After spending almost a month in the hospital my 75 year old father went home today -- much to the relief of his wife, three children, and eight grandchildren. We all owe a debt of gratitude to the Canadian medical system (and St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver specifically). The hospital spared no expense in diagnosing and treating the extremely rare and often fatal condition my father developed (Acquired Hemophilia).
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/211186-overview
It took the team of hematologists assigned to my father's case less than two days to specifically diagnose and start to treat his illness (despite the fact he is currently the only sufferer in the entire Province). While he was in intensive care he had a nurse assigned to him personally (a work station was set up in his room to monitor his blood chemistry -- this work station was manned 24/7). Even after he got out of intensive care the personal care continued.
http://www.providencehealthcare.org/info_stpauls_main.html
And here's the kicker -- the hospital never inquired about my father's ability to pay, didn't have to waste incredibly valuable time getting pre-approval for the incredibly expensive synthetic clotting agents that were required. St. Paul's is in downtown Vancouver and treats homeless people and business executives and professionals exactly the same. And the bill -- $0.00.
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/211186-overview
It took the team of hematologists assigned to my father's case less than two days to specifically diagnose and start to treat his illness (despite the fact he is currently the only sufferer in the entire Province). While he was in intensive care he had a nurse assigned to him personally (a work station was set up in his room to monitor his blood chemistry -- this work station was manned 24/7). Even after he got out of intensive care the personal care continued.
http://www.providencehealthcare.org/info_stpauls_main.html
And here's the kicker -- the hospital never inquired about my father's ability to pay, didn't have to waste incredibly valuable time getting pre-approval for the incredibly expensive synthetic clotting agents that were required. St. Paul's is in downtown Vancouver and treats homeless people and business executives and professionals exactly the same. And the bill -- $0.00.
