Monday, March 13, 2006

Canada - The Country with a Rotating Door Health Care System

Today I went in for my annual check up with my Family Doc. As usual, nothing biggie. But boy, does he threw me in and spit me back out.

I have heard our Health Care has been deterioriating. Spending has been cut. The doctors are strained with too many patients in their hands. I finally experience it.

I went in. He gave me two shots (flu shot and an ammonia shot). I asked him to check my blood pressure (woohoo my blood pressure is normal). I told him I am training for Ironman. He told me be careful not to over train. Gave me a perscription for Hep A shot and I am done.

I think I am in the room for no more than 10 min. I am a human being damn it. I have questions I want to ask. I have questions I don't know but want to ask. I also want my blanky.

I want to have my Hep A shot done today as well but nope. Too many shots for Cliffy already. Will have to be schedule for another time (Sat).

So out of efficiency, my family doc score a 9 out of 10. For patient care, a 4 out of 10. And of course, I rate the patient 10 out of 10.

I really wish i have a doc that does ironman as well. Going to ask around. I think us triathletes are quick picky. I know I am ;). Afterall, I want the best mechanic for my engine so it is running (or biking or swimming) as smooth as possible.

Talked to my swim coach. He told me to swim slower (like some of you have advised). Shall see the progress in the next two weeks.

Things are slowly moving along. Booked a dentist appoint this coming Sat. Asked my friend to video me swim in his condo on Sat as well. So by weekend, you guys might have a chance to see how poor well I swim :D Just don't laugh if I use a floatation device :D.

15 comments:

Cycling Under The Influence said...

I love having a doctor who is an athlete- he really understands. Too bad for you that you don't. I don't know how it works in Canada, is there a possibility that you can get a different doctor?

psbowe said...

Yep, it's alway a plus to have a doc that is an athlete themselves.

No, I don't think you'll have to worry about a flotation device, silly!

Anonymous said...

You saw the doc for 10 minutes, bet you waited to see him at least 3 times longer. Not much different here in the US. Trust me. Hell, last time I went to the doctors I waited for an hour only to be told that it's all in my head :) So don't feel bad.

Cliff said...

Dave - It was weird. This time, I didn't have ot wait long. Like 10 min. The clinic was empty. And I am being rush like through a slaughter house...strange...

anners said...

You mean I won't get to watch you do breaststroke in your tri's anymore?? Darn...

JGC Photography said...

Cliff, you need one more post on Running rooms forum. You're at a number that I don't like. Make it 667.

Nancy Toby said...

You could always put a dozen tennis balls in your swim trunks....

qcmier said...

I had many doctors appointments like that. On the flip side, I do feel bad for the doctors who generally have a pretty hectic work load.

I think you should try nancytoby's advice especially for the swim at the condo.

Mike said...

Wow- you've reminded me that I really need to go get a 60,000 mile tune-up myself...haven't had anyone check under the hood or kick the tires in a long time. Doctors / Dentists..they always seem to fall to the bottom of my priority list- NOT good!!

Thomas said...

When I was livining in England, I had two choices, either go to an NHS doctor and get free treatment but accept to wait and being seen only for a short time. Or pay through the nose and go private, and get an hour with the doc. Apart from once, I always opted for the free one.

It's similar here in Ireland now, except you have to pay €30 for the public doctor.

It's a choice, and affordable health care does come with a few strings attached.

William said...

It might be the chlorine smell that put him off!

Rae said...

I would love to have a doc who is an athlete. My reg doc just doesn't get it, although he is really nice. They need to have some special initials behind their name if they're some sort of athlete!

Dawn - Pink Chick Tris said...

Can we laugh if you use water wings???

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