Happy with Healthcare?

[Tjc1]

I just want to find out. Those here in Australia, Canada and Europe. How satisfied are you with the healthcare system?

[RyderLake2]

Hello,

I am very pleased with the level of care I receive in Canada. My medical oncologist who I see every three months and my radiation oncologist who I saw previously are caring knowledgeable physicians. I am fortunate to live fairly close to a regional cancer clinic (Abbotsford) and the BC Cancer Agency in Vancouver. I am currently on Xtandi (enzalutamide) and Zoladex (goserelin) and the Cancer Agency pays for both. I was told the Xtandi cost is $40 a pill and I take four a day! The only thing I pay for is Prolia (one shot every six months) and my extended health care plan picks up most of that cost. There are clinical trials underway in Vancouver including a Lutetium 177 trial when (and if) enzalutamide stops working for me. I have been battling metastatic cancer for nearly six years and I am very happy with the treatment plan that has been laid out for me. Hope that helps!

[Tjc1 in reply to RyderLake2]

Thanks!

[Magnus1964 in reply to RyderLake2]

It's great to hear the truth from people in countries that have universal health care. You would not believe the lies the American people are told about universal health care. Long lines, people dying before they get to a doctor, countries going broke trying to pay for it, etc.

[RyderLake2 in reply to Magnus1964]

Hello,

The system is not perfect and there are protocols that must be followed but no one - and I mean no one - in Canada ever lost their house or filed for bankruptcy because of the high cost of prescription drugs or medical treatment. The provincial Medical Services Plan (MSP) covers all Canadian citizens within Canada.

[jaglad]

I am in the UK, we have the NHS and you will probably hear lots of negatives about it. It is under funded, under staffed and under tremendous pressure.

Yes we have to contribute to Eye tests and dental treatment, pay toward prescription costs and sometimes wait for treatment.

But, when you need it, it is there for you.

Hip replacement, cancer treatment, broken limb, whatever, they are there for you.

One example, me. Two years ago on a Monday I went to my Doc' worried about Penis issues. Diagnosis, suspect penile cancer. Two days, later, Wednesday, I saw a Consultant, possibly cancer but more likely 'Zoon's Balantitis'. Recommended treatment for both would be circumcision. Friday, surgery, job done.

[HB1966]

Hi,

I live in germany and am legally insured and generally very satisfied with the health care system. Every four weeks I go to my urologist for a check-up.

All costs for medication are covered (except for a small contribution of max. 10 Euro). The treatment is carried out according to a strict protocol (S3 guideline). If you deviate from this, e.g. if you want a PSMA-PET/CT, then you may be sitting on the costs. This is not paid by all health insurances.

[garythomas]

In Australia our public health system is called Medicare. It funded all costs relating to my radiation and chemo treatment. A three month dose of Lucrin costs me about $40.

Waiting lists can be long for appointments as the system is under pressure. Overall I am quite happy with Medicare.

[Joeym1040]

Happy to hear all are happy with their healthcare. I live in the USA, and have Medicare with supplemental insurance. I have been fighting this disease (and others) since 1999. I have never paid a penny for any doctor or hospital. When I wanted an expert opinion I went to Dr Phillip Kantoff at DanaFarber. Got appointment in a week, no cost. Love it. God luck all!

7

[marckus]

Live here in Ontario Canada. Had prostatectomy, 36 sessions of radiation and 1.5 years of HT. Didnt cost a penny. Plus all the umpteen visits to Urologist, Oncologist. Man what a system. Fantastic. All professionals from the people cleaning the hospital right up to the very top. Thanks.

[Tjc1]

Thanks for those that left a comment. I guess everyone is satisfied with their healthcare.

[AlanLawrenson]

Under the Aussie Medicare, you cannot select the doctor of choice. Some 5 years ago, my wife had a brain aneurysm. Five months in hospital and A$145K bill paid by our private HC insurance which costs us $5K a year.

I went to S. Korea for Proton Beam Therapy 6 years ago, as Oz doesn't have a PBT facility which is scandalous. It cost me A$60K out of my own pocket. Money well spent. I wrote two books on PCa on my return from Korea. Third edition out in July 2019 which includes all the latest developments.

[Tjc1 in reply to AlanLawrenson]

Why do you have private health insurance. If you dont mind me asking.

[AlanLawrenson in reply to Tjc1]

There is often months of delay to get surgery by any doctor allocated. My wife had a very serious op 6 months ago via keyhole surgery by one of only two surgeons doing this procedure in Sydney. Cost the fund about A$20K and she was attended to almost immediately. also get free physio, dental, etc not covered by Medicare. Our claims this last year were about A$25K. Cost $5K.

[MarkBC]

Like RyderLake2, I live on the west coast of Canada and receive excellent care from the BC Cancer Agency in Victoria. All cancer treatment is covered. I have excellent doctors who all take time with me during appointments to answer questions. I never feel rushed. One oncologist has called me at home twice to answer email questions. Sometimes people will complain about waiting times in Canada but my experience is that, if you need care urgency, it is available quickly. When my original PSA test at age 55 came in at 103, I was rushed into an appointment with the urologist the next day. Within 10 days I had an MRI, bone scan, CT scan, biopsy, and my first ADT injection. I think that is quite quick care.

When Canada introduced universal health care in the 1960s, there were some who were opposed to 'socialist medicine. I think there are very few Canadians today who would want to go back to a private, for-profit medical system similar to the United States even if it meant lower taxes. While some people there have excellent health insurance and care, not everybody does. I can't imagine having to fight this disease with the additional stress of fighting insurance companies and wondering how to fund aspects of my treatment.