Women's Health Co litiue

1 - 175 East 15th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5T 2P6 Tel (604) 736-4234 Fax (604) 876-1282 wvhc@vcn. bc.ca Health Information Line (604) 736-5262

Community Health Advocate Project

CHA is an ozitr~?achproJctthat educates women abotct their righs wt'thin the health care system

Women .peaking orn/for sap, npcfi&and appropriate health care for women

Patient's Rights Workshop Kit

Table Of Contents:

WCMission Statement ...... -...... 1

A Woman>sBill of Rights ...... -...... " ..- ...... - ...... - 2

Things to Consider Before you Start your Search ...... 3 What to Expect from a Health Care Practitioner ...... 4 . . What to Expect from a Physical Exmation...... 4 , Questions to Ask about Diagnosis/Treatment ...... 5

A Visit to the Doctor's Offlce ...... "...... 6

Additional Tests ...... "...... 7

Knowing Your Rights ...... 8

Doctor's Rights ...... 9 Additional Doctor Infomation -...... 10 The College of Physicians and Surgeons ...... 11-12 Lower Madand and Greater Vancouver Hospitals ...... 13

Vancouver Hospitals ...... 14 B C's Children Hospitals ...... 15 BC's WomenJs Hospital & Health Centre ...... 16 St. Paul's Hospital ...... 17 Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre ...... 18 ' Lion s Gate Hospital ...... "...... 19

Free Medical Clinics ...... 20 Free Youth Clinics ...... 21 Specialty Clinics and Hedth-Related Services...... 22-23 Medical Services Plan (MSP) ...... 24

Pharmacare ...... 25

Glossary - What Words Mean...... --. .... 26-28

VWHC Mission Statement (Policy Manual October 2001)

The Vancouver Women's Health Collective (VWHC) provides information, resources and other support for women to empower themselves to take charge of their own health care.

CHA Information Kit - Vancouver Women's Health Collective - page 1 A Woman's Bill of Rights

I have the right to be treated as an equal human being

I have the right to be listened to and have my problems taken seriously

I have the right to an explanation that I can understand in my native language (using a translator if necessary) on any questions concerning health care

I have the right to know the choices I face in getting treated for any health problems, and to have the possible side-effects of any drug or surgical treatment clearly explained

I have a right to chose the types of treatment I prefer from among the options offered to me by my doctor

I have the right for normal events in my life, such as pregnancy and menopause, not be treated as diseases requiring treatment

I have the right to choose natural therapies and not be ridiculed for doing SO

I have the right to request a second opinion on any major surgery or health decision

I have the right to refuse any drug or surgical treatment

CHA Information Kit - Vancouver Women's Health Collective - page 2 Things to Consider Before you Start your Search

Do you feel more comfortable with a male or female practitioner?

Does the practitioner need to speak your language of origin, or understand your culture?

Do they need to know about your particular health matter?

How far are you willing to travel?

What are the convenient times of day for you for an appointment?

you want to be able to see your practitioner on the weekends?

they make house-calls?

What hospital do they work with? Which hospital do you want to go to?

Do you want to be able to bring your partner, family member, or a support person to your visits?

CHA Information Kit - Vancouver Women's Health Collective - page 3 What to Expect from a Health Care Practitioner

They should: Listen to you Explain medical terms in a way that you understand Treat you with respect Accept your lifestyle Not make assumptions about your life Pay attention to what is happening in your life Accept your use of complementary or traditional treatment Keep anything you tell them private and confidential Return phone calls in a reasonable amount of time

What to Expect from a Physical Examination

They must: Touch you in a gentle and professional manner

Ask you if what they are doing hurts or is uncomfortable

Explain what they are doing

If the practitioner is a male, he must be willing to provide you with the name of a female doctor to perform the examination

If the practitioner is a male, he should ask you if you would like a nurse, in the room during an examination. He must be willing to do this if you ask.

CHA Information Kit - Vancouver Women's Health Collective - page 4

------Questions to ask about your Diagnosis and Treatment

If your doctor tells you what he/she thinks your problem is, here are some questions that you can ask to clarify your situation. This will help you get information to help make informed decisions for yourself.

