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HEALTH MATTERS REGARDING SENIORS I don't really like talking about health, but I decided this is important. I can't talk about the health care system in the USA, but here in Canada there are some issues regarding seniors. The government is either encouraging or the doctors are doing it on their own, I'm not sure which, less preventative measures for seniors. My father died because he didn't have a colonoscopy. My mother can't get a requisition for a mammogram due to her age. Her doctor refused. I spoke to the hospital and they said that all healthy adults of all ages, should be tested. Now as far as colonoscopies, there are more risks for older people. I am not saying to do any procedures without finding out the risks. It's up to you to decide what to do. I am not recommending anything and even if I did, I'm not qualified. I will say that if you are physically capable of doing the tests and if the worst happens, doing what's needed to be fine, you should decide if you should do the procedure. My dad would have been alive had he had a colonoscopy. I know women in their 80s that died from breast cancer due to not having mammograms any longer. My boyfriend told me he's seen the same with other older people. The government doesn't want to spend their resources on the elderly. That is wrong on many levels. You must be your own doctor and make sure that what you need done, gets done!!! Elaine Shuel |
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Thanks for your comment, Roxy.  My dad died in 1999 but it's disturbing that a little test could have saved him. I was told those same intervals for colonoscopies, unless a polyps is found. Colon cancer incidence can greatly be reduced by doing a colonoscopy.Here we need a requisition to do a medical test. My mother can't have a mammogram done without one. Disability insurance is important. That's terrible if they get rid of it. No doubt some take advantage. That's true of everything. However, those who need it, should get it. Elaine Shuel
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That is quite ridiculous about the mammogram. I have been getting them every 2 years and I received a note from the BC Cancer the other day that my mammogram that was done earlier this month was good and my next one is due in 1 year. I think after the age of 70 they do them every year. A woman can still get cancer regardless of what her age is. I would take it one step further if I were you Elaine. Obviously your mother's Dr. is disinclined to prescribe these kinds of procedures on elderly women. That is too bad about your father. Obviously you have to take health matters into your own hands and insist on this procedure.
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Things are very different in the states. In Ontario we have OHIP. They keep reducing things, like once annual pap tests are now covered every 3 years. For seniors, they seem to make it sound like pretty much nothing is needed. In fact, it's the opposite, as risks increase with age. Thanks for your comment, Maisie. Elaine Shuel
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3/22/2015 1:32 pm |
Personally I find that US healthcare focus too much on the routine preservative things at the expense of not providing good treatment options such as newer more effective medications. Example - I take 2 necessary meds, both are newer, still under patent. They have huge copayments . I also take 2 older medications with long expired patents which are for comfort. They cost next to nothing. There are other examples I can cite but won't take the space. Spiritwoman ^i^
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That is quite ridiculous about the mammogram. I have been getting them every 2 years and I received a note from the BC Cancer the other day that my mammogram that was done earlier this month was good and my next one is due in 1 year. I think after the age of 70 they do them every year. A woman can still get cancer regardless of what her age is. I would take it one step further if I were you Elaine. Obviously your mother's Dr. is disinclined to prescribe these kinds of procedures on elderly women. That is too bad about your father. Obviously you have to take health matters into your own hands and insist on this procedure. Elaine Shuel
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I guess if there is a problem, procedures would be covered. At least, I assume they would. However, mammograms and other procedures for preventative matters, seems to be another matter. Thanks for your comment, Pat. Elaine Shuel
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I'm sure it does, rainier. In Canada it's better in some ways, regarding costs, but they have cut down on needed tests and it's a problem. They especially try to save on seniors. Thanks for your input. Elaine Shuel
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Personally I find that US healthcare focus too much on the routine preservative things at the expense of not providing good treatment options such as newer more effective medications. Example - I take 2 necessary meds, both are newer, still under patent. They have huge copayments . I also take 2 older medications with long expired patents which are for comfort. They cost next to nothing. There are other examples I can cite but won't take the space. Elaine Shuel
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Sorry to hear about your Dad Elaine. Maybe you can find a better doctor for your Mom, one who actually cares about the elderly. I hear horror stories like this even here in the US, and I think it may get worse as time goes on.
