Canada's Health Care System

Question 1

Canada Expediture/Population Increase

Answer 1

Between 1975 and 2010, expenditure has increased 3.5 fold but the population has only increased 1.5 fold.

Question 2

Deep But Narrow

Answer 2

Accurately describes Canada’s healthcare system. We cover a some things very well, but we don’t cover a lot of other things like pharmaceuticals or dental.

Question 3

Public/Private Split

Answer 3

Has remained a solid 70/30 over the past 2 decades.

Question 4

Contribution of Federal Government

Answer 4

~20%

Question 5

Medical Care Act (1966)

Answer 5

Did not start health care in Canada

Laid out who is covered, where is covered, what is covered, and how it is covered.

Question 6

Canada Health Act (1984)

Answer 6

Disallows you to charge patients directly at the point of care.

Question 7

Increasing Health Professionals

Answer 7

There has been an 8% increase in physicians and nurses, but only a 4% increase in population

Question 8

Pharmaceuticals in Canada

Answer 8

The biggest out of pocket expense.

Average annual growth has increased over the years.

Almost exclusively prescribed by doctors and almost exclusively dispensed by pharmacists. Doctors are prohibited from dispensing drugs.

Question 9

Frailty

Answer 9

Puts an enormous burden on the healthcare system.

Frailty should be avoided if possible through prevention and active nutrition.

Question 10

Home Care

Answer 10

Community-based care can be a substitute for expensive institutional care. There is a lower risk of nosocomial infection, enables self-management, and allows patients to live close to family and loved ones.

Provinces offer some level of coverage, but it is patchwork.

Question 11

Types of Payment Models

Answer 11

Fee-for service

Salary

Capitation

AFPs