Are there any doctors out there?

Question

OK I recently posted a question and I guess I was not very clear. Right now, I am visiting Canada and recently injured my ankle on a flight of icy stairs. (damn cold weather) Anyways, I went to a couple of ER's and Clinics and they are wanting to charge me over 500$ (which I do not have to spare) to diagnose and prescribe the medicine in which I need. I have insurance but they still say I have to pay the 500$ first. I am from America and I do not get free healthcare like Canadians do, I do not have the money and my insurance is not through my employer, I have contacted my insurance company to see what they suggest and they just told me to pay the 500$!!! I don't know what to do, I need pain medicine for god sakes, are there any caring doctors out there?

Answer 1

wow, and in the reverse meaning if you were here in America, we'd wrap it up and GIVE it to you. Just check out our ER. Sounds like you were used to how AMerica did it. Too bad to find out the rest of the world doesnt'. Try over the net to Mexico, stuff is OTC there. Or cross back over the border, go to any ER and get treatment! (I know, I'm just a little edgy this AM) I'm sure there are alot of caring docs out here, but why would you expect a hand out? What makes you any different than all the other people in Canada? The fact that you're from AMerica. So, you're option is not putting out your hand, use your head and do what you need to do.
And just so you know: 99% of the doctors I know care. They could't do their jobs if they didn't. You question is offensive. Who chose your insurance? Was it forced on you? If it was your choice (and I assume it was) then you should have been aware of the copays. I think you're barking up the wrong tree. Maybe you should be upset at yourself for not being aware of the coverage, and upset at the ice for causing the slip, upset at the world cause you're in pain.

Answer 2

I Am Sorry that you are in Pain---Sincerely Sorry---I Have Dedicated 50 Years of MY LIFE to Medicine---In that 50 Years I Have Watched the Medical Profession Grow From Bandages into an Entity that I,For One am Ashamed to be associated With,at Times---When I was Teaching Medicine I Had Students From all Over the World---THey were Gratefull to Learn---They would Eventually Go Back to their Country where there was ONE DOCTOR every 300-400 miles---They Had to Know What they were doing---Their People Looked Up to them---Sadly that Program is a Shadow of Itself today---BUT Here in the USA---If You DO NOT have the Diagnosis Exact---You Can be SUED For Everything you Own,Or Ever Will Own---MALPRACTICE INSURANCE is Expensive---You NEVER Help ANYONE on the street---For Fear of this---There are TOO MANY ASSOCIATED offices that must be paid whenever you say PAIN !!!---This Bucket of Worms has grown with no Control in Sight---Medicine is More of a Buisness Today---Than a Caring Entity---Because of the costs of Technology,Specialized Care Supplies, Disposables, Licensed Techs.,Clerical Staff,Documentation, Multiple Specialities,High Wages & Research into even more expensive technics,Pharmasudicals & Equipment---This adds-Up to One HUGE Bill !!!---as things stand today---We Who Care Have Our Hands TIED !!!---My Advice to you is to Find a Religious Based Clinic---Stay Off that Foot till you do so, If You Can Take Ibuprufin,Do So,With Plenty of Fluid and a Little Snack so it will not Bother your stomach,It is an Anti-Inflamatory Pain Killer,Have Someone Wrap that Ankle in an Elastic Ace Bandage AFTER you soak it in warm Water with a touch of Epson Salts in it for 20 minuter or so---for Support and to keep the Swelling Down---TO Those ER's & Clinics You Were Refused Service to I Say---What You REAP You Will Sow---The VOTING Public WILL catch up with you one day---How Dare you REFUSE to take care of a fellow Human Being in Pain !!! You Have a Number of cases you can "Write Off"to Charity---Is there no Compassion in your SOUL ???---Good Luck---Wish I Could Be Of More Help---Signed---JEM

Answer 3

Ask at the local pharmacy.

Remember the difference between
"drug-seeking behavior" and
"presenting for diagnosis, treatment, and pain relief."

Use open questions, such as "Suggestions, please?"
when you call around for locations of clinics serving
Americans traveling in Canada.

Travel agencies with offices in Canada,
AAA,
your car insurance (yes.),
and the insurance carrier for the person responsible
for keeping the steps clear (be sure to tell them you
are not suing, you just need the medical care)
are other avenues you might pursue
for pain relief.

Alternatively, come home early,
with plans to visit again after you have healed.

Sorry that happened and has just so totally
ruined your visit!