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Thanks Nileyears. We'll have to figure out what to do. We never expected a problem with getting a requisition. Elaine Shuel
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Elaine, sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. It is so sad that he didn’t have that colonoscopy which he was certainly entitled to, regardless of age. Something is terribly wrong with your mother’s doctor (sorry to say). My late hubby who was a senior when he passed had loads of tests, encouraged by our doctors here. And I live in the same city as you do in Canada. There is no age barred here for any medical test, regardless. My BIL has been diagnosed with colon cancer (plus they thought he also had bile duct cancer) and because his doctor insisted on a colonoscopy plus other tests (he's 78 ) this will save him. He needs the operation but all tests were approved and believe me, he's had many. As for your mother's mammogram, don't believe her doctor, my neighbour is in her 70s and just had her annual physical recently which included the mammogram plus other tests. She received the letter from the Breast Screening people saying she was ok. But she previously told me that her doctor mentioned there was an age limit for those and yet she insisted without any argument from the doctor. So please tell your mom to insist or call the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons to lodge a complaint. Our seniors in this Province are well looked after but some may have to be a tad forceful to be more vigilant about their health care. I’m also a senior and not too long ago I had my annual physical which involved many different tests (my doctor is extremely proactive when it comes to her senior patients). No senior or other person in this province should ever be denied medical care!!
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Roxy, perhaps you're unaware of our medical system, particularly in the Province of Ontario. We do not have to pay any out of pocket for any type of procedure here and certainly not as a senior. Many people here also have private insurance for vision care, dental care and prescriptions but some plans include such things as some cancer drugs not covered by our provincial health plan. I'm dearly hoping Elaine's mother can get the requisition she requires for the mammogram.
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Unfortunately, doctors 'practise'..... and we are the ones they practise on. Even the person who graduates at the bottom of the list is called 'doctor'. If possible at all, please find a different doctor for your Mother. Maybe your doctor can give you some recommendations. Hugsssss......
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Elaine, sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. It is so sad that he didn’t have that colonoscopy which he was certainly entitled to, regardless of age. Something is terribly wrong with your mother’s doctor (sorry to say). My late hubby who was a senior when he passed had loads of tests, encouraged by our doctors here. And I live in the same city as you do in Canada. There is no age barred here for any medical test, regardless. My BIL has been diagnosed with colon cancer (plus they thought he also had bile duct cancer) and because his doctor insisted on a colonoscopy plus other tests (he's 78 ) this will save him. He needs the operation but all tests were approved and believe me, he's had many. As for your mother's mammogram, don't believe her doctor, my neighbour is in her 70s and just had her annual physical recently which included the mammogram plus other tests. She received the letter from the Breast Screening people saying she was ok. But she previously told me that her doctor mentioned there was an age limit for those and yet she insisted without any argument from the doctor. So please tell your mom to insist or call the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons to lodge a complaint. Our seniors in this Province are well looked after but some may have to be a tad forceful to be more vigilant about their health care. I’m also a senior and not too long ago I had my annual physical which involved many different tests (my doctor is extremely proactive when it comes to her senior patients). No senior or other person in this province should ever be denied medical care!! My mother's doctor will let her have a mammogram every 2 years. She wants it annually. I spoke to the hospital that specializes in breast cancer. They said they have people in their 90s having annual mammograms. The problem with complaining is, what type of health care will she get after she complains about this doctor? Elaine Shuel
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Roxy, perhaps you're unaware of our medical system, particularly in the Province of Ontario. We do not have to pay any out of pocket for any type of procedure here and certainly not as a senior. Many people here also have private insurance for vision care, dental care and prescriptions but some plans include such things as some cancer drugs not covered by our provincial health plan. I'm dearly hoping Elaine's mother can get the requisition she requires for the mammogram. Elaine Shuel
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Unfortunately, doctors 'practise'..... and we are the ones they practise on. Even the person who graduates at the bottom of the list is called 'doctor'. If possible at all, please find a different doctor for your Mother. Maybe your doctor can give you some recommendations. Hugsssss......  Elaine Shuel
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So sorry to hear about your father Elaine. No person should ever have to go through this! By the grace of God my medical is excellent. I believe it has to do with where you are and your Doctors here in the States. In Arkansas I felt my medical was the worst and wondered if the physicians turned their practices and staffed their offices with people who had failed at their career of anesthetizing animals. In Missouri my Physicians are the best! Their staff is the best! I will be praying for you and your Mom. Hugs  My understanding is that in the USA, your medical techniques are far advanced to ours. That's worrisome. When it comes to health, Canada and the US should share their knowledge, and have the same quality of equipment. I'm glad you're getting good care now. Elaine Shuel
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Sorry to correct you frenchsalsa but not all procedures are covered in Ontario. For example, annual eye exams are no longer covered. So if you drive on our streets, you better hope the driver can see well enough. For that matter, the government doesn't cover certain blood tests and no longer covers annual pap tests.
