famous for your wait times. It's hard to find articles or opinion pieces that don't discuss your infamous wait times.

Oh, Canada: Should the US emulate Canada's National Health Service? | TheHill

 

[CLAX1911]

Facts hurt. But as i said you are from Texas. Thats the worst hillbilly state of them all.

you didn't state facts.

When you take all the worst of USA that we know about USA in Germany you can condense it and get Texas.
- Trumpists
- crazy weapon fanatics
- religious nutjobs
- evangelical madness
- Qanon morons

yeah if it's so bad why is everyone in the United States flocking here?

A state that collapses when a snowflakes falls down, tells you evrything one needs to know.

What?

Current Corona deaths
UK: 100.000
Germany: 50.000
EU: 300.000
USA: 500.000

Deathrate of infected people over age of 80 is 10%

Those are the facts

these numbers are false you can keep saying their facts till time stops that will never make them facts.

 

[ModG23]

It’s odd talking about wait times in Canada for disk surgery. It’s impossible to get an appt to even consult a disk surgeon in our area under a 2 month wait. Then the diagnosis and wait times are more months. It might be faster if you are a chronic patient with previous surgeries and the doctor knows you and has done previous surgeries. Otherwise only severely acute cases get a faster surgery by a reputable doctor. It also depends on the underlying extensive conditions.

 

[slick]

Canada better than US?

I never thought so but now maybe it is. Canada protects their border with the US I imagine a reason
is to shield their citizens from Coronavirus. Biden is promising every illegal that is congregating
south of the border entry & eventually amnesty & has eliminated Trump's travel restrictions from 8 countries who
will undoubtedly will bring their diseases in with them. Craziest policy witnessed by mankind!

 

[PeacefulWarrior]

Canada better than US?

I never thought so but now maybe it is. Canada protects their border with the US I imagine a reason
is to shield their citizens from Coronavirus. Biden is promising every illegal that is congregating
south of the border entry & eventually amnesty & has eliminated Trump's travel restrictions from 8 countries who
will undoubtedly will bring their diseases in with them. Craziest policy witnessed by mankind!

>Biden is promising every illegal that is congregating
south of the border amnesty<

Is that right? May I see a source for that please?

 

[Jonsa]

Multi lingual doesn't mean multi cultural. For instance in some countries it's culturally acceptable for men to have sex with 3 year olds. Is that something you permit in Canada?

I see you haven't a clue what multiculturalism in Canada is all about. Its all UNDER THE LAWS OF THE NATION. Its kind of a condition of citizenship and all.

 

[Jonsa]

I probably know way more Canadians than you do and I know of NOBODY who has gone to the US for care unless sent by their doctor for a very specific and rare treatment not available here. I have had breast cancer, a heart attack, my daughter had emergency back surgery at 6 months pregant which required 6 speciaists in th he OR, a niece had a stroke at age 11 she had 3 brain surgeries and was in a children's rehab facility for a year, I also know many who have had hip and knee replacements, back surgeries, heart bypass, liver transplants and more ... bit more serious than the flu or a broken bone. We have some of the best hospitals in the world. I too, along with Grand Mal call BS.

Big number of Canadians go for cosmetic surgery since they have to pay for it in Canada anyway. Others go for faster diagnostic tests. a quick trip across to Buffalo and you can get your cat scan in a day or two instead of weeks (non triaged). But then again, medical "tourism" is a thing in many countries including the US.

I had a heart attack, three days in hospital, stent, rehab program and it cost me $0. Idiotic American misconceptions aside, while far from perfect, our healthcare system is pretty damn good. Saved my figgin' life.

 

[Grand Mal]

Multi lingual doesn't mean multi cultural. For instance in some countries it's culturally acceptable for men to have sex with 3 year olds. Is that something you permit in Canada?

I just stumbled on this post again and It's still a gobsmack stupid post.

 

[CLAX1911]

I see you haven't a clue what multiculturalism in Canada is all about.

