Sorry it took so long to get back... It has been my experience with Doctor's in this country that they go to school, get a medical licence, a minor in business and phsyc, then expect us to look at them like hero's for being smart enough to finish the schooling. Therefore, some that I have met ( I cannot speak for all ) expect their patients to put them on a pedestal and kiss the ring when passing. To me, that is not a really good way to get folks to talk about your service ( which it is ) in a favourable light. Thein lies the problem. This same egomaniacal, great-than-thou attitude will not work in a country like the U.S. unless you learn how to sell yourself and leave the ego for the yacht club. IF you find a doctor here that treats you like a person and listens to the symptoms you describe in a visit, I can assure you that the same doctor will leave the proffession for something that does not include patient involvement. Co-incidentally, they are similar to the doctors that do a 7 minute 'audience' and hand you a prescription.
If the medical services in this country were to go private, you would see a very different approach to patient care. I guarantee it.
For those that think Canada offers you a doctor, at the governments choosing and not the individuals, you are wrong. Plain and simple. I have been with my doctor for some 20 years and was one of his first patients in his very first practice when he started out. I heard good things and they were all true. He gave me 'samples' of medicine when I didn't have a drug plan, as soon as I got a plan, he could help someone else out and he did/does. He is also very busy in the office and somewhat politically, to that end, he is not the same attentive guy he used to be. What a crying shame. This is not socialized medicine as we would know it from the days of 'The Iron Curtain', we pay VERY high taxes in this country/province/municipality for the privilege of NOT going up to our necks in hock for treatment of a kidney. The idea is simple, some people will not get as sick as others, everyone (generally) pays the same from taxes and in the end the tally sheet will balance. That is the idea. Now, if we could just keep people from going to the emrgency room for a sliver, we would all be better off.
Back to my point, the doctors are bitching about not making enough. Welcome to the club! I have specialized skills too, that does not mean I can ALWAYS write my own ticket. It is a business, this medicine and don't let anyone tell you any different. Doctors have far more write offs and get PREMIUM treatment for themselves and family, a far cry from what I am offered when I go to the office for a check up.
O.K., I'm done. Sorry about the rant. I have been waiting for two weeks to get test results for someone close to me. We went to find the answer last week and were told to come back, next week. *ching* Another $57 for 7 minutes work. Sure wish I could make $488 an hour.