Just remember, we pay for that health care. The money doesn't grow on trees. We have a fee schedule. You go to the doc and get a flu shot. He does not see you. The vaccine is paid for, it's cheaper than treating sick people. The doc bills $10. to the gov't for the service. (I think that's right). It's a computerized system. But there are clinics all over with signs, docs that do it for a pharmacy on Sundays, the Health Unit runs drive in clinics in flu season. We used to have the city doctor come to the Fire Station and give us our shots when I worked.

But we pay for it. Lots. Taxes. Yet our per capita health care costs are less than in other countries. ie. USA.

That's an old debate, but..I spent 4 hours with a team of Doctors yesterday. I bet that would cost thousands if I didn't have health care. They had copies of every xray, scan and blood test for the past 8 years. I wrote 'tests', questionaires, had 3 exams by different specialists. All the routine stuff too, but bp in both arms a legs, an ultrasound of my neck for plaque, eyes, ears, throat.

The meeting at the end..osteoporosis, getting worse.
Rheumatoid arthritis, not under control.
Blood pressure, all over the map, based on adrenalin amount at the time it's taken.
Macular Degeneration of the right eye, stable.
Blood Sugar..mostly ok, NO raw sugar and 1/2 glass of juice is ok.
Fibromyalgia. This is the newest thing.

3 medications changed.
1 added.
Now I waited 5 weeks for that appointment.

There is a private clinic downtown you can go to. That same workup, was available in 10 days for $1700. (They bill the gov't for what they can).
They offer next day doctor, a once a year exam for 4 hours, and access to cat and pet scans in Michigan at a discount over what you'd have to pay if you just showed up at the US hospital. You cannot get those scans here unless you have a reason for them. But employers are paying a bonus to executives to have every test run, trips to the US for stuff they don't do to a healthy 30 year old, like PSA tests etc. You get a nice leather bound report on your health and a plan to keep you that way.

BTW, they found a lump in my neck and I was given a doctors appt. for noon today.

I am very unhappy with the fibromyalgia thing, but it at least explains why I thought I only needed 4 hours sleep a night and my hips hurt if I lay on my side.

John Conley
Musica est vita