Diagnosis What do I have? What causes it? How did I get it? How long could I have it for? What happens next? Do I get sicker or better? Can I give it to anyone else? Could I have something other than that? Can you refer me to someone for a second opinion?

Treatment What treatment do you suggest? How does that treatment work? How long will I have to take it? What are the side-effects? Are there other treatments? If so, how can I find out more about these options? Is there anything I can try that does not involve pills or surgery? What would happen if I do not treat it? If the treatment does not work, what is the next step? Where can I get more information/support?

CHA Information Kit - Vancouver Women's Health Collective - page 5 A Visit to the Doctor's Office:

When it's your first visit to a new doctor, you may be asked to fJ1 out a form. You may be asked to fJ1 this form out in the waiting area or in the examining room.

This form may require you to answer questions about: your medical history the health of your family members how you feel what kind of work you do what kind of medications you are taking do you smoke

During your exam your doctor may: ask you to change into an examination gown -if so she/he should leave the room as you change -the opening of the gown should be on your back take your pulse (on your wrist, neck, or under your left breast) check your blood pressure use a stethoscope to listen to your breathing through your chest and back (you may be asked to lift up your shirt) shine a light into your ears, eyes and throat check your reflexes (usually done by tapping your knees lightly with a small mallet) check your skin for any irregular moles or skin spots check your breasts for lumps or irregularities do a pelvic exam which includes: -a pap test (taking a sample of cells from your cervix to diagnose abnormal or cancerous cells) - examination of your genitals, ovaries, uterus, cervix check your stomach and intestinal area by gently pressing against your abdominal area

CHA Information Kit - Vancouver Women's Health Collective - page 6

- p- Additional Test:

To help diagnose you your doctor may require a blood, urine or stool sample. Your doctor should inform you why this is required and where and how these tests will be performed.

If your doctor prescribes medication for you to take he/she must tell you: why you are taking this medication how long to take it when to take it whether to take it with or without food what the possible side effects of taking this medication are

You have the right to request that a family member, friend, or nurse be present with you at any time you are in the doctor's office.

CHA Information Kit - Vancouver Women's Health Collective - page 7 Knowing Your Rights

You have the right to:

ask questions about your health and illness

good explanations you can understand

say no to, or refuse treatment

ask for further information and resources about your health

go to another practitioner for a second opinion

confidentiality and privacy

have access to your medical records, and read them

have your medical records transferred to another health care practitioner

decide the future of your health

seek 'alternative' therapies and medications

CHA Information Kit - Vancouver Women's Health Collective - page 8 Doctor's Rights

Full Disclosure: In order to help you, your doctor needs detailed information about your family and medical history, any prescriptions you may be taking, allergies, addictions, and specific symptoms that may be causing you trouble. An accurate diagnosis may not be possible without this information.

Common Courtesy: If you make an appointment, show up. Or give reasonable notice if you need to cancel (usually 24hrs).

Advanced Planning: Write down symptoms before your appointment. So, you can give your doctor as much information as possible.

Questions: Help your doctor by asking questions. If you do not understand ask for a simpler explanation.

Follow advice & follow through: Take medications as directed. If you're experiencing side effects because of the medication, let your doctor know.

Enough time to make a diagnosis: Doctors need enough time to examine you and run tests. This may mean that you wait longer for an appointment

Room for disagreement: What you think is in your best interest may not be what your doctor thinks is best. Allow for a difference of opinion and give your doctor a chance to explain his/her side.

Professional conduct: Don't request unusual favors that compromise your doctor's moral beliefs, and don't ask your doctor to do something illegal. (for example write false letters to employers about your health).

CHA Information Kit - Vancouver Women's Health Collective - page 9 Refuse treatments: Doctors have the right to refuse, to perform any procedure or treatment. If he or she feels it is not in the patient's best interest. You can request a referral for a second opinion if you disagree.

Keep records: Doctors have the right to keep personal and confidential notes on their patients.

