Macleans.ca | Top Stories | Health | The rise of private care in Canada: "The rise of private care in Canada
All the health services money can buy
ALEXANDRA SHIMO
>> The rise of private care in Canada
>> Quick studies: From personal doctors to better drugs
>> Medical services directory: What you can buy, where
Private medical providers are rapidly expanding their services across the country, but even the industry's own advocacy group lacks definitive numbers on the size and scope of the private health care sector. The new world of for-profit medical service has been crying out for a consumer guide to what's available, what it costs, who's offering it, and how to pay for it. Here it is: a Canadian first.
If all goes according to plan, this summer will see another watershed moment in the relentless march of private health care across the nation. The Copeman Healthcare Centre, which already operates a private clinic in Vancouver, is planning to open three more -- in Ottawa, Toronto and London, Ont. -- as part of its push to have centres open in every major Canadian city by next year. These are not facilities offering specialty surgeries, or red-carpet care for the jet-setting elite. Instead, they will let Canadians pay for quicker, better access to the central players in the health care system -- family doctors. For an initial annual fee of $3,500 per person (their children 22 years and younger are free), and $2,300 per annum for subsequent years, patients will be able to buy a health care package including unlimited visits with a family doctor, and counselling from a range of health professionals. Patients can phone up in the middle of the night and talk to a nurse, and if necessary, they'll be transferred to a doctor. In Ontario, Don"
No comments:
Post a Comment