General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: How would Medicare for All Work? Medicare today is viable because people have paid 30+ years into [View all]OnlinePoker
(6,168 posts)In my community of over 19,000, there are two doctors in a walk-in clinic. People have to line up first thing in the morning and hope to get a spot for the day. If not, try again tomorrow. The big issue is medical students doing their practicum in a GP's office see the issues there and opt to become specialists rather than have the headaches of a family practice. The BC government is trying to address the issues, but right now, GPs only get $30 per patient no matter how long the appointment lasts. From that, they're expected to pay the overhead for their office (staff, rent, equipment, etc) and, if they're relatively new to the profession, student loan debt. As a patient, it sometimes feels like you're on a conveyor belt when you need to see your doctor and you don't know if you're getting the care you need. The newer GPs are also not working as many hours as their older compatriots, preferring a more balanced work/life way of living.