End relationship with patient: Doctors have the right to discontinue a therapeutic relationship with any patient. If this happens the doctor must: - explain why he/she wants to end the relationship - the doctor must continue treating the patient until the patient fmds another doctor.

Additional Doctor Information:

Doctors are legally responsible to keep records for seven years after the last date of entry.

The Medical Association (BCMA) suggests that each doctor have his or her own policy on how much it costs to transfer fdes from doctor to doctor. BCMA recommends a transfer fee of $14.20 to transfer your fde to another doctor. Most doctors will charge a photocopying fee of 1.00 per page for the information in your fde instead of the $14.20 transferring fee.

CHA Information Kit - Vancouver Women's Health Collective - page 10 The College of Physicians and Surgeons

The College of Physicians and Surgeons was formed in 1886 as part of the Medical Practitioners Act. The College supervises doctors registered in British Columbia. Doctors registered in BC are licensed to practice medicine, surgery and midwifery. The purpose of the College is to protect the public and to guide the doctors of BC using rules found in the MedicalPractitionersAct. It is run by a group of 10 elected and 5 members called a council. The Council works to maintain the rules set for doctors. These rules include conduct and qualification of doctors. And, how to deal with complaints against doctors. You can call the College for information, doctor referrals and to make complaints or share concerns.

Mailing Address: College of Physicians and Surgeons 1807 W. 1oh Avenue Vancouver, BC V6J 2A9 Phone Number: (604) 733-7758 Outside the : 1-800-461-3008 Sexual Complaints Hotline: 1-800-661-9701 Web Site: www.cpsbc.ca

The Complaint Process: To make a complaint: call any of the above numbers write to the College at the above address include in your letter: - your name, address, and phone number - the name and address of the doctor the complaint is about - why you are complaining (as clearly and completely as possible) - your permission to send a copy of your complaint to the doctor in question.

In special cases the College will help you write a letter of complaint if you ask for their help.

CHA Information Kit - Vancouver Women's Health Collective - page 11 When a complaint is received the College will: share your complaint with the doctor will ask him/her to respond the College may contact people they think may be helpful the College may look at records (hospital, doctor) the College will tell you how the doctor responded if the person complaining is satisfied with the doctor's response there will be no more investigation

If a complaint is found valid: A committee can make suggestions to the doctor for change in the doctor's future practice reprimand the doctor fine the doctor

The person who fded the complaint will receive a letter from the college stating how the complaint was dealt with.

CHA Information Kit - Vancouver Women's Health Collective - page 12 Lower Mainland and Greater Vancouver Hospitals

Burnaby Hospital 3935 Kincaid Street, South Region 604-434-421 1 15521 Russell Avenue, White Rock 604-531-5512

Chilliwack General Hospital 45600 Menholm Road, The 604-795-41 41 Richmond Health Services part of Van/ Richmond Health Board 7000 Westminster Highway 5800 Mountain View Boulevard, Delta 604-278-971 1 604-946-1 121

Eagle Ridge Hospital Ridge Meadows Hospital Simon Fraser Health Region Simon Fraser Health Region 475 Guildford Way, Pea Moody 11666 Laity Street, Maple Ridge 604-461 -2022 604-463-41 11

Fraser Canyon Hospital 1275 7&Avenue, Hope Simon Fraser Health Region 604-869-5656 330 E. Columbia Street, Langley Memorial Hospital 604-520-4253 Simon Fraser Healtb Region 2205 1 Fraser Highway, Langley Saint Mary's Hospital 604-534-4121 Simon Fraser Health Region 220 Royal Ave, New Westminster Mission Memorial Hospital 604-521 -1881 7324 Hurd Street, Mission 604-814-5100 MSA General Hospital 13750 96&Avenue, Surrey 21 79 McCallum Road, Abbotsford 604-581-221 1 604-853-2201

CHA Information Kit - Vancouver Women's Health Collective - page 13 Vancouver Hospitals

