Check out this post from a person dealing with the Canadian healthcare system. My favorite bit:
Jerk and a half: Oh no. Mrs. Walsh, I don’t think you understand. Lincoln’s referral will be put into the batch of all of the other referrals that we receive for new patients. A doctor will review his information and decide whether or not he needs a respirologist. If they decide that he does, the referral will be approved. THEN you will be able to book an appointment, depending on time slots available.
Me: We’ve already done all of this. We waited 6 months, initially, to be approved. Lincoln’s chart was already reviewed by a doctor and deemed "sick enough" to be a patient in your department. But okay…I’ll send the referral. After I send it, it should only be a day or two wait though, right? Since he’s already in the system…
Jerk and a half: No. Like I said, he’ll be considered a new patient. I like to say 5 months, just to be safe.
This is what the "progressives" want for America.
-Max Borders
Universal “access” indeed.