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Elaine, as a senior in Ontario (65+) we are covered provincially for one annual eye exam. Perhaps those who have not reached that age are no longer covered annually, but I think it's been changed to every 2 years for under 65. That is unless, one has a severe vision problem. But you are correct since we don't know about the approaching driver, do we? As for annual pap tests, I wasn't aware of this but I will look into it. I am fortunate though as I do have my late hubby's military coverage for private insurance. Elaine Shuel
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Sorry to correct you frenchsalsa but not all procedures are covered in Ontario. For example, annual eye exams are no longer covered. So if you drive on our streets, you better hope the driver can see well enough. For that matter, the government doesn't cover certain blood tests and no longer covers annual pap tests.
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Thanks very much Lucas. I am sorry about your ex. I'm glad you go for regular colonoscopies, as you should. I know a guy that said that he'd rather get ill than have something up his behind. I consider that to be very foolish. You are wise. I can't comment on the health system in the USA, given I'm Canadian. It does sound like there are major problems with it. The same can be said here, to a lesser degree in some ways but more in others. Elaine Shuel
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Elaine eye exams aren't covered in BC either on MSP. They used to be at one time and then the Gov't cut it out. When I was working it was covered under my extended health insurance and it was once every two years. But that stopped when I retired. I go to an Optometrist and he only charges me $50 which is not the full price. Because I am a senior I get a discount. Also the mammogram is every year now as I explained in my previous post. My private insurance covers only about half of an eye exam so that's still plenty for me to pay. I do find it dangerous because drivers need to see. I don't understand how the governments of Ontario or BC can justify stopping coverage of such an important exam.Elaine Shuel
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Thanks LIszt, but I don't mind stirring people up in a good informative way. I don't see it as a political post. I see it as a warning, that people should make sure they get the medical care they need, one way or another. You are absolutely right about many preventative measures not being taken advantage of. That's a person's own fault if they don't take the tests they need to live longer. Thanks for your comment. Elaine Shuel
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3/23/2015 2:41 am |
Hi Elaine: Recently I had a particular blood test which is the test for ovarian cancer, and for the very first time in my entire life I was asked to pay ($35.00) for something that was not covered by my health insurance. After having lived in the U.S. and gone through the expense and nightmare of their HMO health insurance system with huge premiums, co-payments on everything, telephone calls, pre-authorizations, restrictions, appeals, etc etc. It was a nightmare!! So whatever piddly restrictions or limitations one may encounter with Canadian health insurance, we are so lucky to have it.
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Hi Elaine: Recently I had a particular blood test which is the test for ovarian cancer, and for the very first time in my entire life I was asked to pay ($35.00) for something that was not covered by my health insurance. After having lived in the U.S. and gone through the expense and nightmare of their HMO health insurance system with huge premiums, co-payments on everything, telephone calls, pre-authorizations, restrictions, appeals, etc etc. It was a nightmare!! So whatever piddly restrictions or limitations one may encounter with Canadian health insurance, we are so lucky to have it. Elaine Shuel
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I understand, Liszt. Thanks. Elaine Shuel
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Excellent, Bill.  It's good that you're so well taken care of. Thanks for commenting on my post. Elaine Shuel
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3/24/2015 5:21 pm |
In Edmonton the rule is for those with my medical history is to get a colonoscopy every five years. I had on last summer. In Calgary, for some reason, I didn't need one.
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3/24/2015 5:27 pm |
As much as I like our health care system, it could be a lot better. The Canadian public and governments could save bundles of loot if we had a Pharmacare system. New Zealand had the lost drug costs in the developed world because they pressed the drug companies for low prices. Estimates are that 10% of Canadians who need drugs cut back on them for cost reasons. This will put a greater burden on other parts of the system.
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In Edmonton the rule is for those with my medical history is to get a colonoscopy every five years. I had on last summer. In Calgary, for some reason, I didn't need one. I checked about eye exams coverage in Ontario last night. As I thought, those age 20 - 64 are no longer qualified for ANY eye exams period, unless they have a condition that warrants it. That means drivers on the road were tested only if they were willing to pay or their own private insurance covered all of it. That makes the road more dangerous. There are some services that clearly should be covered and OHIP doesn't cover them. Elaine Shuel
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As much as I like our health care system, it could be a lot better. The Canadian public and governments could save bundles of loot if we had a Pharmacare system. New Zealand had the lost drug costs in the developed world because they pressed the drug companies for low prices. Estimates are that 10% of Canadians who need drugs cut back on them for cost reasons. This will put a greater burden on other parts of the system. Thanks for your great comments on this topic, Rentier1. Elaine Shuel
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