How's the health system in Ontario...?

[mg_2204]

We're moving back to Canada :dancing2: but I must now think of my diabetes too.

How's the health system in Ontario? I only know Quebec's. And from what I heard lately, back in Quebec I would have to be put on a waiting list just to have a family doctor. The waiting time is about............. 2 years....!!!

I'm used to a 6 monthly diabetes check, with one thorough check once a year. I have my eyes photographed as well. What can I expect in Ontario diabetes wise??!

Thanks in advance for your input!

[KickStart101]

Our Health System is better than Quebec(from what I've heard, although I wasn't on Quebec's)although finding a Doc here, you may be on a waiting list also certainly not 2 yrs. though. I think it was last Sept my Hubby's Doc left Ottawa and moved his practice to Quebec to help out there with the lack of Doc's. Hubby was very disappointed but he said he wasn't going to go to Quebec for a Doc's appointment. So I did a bit of phoning and found one about 10 blocks from us, thank goodness. That was a GP though.

Most Specialists aren't accepting any more patients but they actually have to take anyone who asks them or refer them on to another. A GP or other Specialist has to fax the referal to an Endo and they get back to you. It may take 3 to 6 mths., a little more or less.

There are lots of Clinics with some pretty smart Doc's in Ottawa. If you're
lucky to find the right Clinics. They can do the tests for you. Make sure that you tell them that you are new to Canada and do not have an Endo. Actually they usually are more helpful to new Residents, if you do not have your own. There are probably medical community programs to help also.
Look at the www.Ottawa.ca website or www.Canada.ca I think they are, and look under health care.

Being that you are a Frenchie :D, you could probably get good help and info at the Montfort Hospital. It's a French mainly hospital.

There is also the website: www.cpso.on.ca . Subscribe to the update e-mail list.(that is where I found Hubby's Doc). This one is for Ontario, every Province has it's own site like this. That has some Doc's but many say accepting Patients when actually they are not.(it's only updated once a yr. I think). Better if you have a home address so you can find one closest to you. But when you get here find a GP and get him/her to fax their referal to an Endo. I wish you tres bonne chance. :top:

[mg_2204]

Thank you so much for all the info! It is much appreciated.

I will have my diabetic check in June so I will be ok for the following 6 months. If there is a bit of waiting I don't mind then. I would mind a 2 year's wait though!! :help:

[KickStart101]

Thank you so much for all the info! It is much appreciated.
I will have my diabetic check in June so I will be ok for the following 6 months. If there is a bit of waiting I don't mind then. I would mind a 2 year's wait though!! :help:

Your Very Welcome Marie...BUT...the minute you set foot in
Ottawa start looking for an Endo and make an appointment
ahead.....okay, start looking in the morning. :D I'm glad that
you have your appt. there in June. :top:

[mg_2204]

I have been looking for an endo already, thanks to the websites you have given me. Not many take new patients! I have many names and telephone numbers in my address book already. I will be prepared. Thanks again!!

[KickStart101]

Good for you Marie. Always good to be prepared. Even if they are not
accepting new Patients I would phone them all anyways and more than
once. Like I said some have to accept new Patients not to menton there
is always a weak link that will allow you especially if you sweet talk em. :)

Another thing, I will assume that you still have Canadian Citizenship. When
you were living in the Province of Quebec you had a Quebec Card. Now since
you will be a resident of Ontario you will have to apply for an Ontario Card
that covers your hospital stays, Doc's visits, treatments and other services.
Apply for it as soon as you have a permanent address. It will not be in effect
until you have lived at that address for 3 months so the Ministry suggests that
you get Private Insurance for those 3 mths. in case some one in your
family needs medical attention. Everyone in your Family must have their own
card. Anyone under the age of 15 1/2 yrs. you must apply for. Older Kids can
apply themselves. I e-mailed you the website with all the info so as not to take
up more room on this Forum. Hope you got it okay.

Oh by the way, since you will be living in MY CITY :D :dancing2: I would be
Very Pleased to meet you an your Family at your convenience, if that is okay.
Best to you. Keep us updated. Any questions just ask. :)

[mg_2204]

Again, thank you so very much for all the precious info! :)

We will have private insurance to cover us during the 3 month waiting period.

One thing that does bother me is... will I be able to get my meds during that 3 month waiting period??! Over here I am only supplied meds for a month and I gather they won't give me a 3 month supply just because I leave the country... I will run out of meds when I move to Canada. Will I have to go to hospital and wait hours or will I be able to see a doc eventhough I will not have a health card yet?

Of course I'll meet you! You can show me around. Years ago the family and I went to Ottawa's Winter Festival. It was great! There were these free buses to get to one activity to another but (of course!) I got confused and got on the WRONG bus... and ended up God knows where. And only then did the bus driver told me I had to pay the fare. Found my way back, my husband and the children hours later. He still teases me about it...

[KickStart101]

Well., that's an interesting problem. I've never gone through that. The
private insurance that you spoke of, is that not through your Hubby's work?
Since it is the same Company that is placing him here would you's still not be
covered by his work insurance for Meds? I would ask your Doc in England
for a prescription for your drugs for a few months extra period anyways.

Like I said there are tons of Clinics here, I wouldn't be surprised if you explained
your situation and showed a prescription maybe from your Doc that they wouldn't
write you out a Canadian prescription to get filled at a drugstore here. Drugs don't
cost much in the UK, could you possibly pay for them out of pocket if worst comes
to worst. All our drugs are paid for by my
Hubby's job, but if we had to we could afford to pay outta pocket for all of them for
a while if we needed to. Ask your Hubby to ask his boss if your Family is covered for
drugs when moving to another country. It should be.
My Doc wouldn't have a problem giving me an extra presciption.

Would your Doc give you any free samples of the drugs you use? Ask him.
I could give you some of my extra but you being a Type 2, I don't think we are on any

of the same drugs. I'll strain my brain for another alternative.

Well Great, that's a date! It'll be Good to see you. Too bad you are not here now. Our
annual Tulip Festival has started, it'll be huge as usual. Tourists from all over the world
come to see all the different types plus the fun activities that goes along with them.
Oh well, there is always next year. :)
I'm not sure what you are interested in so feel free to scan the Ottawa website and pick
stuff out that you would like to see and I'll happily show
you that and more. :) I think you'll like it here. You'll feel more comfy when you are living
here for a while and get ued to life here. We love it. Ha! Funny! I think I was on that same bus. :D