I try to follow the what is happening around the world when it comes to Healthcare. Being in Canada, our healthcare system tends to be more passive than in other places in the World, yet we tend to “adopt” systems and laws after they have proven to be beneficial in other countries. (Or at least in theory, that is the way it should work). 😉
In the Graceful Agony chat room this past Friday as well as on our Facebook group page, we began to touch on the differences between chronic pain treatment in the US, as opposed to treatment here in Canada. There are many things that set the two apart – namely available medications, and wait-times to receive proper care. While Canadians continue to be frustrated with the dreadfully long wait lists to see specialists, and shake their heads at the medications that could potentially improve their lives that are NOT available here… The unanimous opinion of my friends to the south is that their system only protects the people who can afford to be well – and the others fall by the wayside.
Will the NEW healthcare reform legislation that was signed into law this week in the USA lead to better treatment of Chronic Pain?
The American Academy of Pain Medicine believes so. In a statement released in conjunction of the new reform laws being passed, they say that certain parts of the new legislation has the potential to “improve the quality of life for people who suffer with chronic and acute pain.”
How will this be achieved one might ask?
Through things such as awareness, education, training, and research becoming priorities – THIS is what is being alleged anyhow. Click on this link to read more in a Press Release in the news today.
The American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAP) is applauding the effort to address the urgent crisis that IS our health…. Are you?
Do you believe that this will create positive change?
While the Chronic Pain sufferers to the North might not believe that this will have an impact on the Canadian Health Care System, I believe otherwise. IF the new laws end up being a step in the right direction in the US, my hope is that the ripple effect will be felt here as well.
Please share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section… I’d love to hear from all of you!
Graceful Agony 