The Canadian Health Care System: Myth or Reality? Flashcards

What is MEDICARE?

An unofficial designation used to refer to the publicly funded,
single-payer health care system of Canada
- System is based on equity, fairness, compassion and respect for dignity
- Health-care is very important to Canadians and the health-care
system continues to evolve

Saskatchewan 1947

First publicly funded health care

Who decides how to spend the money?

- Federal government (reduction in federal contributions reduces
their influence) *greatest taxing power and with that enforces the
Canada Health Act
- Provincial government/ Ministries of Health (provide most of the
funding for health services and are therefore the main
decision-makers) *provinces are given their power through the constitution
- Municipal government
- Regional Health Boards/LHINs
- Hospital board
- Hospital administrators

Canada Health Act

Provincial plans must meet 5 conditions:
- Universality: the entire population must be covered
- Comprehensiveness: all "medically
necessary" medical and hospital services must be covered
- Accessibility: in practice, no user fees
- Portability: benefits must be portable from
province to province
- Public Administration: plans must be operated
by a public (governemental) agency

What influences access to health care?

1) the supply of providers
2) the supply of facilities
3) the person�s health status
4) his or her geographical location

Who pays for the Canadian health care system?

Predominantly publicly funded in Canada
Medicare = interlocking set of provincial and territorial
insurance plans
Provides access to universal, comprehensive coverage for medically
necessary hospital, inpatient and outpatient physician services
All plans are linked to federal principles

What are the mechanisms for insuring quality?

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Health Service Organizations (HSO)

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The Romanow Report

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The Romanow Report Recommendations

- Creation of the Health Council of Canada to facilitate
collaborative leadership in health and new approaches to primary care;
- Stable and predictable long-term funding;
- More integrated, team-based care;
- Investment in diagnostic technologies and training programs to
reduce waiting lists;
- Centralized management of waiting lists;
- A national home care strategy and improved service to rural and
remote communities; and
- A National Drug Agency and improved coverage of prescription drugs.

Report went largely ignored

Current adaptations of Medicare

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What is important to know to make informed health-care choices?

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Consumerism

A social and economic order that encourages the purchase of goods and
services in ever-greater amounts.

Spontaneous Remission

The disappearance of symptoms without any apparent cause or treatment.

Placebo Effect

An apparent cure or improved state of health brought about by a
substance or product with no medicinal value.

How can you asses health care professionals?

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Traditional (Allopathic) Medicine

Primary care provider to treat routine ailments, advise on
prevention, give general medical advice, and refer

Allied Professionals

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Non-allopathic Medicine

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