Arbutus Care Centre d. St. Vincent's Hospitals 4505 Valley Drive Arbutus Site 604-261-4292 6650 Arbutus Street 604-266-41 66 BC's Children's Hospital 4480 Oak Street Heather Site 604-875-2345 749 West 33'd Avenue 604-876-71 71 BC's Women's Hospital And Health Centre Langara Site 4500 Oak Street 255 West 62ndAvenue Hospital: 604-875-2424 604-325-41 16 Health Centre: 604-875-3060 Youville Residence 4950 Heather Street North Shore Health Region 604-261-9371 231 East 15&Street, North Vancouver 604-988-3131 Vancouver Hospital and Patient Information: 604-984-5987 Health Sciences Center: 899 W. 12&Avenue 604-875-41 11 Providence Health Care: www.vanhosp.bc.ca

UBC Hospital Site Holy Family Hospital Koemer Pavilion 7801 Argyle Street 2211 Wesbrook Mall, UBC 604-321-2661 Vancouver General Mount Saint Joseph Hospital Hospital Site 3080 Prince Edward Street 855 West 12&Avenue 604-874-1 141 604-875-41 11 Admitting.604-877-8514

St. Paul's Hospital 1081 Burrard Street 604-682-2344 Admitting.604-806-8010 Patient Information:604-806-8011

CHA Information Kit - Vancouver Women's Health Collective - page 14 BC's Children's Hospital

BCJs Children's Hospital is located at 4480 Oak Street in Vancouver. This hospital serves residents of British Columbia from birth to age 16. BC's Children's Hospital offers family-centered care. They recognize the effect a child's illness has on the family as a whole.

Contact Numbers: Hospital Switchboard: 604-875-2345 Admitting: 604-875-2140 Emergency: 604-875-2134 General Health Records Information: 604-875-3005

Patient Information: Visiting hours are 24 hours for family members, and 2pm to 8pm for others, 604-875-2140

Family Resource Library: The library is located on the 3rdfloor and is open Monday to Friday, loam to 4pm, 604-875-2345, local 7644

Social Workers: Social workers offer support for patients and families, 604- 875-2345, local 7644

Translators: You need to pre-book for an interpreter It may be faster to ask your doctor to book a translator for you, 604-875-3402

Security: You can call security if you want someone to walk with you to your car at night, 604-875-2345, Local 2999

Partners in Care: This is a Parent Advisory Committee that advises the hospital, and offers support to families looking after children or youth in the hospital 604-875-2345, Local 7205

Parent Line: The parent line provides support and information to parents with questions or concerns, 604-875-3500

Heather House Hostel: Heather House is a place for people to stay if they have family or friends in the hospital, 604-875-2298

BC's Children's Hospital Foundation: You can call here for information about hospital programs, 604-875-2444, or 1-800-663-1553

CHA Information Kit - Vancouver Women's Health Collective - page 15 BC's Women's Hospital & Health Centre

BC's Women's Hospital and Health Centre is located at 4500 Oak Street in Vancouver. The hospital's goal is to enhance and promote the health of women, newborns and families.

Contact Numbers:

Hospital Switchboard: 604-875-2424

Admitting: 604-875-21 52

Patient and General Information: 604-875-2174

Interpretation Services: Open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pmJ 604-875- 3402

Coordinator of Language Services: 604-875-2581

Financial Information: 604-875-2500

Social Workers: 604-875-2926

Public Relations: 604-875-2301

Women's Health Care Centre & Programs: 604-875-3060

Childbirth Programs: 604-875-21 69

Family Practices (Maternity Program): 604-875-21 60

Spiritual Care: This is a support service that aims to provide comfort and compassion to those experiencing difficult times or hard decisions. A Chaplain is available on-call 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week, 604-875-3025

CHA Information Kit - Vancouver Women's Health Collective - page 16

------St. Paul's Hospital

St. Paul's Hospital is located at 1081 Burrard Street in downtown Vancouver. It has two entrances, one on Comox Street and the other on Thurlow Street. The hospital has three main areas of focus: HIV/AIDS treatment, cardiovascular sciences, and kidney care.

