The Canadian Consumer's Guide to Health Care: How to Get the Health Care You Need When You Need It

Whether your child needs to see a doctor, or your elderly mother needs additional home care, or you find yourself on a lengthy waiting list for more tests, the complexities of the Canadian health care system can be intimidating and confusing.

How do you get the health care you need, when you need it?

In The Canadian Consumer's Guide to Health Care, Sharon Lindenburger, noted health care journalist, takes a snapshot of our health care system and shows you how to work within it to care for yourself and your loved ones. She gives you the answers to many frequently asked questions, such as:

• How do I find a good family doctor? Do I really need one?
• How do I get in to see a specialist?
• Is there a way to move up on the waiting list for tests?
• Should I consider going out-of-province for treatment?
• When should I get a second opinion? A third opinion?
• What is the difference between a psychiatrist, psychologist and therapist?
• What should I consider when looking for long-term care for an elderly parent?
• When should I consider alternative medicine?

In non-technical, easy-to-read style, Lindenburger describes the in's and out's of our health care system, where it is now and where it's going. She includes an extensive glossary, lists of diagnostic tests and terminology you will encounter in a hospital setting, and checklists to use when choosing a family doctor or investigating a long-term care facility.

In spite of recent changes, Canadians have an enviable health care system. In The Canadian Consumer's Guide to Health Care, Lindenburger demonstrates how you can become an empowered health care consumer and get the health care you need, when you need it.