"Health Care in Crisis"; "Dr.'s Submit Resignations", "Wait Times Are a Long Time" - Headlines, such as these, are commonplace to those of us residing in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. For the past several months, if not years, they have appeared, almost daily, in newspapers, on internet news sites, as well as on the CBC and NTV evening news. The best minds in the medical profession, our befuddled Minister of Health, and a copious number of bureaucrats have searched continuously for the answer that will improve the health of our medical system. The answer has eluded them all.
I believe I have found the solution. Let me provide some background before I let the "cat out of the bag".
Two members of my family had serious medical issues befall them in the previous two weeks. While on a walk, family member #1 suffered chest pains. As the human tendency is to minimize such happening, a doctor was not immediately consulted. Laboured breathing during the night changed that and a trip to the doctor was a priority the following morning. FM #1 was admitted and a battery of tests was completed, which included blood work, xrays, and an ultrasound. Two cardiology specialists from the United States were consulted to review the findings and to offer additional opinions. The diagnosis is that FM#1 suffers from congestive heart failure. FM#1 is now resting comfortably at home and is feeling much better, aided by a large number of daily medications. The doctors were wonderful and have made several telephone calls inquiring about the well being of FM#1 and have also told us to call should we have any questions or concerns. To our surprise, the doctors say they will be available 24 hours a day for us.
Our family was so impressed by the swiftness of care and the compassion displayed by the clinic that an appointment was made for FM#2 to see the doctor. FM#2's situation was not as acute, but concerned constant pain and inflammation in one shoulder. The initial examination took place within one day of making the appointment. The following day, xrays were taken and discussed with the family. Surgery was anticipated, but the doctor first wanted FM#2 to be seen by a specialist to ensure that was the best course of care. Two days later, the specialist met FM#2 and confirmed that surgery would be required. Low and behold, again to our amazement, an appointment for the procedure was set for two days hence. FM#2 had the invasive and complicated surgery two days ago. The surgery required general anesthetic, but FM#2 seems to have come through it nicely and is also recovering at home.
Two members of my family received prompt and professional medical care. Does this sound like the doom and gloom picture being painted by the media of our province? Okay, I do have one admission to make. Our family paid cold, hard cash to get the care that we did. When those you love are hurting, then what good is having money in the bank? As the saying goes, “Without our health, we have nothing.” I don’t mind sharing with you what getting this care cost us. After all, you may find yourself in a similar situation and perhaps this knowledge will lessen the fears and uncertainty you will be facing. FM#1’s care was $2000 and FM#2’s was a few dollars more than $3000. Perhaps better planning and foresight could have saved us some money in the long run if we had purchased premium insurance plans. Very few of us ever think that things like this will happen to us, so insurance often seems like a waste of money. I may have to spend some time in the near future investigating these insurance polices, but I still remain skeptical.
Okay, in the name of full disclosure and honesty, I do have one more admission. FM#1 and FM#2 are Jasper and Jack, respectively. Jasper is my four year old large breed mutt and Jack is my brother’s eight year old Golden Retriever. They are as much a part of our family as I am (and probably a whole lot more huggable). I know I have been pulling your proverbial leg, but think about it for a second. Veterinarians have extensive medical training. People are animals too. We just like to think of ourselves as having evolved beyond our companions who share the planet with us. A vet can do blood tests, check blood pressure, and even work have urine and stool checked out. I’m just scratching the surface of their knowledge and abilities. Vet clinics even have the same diagnostic equipment as is used in human medicine and their machines are probably newer and of better quality.
If I ever needed a medical procedure and was offered the choice of waiting for 6 months or 6 days, I just may choose to go see my neighbourhood vet. If I do go there, I will have to think twice if they ever want me to wear a cone around my neck to prevent me from being able to lick places that I shouldn’t. Then again, any place that gives its patients a belly rub and a crunchy treat before sending them on their way can’t be all bad. I can see the headlines in the Telegram now – “NL Health Care System Gone to the Dogs”.
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