The average X ray wait at my emergency is about 30 minutes.
Health care in Canada is often quick. The problem is not for very sick patients, who get prompt care. The problem is if you are somewhat sick (and need a non-urgent CT, elective gallstone removal, etc.) and that is when you have to wait in line for weeks. A doctor can make things happen quickly but doing so takes quite a bit of time and can be a pretty big pain in the tuckus. That said, I think the system does okay.
A sensitive bunch you are up there. I was just kidding, sheesh.
UPDATE
Well, as was mentioned earlier by Maureen, I did get two bills. I just got the second one last night, for the doctor’s time, and a $890 (no, that’s not a typo) charge because it was “night.” There was also a charge for the time spent sewing, which I would think would be included in the $950 for the doctor’s time. New total cost for 4 stitches in my thumb:
$3,129
Looks like tlw came the closest, even though s/he was off by over $1,000. Unfortunately, I have used up my prize budget for the year, so I can’t give you anything. Sorry about that.
I just have to add a mini-rant here. That price is outrageous. 4 stitches. 4! That’s $782.25 per stitch!! I have to wonder if the hospital bumped up the charges because they know I have insurance.
My co-pay is now up to $87.50. So, how are things up in Canada, anyway? Sigh…
Okay - as a contrast, last week my german shepherd gashed his leg. I took him to the vet and he got 5 stitches. They sedated him, cleaned it with a betadine solution, numbed it with lidocaine and stitched it up. He got a shot of antibiotic and 15 days worth of oral antibiotic. It cost $36.
StG
Okay - as a contrast, last week my german shepherd gashed his leg. I took him to the vet and he got 5 stitches. They sedated him, cleaned it with a betadine solution, numbed it with lidocaine and stitched it up. He got a shot of antibiotic and 15 days worth of oral antibiotic. It cost $36.
StG
I swear I only hit “Enter” once. Stupid hamsters.
StG
You want to be REALLY shocked?
Last year I had pneumonia…I tried to tough it out since I had no insurance at the time
One night after not sleeping for 4 days(coughing uncontrollably when ever I laid down kept me awake)…I drove myself in a fevered haze(I know I know dangerous as hell…wasn’t thinking clearly) to the ER at 3am…they gave me a shot of antibiotics…took an X-ray and gave me a prescription for two other antibiotics(which I filled elsewhere for almost $60 cash) and gave me an inhaler filled with some other medicine…tried to convince me to check myself into the hospital(no insurance so I declined)
Time I was in there…1 hour tops INCLUDING getting my information
I later got a bill for $2400…I disputed it since I thought it was outrageous and we are still having a to-do about it even now
Don’t get me wrong…I am certain if I hadn’t gone in I would of died(I was THAT sick) and I am very grateful for the care but it seems to me they were taking advantage of me…knowing I had NO options…to stick it to me
How could the inhaler, ONE shot of antibiotics, an X-ray, and the attention of a doctor for 1/2 an hour cost $2400?
So lightingtool(spelled right…c/p is your friend) I expect to see a pit thread about YOUR bill any day now if my experience is any measure
Good luck
We are a sensitive bunch up here in Canada. Thats cuz I tend to here a lot of jokes like USCDiver’s and after a while they rankle, since the doctors in Canada who make the system work and make good money work like dogs for a somewhat unappreciative public. Some older doctors don’t like working like dogs and bitch about public health coverage. I could put four stitches into a thumb gash in 5-10 minutes without breaking a sweat. But I still make good money and sleep easier knowing anyone who gashes there thumb can get it properly taken care of. Our health care system would be much better off, though, if it cost you $5 of your own money to see a doctor.