Are There Private Surgery Facilities in Canada?

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If you have been told you need to have a surgery, the most common reaction is to have it done asap.  In Canada, most people have already been waiting quite a long time to know that they will need to have surgery.  Being told there is a long wait is not anything one likes to hear.

Will this ever change?  It is anyone’s guess.  New Conservative leader Erin O’Toole has indicated he would allow patients more choice when it comes to private options.  This of course is quite a ways down the road.  With COVID added to the delays, it really presents additional challenges. 

Where Are The Private Facilities?

As of now, private facilities are very limited in Canada.  For instance, there are no known private surgical facilities within the Maritimes.  In all other provinces, there are a handful of private facilities, however, they are limited on what kind of surgery they can do.  For example, there are only a couple facilities that can do a knee and/or hip replacement.  None of the private facilities can accommodate over night stays.  The surgery would need to be on an outpatient basis, otherwise, you will have to wait and go through the system.  Not everyone is a candidate for an outpatient surgery so an evaluation needs to be done.

What Are The Rules For Going To A Private Facility?

Back in September of this year, British Columbia determined private facilities could no longer perform private surgery if you are a resident of BC.  This prompted closures and services offered to BC residents on a private basis to no longer exist.  They do, however, allow someone from another province to be treated at their facilities in a private manner.  In Saskatchewan, Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta, the same rule applies.  The facility is not able to provide private services to residents within that province.  This is only for those procedures already covered by their provincial insurance. Things like dentistry and cosmetic surgery would not apply.  The only province we are aware of that can take residents within their own province is Quebec.  

This presents a challenge because it requires travel.  Not everyone is willing to and in COVID times, it can be tricky with constantly changing rules and gray areas.  If you’d like to know what your options are within Canada, please give us a call and we can help assist in finding a facility that can meet your needs.

There are also other private facilities for MRI and CT Scans  For more information on those, see our other blog post here.

Health Vantis

877-344-3544

info@healthvantis.com

www.healthvantis.ca

Tips for Holiday Parties During COVID

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Tips for Holiday Parties During COVID Times

The holidays this year are going to be different, but they don’t have to be cancelled and can still be special as long as appropriate measures are taken.  Most people have the current guidelines down on wearing masks and staying 6 feet apart, however, here are some additional tips to help keep your guests safe and prevent the spread of COVID this year.  (*Note – Always adhere to your provinces’ current guidelines and allowances on groups and gatherings) :

  

  • Clorox or sanitize all surfaces prior to guests arriving, especially ones that will be high touch areas.
  • If you are the host, provide hand sanitizer easily accessible upon entry to your home and near the food table.
  • Try to avoid ‘pot lucks’ where everyone brings something for all to share.
  • Offer to provide all of the food and take extra precautions when preparing it to avoid contamination. Or, request that your guests bring their own food and drinks to partake in.  
  • The kitchen is the place to be at a party.  While this is the most common place people love to gather nowadays, encourage a new location for socializing away from the food and drinks.
  • Prior to partaking in the holiday food, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before you take or eat any of the food.
  • Provide and encourage single use utensils for the guests to fill their plates with as opposed to a serving utensil that all people will be using.  Or, designate one person to serve all portions of food.
  • Provide a touchless garbage can if available.  
  • Provide clorox wipes in the guest bathroom to encourage guests to wipe high touch areas after their use.  Take the community towel out of the bathroom and provide single use towels for guests to dry their hands on after washing.
  • Provide glass ware that can be written on and have the guest put their name on it so drinks are not confused if they get set down.  
  • Provide a spot in a less crowded area for your elderly guests to mingle and a comfortable seat that allows for social distancing.

Most of all, focus on the joy of being with your loved ones.   It has been a long year and we want to go into 2021 on a healthy note.  Being mindful of others and taking the guidelines seriously will help with that!

Health Vantis

877-344-3544

info@healthvantis.com

www.healthvantis.ca

Are There Private Options for MRI or CT Scan in Canada?

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Speed up your search and purchase a list of medical facilities for PRIVATE MRI or CT Scan in Canada/USA HERE

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