Contact Numbers:

Hospital Switchboard: 604-682-2344

Patient Information: Visiting hours are usually 12 noon to Bpm, 604-806-8011

Admitting: 604-682-2344, Local 62157

Translator Services: Interpretation services are available 24 hours a day. Patients or family members can request an interpreter either through their doctor or by calling Translator Services, 604-877-8500

Cashier's Office: Open every weekday from 9am to 430pm 604-682-2344, Local 62636

Patient Representative: The Patient Representative handles patients' complaints and concerns, 604-806-8284

Communications Department: The Communication Department provides information about the health departments and programs at St. Paul's, 604-806- 8222

Social Work Service: Social workers offer patients their families suppoa, 604- 806-8221

Pastoral Care: Pastoral care offers emotional and spiritual support to patients and family members during their stay at the hospital, 604-806-8163

CHA Information Kit - Vancouver Women's Health Collective - page 17 Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre (VHHSC)

The Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre (VIJHSC) has five hospital sites: the George Pearson Centre; Mary Pack Arthritis Centre; UBC Hospital; and Vancouver General Hospital.

Contact Numbers:

Hospital Switchboard: 604-875-4111

Interpreter Services: The VHHSC will try to access a trained interpreter for most common languages, 604-875-4566

Education Support Services: 604-875-4433

The Patient & Family Resource Centre: Questions about the hospitals and treatments can be answered here. Open Monday to Friday, loam to 5pm, 604 875-5887

Patients Relations Office: If a patient has problems and/or concerns around her stay she can call this office, 604-875-5591

If you are going into the hospital as an out-patient, go directly to the department where your treatment will take place.

Web Sites: www.vanhosp.bc.ca www.vanhosp.bc.ca/html/vhhsc~maps~vgh. html www.vanhosp.bc.ca/html/patient_inpatient~chec~~belon~gs www.vanhosp.bc.ca/html/patient-outpatient-support.html

CHA Information Kit - Vancouver Women's Health Collective - page 18 Lions Gate Hospital

Lions Gate Hospital is located at 231 E. 15&Avenue in North Vancouver, one block off Lonsdale Avenue. It is a community hospital that provides acute, general, rehabilitative, and psychiatric services. The hospital can provide patients with a list of available translators As well there are staff members fluent in various languages.

Contact numbers:

Hospital switchboard: 604-988-3131

Patient Information: 604-984-5987

Admitting. 604-988-3131, Local 491 6

Financial concerns: 604-984-5980

Manager of Patient Access: 604-984-5952

Medical Day Centre: 604-984-5752

Emergency Department: Located off of St. George's Street 604-984-5799

Social Work Provides support for patients and their families facing issues such as illness, plans for discharge, personal problems, bereavement, or depression 604-984-5810

Palliative Care Services: 604-984-3743

Medical Outpatient Clinic: 604-984-5753

Rehabilitation Se~ces:604-984-5809

Psychiatric Inpatient Services: 604-988-3131

Child and Youth Hospital Liaison: 604-984-3854

CHA Information Kit - Vancouver Women's Health Collective - page 19 Free Medical Clinics

Bridge Community Health Clinic Mount Saint Joseph Hospital 31d Floor-North Wing 3080 Prince Edward Street Free health care for refugees and new immigrants only. Drop-in clinic no appointment necessary. No referral required. M, T, Th, F: 1:OOpm to 4:OOpm & W: 1:OOpm to 5:OOpm.

Downtown Community Health Clinic 604-255-3151 412 E. Cordova Street Free medical services for people of the downtown eastside. M, T, Th, F: 8:30am to 430pm & W: 8:30am to 3:OOpm. Also W, F: 6:30pm to 8:30pm & Sat, Sun: 9:30arn to 5:30pm; Saturday service is for women only between 1:OOpm and 400pm.

Richmond Free Clinic Richmond City Hall-West Annex 6911 No.3 Road, Richmond Free medical services for all Richmond residents. MSP coverage not required. Drop-in no appointment necessary. W: 3:30pm to 5:30pm

Street Health Outreach Program 604-583-5666 10667 l35A Street, Surrey Provides general health services, including testing and counseling for hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases. Has a free on-site needle-exchange program. Phone for hours.

