Health Care System Delivery
Primary health care is the foundation of the health care system. It is the
first point of contact people have with the health care system. It could be
through a doctor, a nurse, another health professional, or perhaps through
phone or computer-based services.
Primary health care involves providing services, through teams of health
professionals, to individuals, families and communities. It also involves a
proactive approach to preventing health problems and ensuring better management
and follow-up once a health problem has occurred. These services are publicly
funded from general tax revenues without direct charges to the patient.
A patient may be referred for specialized care at a hospital or long-term
care facility or in the community. The majority of Canadian hospitals are
operated by community boards of trustees, voluntary organizations or
municipalities. For the most part, health care services provided in long-term
institutions are paid for by the provincial and territorial governments, while
room and board are paid for by the individual; in some cases these payments are
subsidized by the provincial and territorial governments.
Alternatively, health care services may be provided in the home and/or
community. Referrals to home care can be made by doctors, hospitals, community
agencies, families and potential residents. These services, such as
specialized nursing care, homemaker services and adult day care, are provided
to people who are partially or totally incapacitated. Needs are assessed, and
services are coordinated to provide continuity of care and comprehensive
care.
The provinces and territories also provide coverage to certain groups of
people (e.g., seniors, children and social assistance recipients) for health
services that are not generally covered under the publicly funded health care
system. These supplementary health benefits often include prescription drugs,
dental care, vision care, medical equipment and appliances (prostheses,
wheelchairs, etc.), independent living and the services of allied health
professionals, such as podiatrists and chiropractors. The level of coverage
varies across the country. Many Canadians have supplemental private insurance
coverage through group plans, which covers the cost of these supplementary
services.
What Information is Available
In this section, you will find information on the federal and
provincial/territorial roles in health care. There is also information on
federal/provincial/territorial collaboration on health care, including agreements on health care renewal.
Resources
Health Care System Division Working Papers
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