I know it multiculturalism is Canada hasn't made up its own word and own definition for it that means something other than what it means then yeah I wouldn't know that. But I doubt that's what happened

Its all UNDER THE LAWS OF THE NATION.
Its kind of a condition of citizenship and all.

So someone who practices something that would be illegal in Canada can't practice that in Canada even if it's cultural. I'm sorry to be the one that has to break this to you but you are making them conform to Canadian culture through force of law that is anti multiculturalism.

Laws forcing people to conform to a cultural standard is monoculturalism. What you mean to say is Canada welcomes people from all walks of life to be Canadian. That is admirable, it's one of the things I like the most about your country. But if people want to go there and have arranged marriages and sleep with children they're not allowed to do that because that doesn't fit with your culture.

 

[CLAX1911]

I just stumbled on this post again and It's still a gobsmack stupid post.

That's really simple language isn't culture it's language the spelling and pronunciation of two different words should clue and they mean different things.

 

[Grand Mal]

That's really simple language isn't culture it's language the spelling and pronunciation of two different words should clue and they mean different things.

Men having sex with three year olds? Is that something approved of in Canada? Were you purposely trying to write the stupidest post of the month?
20% of Canadians were born elsewhere in the world. We get it that to you conservative Americans cultural diversity means black people but in everywhere else in the world it means, well, cultural diversity and a black guy who's family has been in America for 300 years isn't it. You guys could see a black customs agent in an airport interviewing a Czech immigrant and think the black guy represents diversity.

 

[CLAX1911]

Men having sex with three year olds? Is that something approved of in Canada? Were you purposely trying to write the stupidest post of the month?

no I was trying to point out that some cultural behaviors are absolutely unacceptable in Canada because of Canadian culture not multiculturalism.

20% of Canadians were born elsewhere in the world.

that's wonderful probably one of the better things about your country one of the things I admire. They come to your country and become Canadian. They have to some cultural practices that happen in other countries are forbidden in yours that is Canadian culture, and you force it on them under threat of prosecution every country does that's why none of them are multicultural.

We get it that to you conservative Americans cultural diversity means black people but in everywhere else in the world it means, well, cultural diversity and a black guy who's family has been in America for 300 years isn't it.

no it's not cultural diversity they have to conform to Canadian culture if they don't they might find themselves locked up in prison because certain cultural practices in other places are expressly forbidden by law in Canada. That is Canada forcing a cultural norm upon people that is monoculture every country does that. If they didn't it would be a lawless hellhole.

You're so narrow-minded you think culture is skin color, and ethnic background.

 

[Grand Mal]

no I was trying to point out that some cultural behaviors are absolutely unacceptable in Canada because of Canadian culture not multiculturalism.
that's wonderful probably one of the better things about your country one of the things I admire. They come to your country and become Canadian. They have to some cultural practices that happen in other countries are forbidden in yours that is Canadian culture, and you force it on them under threat of prosecution every country does that's why none of them are multicultural. no it's not cultural diversity they have to conform to Canadian culture if they don't they might find themselves locked up in prison because certain cultural practices in other places are expressly forbidden by law in Canada. That is Canada forcing a cultural norm upon people that is monoculture every country does that. If they didn't it would be a lawless hellhole.

You're so narrow-minded you think culture is skin color, and ethnic background.

You're so far wrong It's impossible to believe you've ever set foot in Canada. America calls itself a melting pot- people from all over the world come into the melting pot and become Americans. Canada is a mosaic. Street signs in some neighbourhoods in Vancouver are in Chinese, in other neighbourhoods they're in Punjabi. We don't ever use the word assimilate. The place where I grew up was lily white when I was a kid and now everyone turns out to celebrate Diwali.
You, in other words, are speaking from ignorance. Canada is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. East meets west here. Diversity in the USA is entirely a racial thing, and people who have been American for multiple generations are considered diversity.