Vancouver Native Health Society Clinic 604-255-9766 449 E. Hastings Street Walk-in clinic providing free service to aboriginals and others on a first-come, first-serve basis. Methadone treatment and blood testing for a variety of conditions also offered. M through Th: 9:30am to 8:OOpm & F through Sun: 9:30am to 5:OOpm

Please Note: M - Monday, T - Tuesday, W - Wednesday, Th - Thursday, F - Friday, S - Saturday, Sun - Sunday

CHA Information Kit - Vancouver Women's Health Collective - page 20 Free Youth Clinics

Boulevard Youth Clinic 604-261-6366 21 10 W. 43rdAvenue For youth up to and including age 25. Drop-in. Hours Tuesdays 2:30pm to 5:30pm.

Commercial Drive Youth Clinic 604-253-3575 Phone for location, information. Service youth up to and including age 20. Drop-in. Open Thursdays 3:30pm to 6:30pm.

East Youth Clinic 604-872-2511 3425 Crowley Drive Service youth and adults up to and including age 25. No appointment needed. Hours Tuesdays 3:30pm to 6pm, and Fridays 2pm to 430pm.

Knight Street Clinic 604-321-6151 6405 Knight Street Provides services for adults and youth over 12 years of age. Drop-in service. Open Mondays 2:15pm to 4:30pm, and Thursdays 5:30pm to 8pm.

Mid-Main Community Health Youth Clinic: 604-709-6400 Centre and Youth Clinic Medical Clinic: 604-873-3666 3998 Main Street The health centre provides reduced fee dental services. MSP is needed. The youth clinic provides services for youth up to and including age 19. Phone for hours.

Pine Community Health Clinic 604-736-2391 1985 W. 4& Avenue Priority given to any under 25 years old and to those with no medical insurance. Hours Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9am to Noon and 2pm to 5pm, Wednesdays 9am to Noon and 2:30 to 7:30, and Saturdays lpm to 4pm, for youth only.

Three Bridges Youth Services 604-736-9844 1292 Homby Street Provides services to individuals under age 26. Drop-in basis. MSP not required. Open Mondays to Fridays 1:30pm to 8pm.

CHA Information Kit - Vancouver Women's Health Collective - page 21 Specialty Clinics and Health-Related Services

BC Centre for Disease Control 604-660-0584 655 W. 12&Avenue Operates several clinics specializing in disease prevention and control services, including the Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic, Epidemiology Services, Hepatitis Information Line, and Tuberculosis Control Services. Call for information and hours.

Downtown Eastside Health Outreach Van 604-551-5011 233 Main Street Mobile health outreach program provides basic nursing services and a needle exchange program. Available Mondays to Sundays, mid-afternoon to 1:30am.

411 Seniors Centre 604-684-8171 41 1 Dunsmuir Street Activity centre for seniors provides general health services and dental clinics. Phone for clinic hours.

Herpes Research Clinic 604-689-9404 1134 Burrard Street Appointment by referral, nurses are on duty Monday to Friday lpm - 4pm to answer general inquiries. Open Mondays to Fridays 8:30am to 5pm.

Evergreen Community Health 604-872-2511 Centre 3425 Crowley Drive Programs include prenatal classes, nutritional counselling, newborn home visit, child health clinic, parent and infant/toddler groups, immunization, residential care facilities and meal programs. Multicultural services and referrals are also available.

Needle Exchange 604-685-6561 221 Main Street Program for intravenous drug users and sex trade workers, needle exchange, free condoms, alcohol wipes, clean water bottles, and bleach. Operates Monday through Thursday 8:30arn to 8pm. Phone for mobile van service locations and hours.

CHA Information Kit - Vancouver Women's Health Collective - page 22 Oak Tree Clinic 604-875-2212 BC's Women's Hospital and Health Centre 4500 Oak Street Provides medical and educational services for women, children and youth living with HIV/AIDS, family support. Phone for hours.

STD/HIV Outreach Nurses 604-660-7483 BC Centre for Disease Control 655 W. 12&Avenue Street nurses provide counselling, free HIV/STD testing and treatment, condoms, needle exchange, hepatitis vaccines, and vein maintenance education. Outreach nurses also work at the Bute Street Clinic at 1170 Bute Street, phone number 604-660-7949, and the Main Street Clinic at 219 Main Street, phone number 604-660-9695. Call for hours.

St. Paul's Infectious Disease Clinic 604-806-8060 1081 Burrard Street By referral only. Call for an appointment between 8am and 4pm daily.

Travel Clinic 604-736-9244 Level 5-601 W. Broadway Provides immunization, vaccines, and information. There is a cost for most vaccines. Phone for an appointment.

Vietnamese Clinic East Vancouver Health Unit 2610 Victoria Drive Provides health information, counselling and referrals to the Vietnamese- speaking community. Open Mondays 2:30pm to 4:30pm by appointment.

Wish Drop-in Centre 604-681-9244 First United Church (Gore Street Entrance) 320 E. Hastings Street Offers health care services support and advocacy to female sex trade workers. Open Sunday through Friday, 6pm to 10pm.

CHA Information Kt - Vancouver Women's Health Collective - page 23 Medical Services Plan (MSP)

The Medical Services Plan (MSP) provides basic medical coverage for residents of British Columbia. If you are a resident, you have to register yourself and your dependents with MSP. When you register, you will receive a CareCard with a personal health number.

Mailing Address: PO Box 9035 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, BC V8W 9E3

Vancouver Office: #2-4603 Kingsway Street, Bumaby, BC

Automated Information Line: 604-683-71 51 Enrollment and Premiums: 604683-71 51 Medical Claims: 604-806-0234 Web site: www.hlth.gov.ca/msp

Coverage - MSP covers the following services: visits to a general physician for health problems and check-ups blood and urine testing when ordered by a physician pap smears for cervical cancer maternity care by a physician or registered midwife care by a medical specialist (such as a surgeon, anesthetist or psychiatrist) when referred by a physician or other medical specialist x-ray and laboratory services when ordered by a physician or other medical specialist dental and oral surgery when medically required to be performed in a hospital medically required eye examinations (routine exams available for those 18 years of age and younger and 65 years of age and older) ambulance services, not including a user fee of approximately $50.00 abortion services medically required podiatry

MSP does not pay for items such as crutches, canes, splints and fiberglass casts. MSP also covers a total of 10 combined visits per year to a chiropractor, a physiotherapist, a podiatrist, a massage therapist, and a naturopath. You must have an income of $20,000 or less per year to qualify.

CHA Information Kit - Vancouver Women's Health Collective - page 24

--- . ------Pharmacare

Pharmacare is the provincial drug program that helps residents of British Columbia pay for certain prescription drugs and medical supplies. Pharmacare is divided into seven different plans. Two of these plans, the Universal Plan and the Seniors Plan, are described below.

Mailing address: Pharmacare, Ministry of Health PO Box 9655, Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, BC V8W 9P2

Telephone Enquiries: 604-682-6849 in the Lower Mainland 1-800-554-0250 outside the Lower Mainland

Coverage - The Universal Plan provides coverage for: BC families and individuals under 65 years of age when family expenses for eligible drugs and supplies reach $1,000 in a year (Jan 01 to Dec 31) Pharmacare will cover 70% of further costs for the remainder of the year if family Pharmacare costs reach $2000 Pharmacare will cover 100% of further costs for the remaining year if you qualify for premium assistance the minimum you pay is $800

The Seniors Plan provides coverage for: BC residents 65 years and older you must be registered with Medical Services Plan to receive a goldcard if you do not receive government assistance the goldcard entitles you to pay a maximum of $275 in drug and dispensing fee costs for eligible drugs in any year (Jan 01 to Dec 31) Pharmacare will 100% of drug for the rest of the year if on government assistance seniors will pay $10 per prescription to a maximum of $200 in any year (Jan 1 to Dec 31) Pharrnacare will 100% of drug for the rest of the year

Pharmacare benefits include: Eligible drugs prescribed by a physician, surgeon, dentist, midwife, or podiatrist Insulin, needles, and syringes for diabetics Blood glucose monitoring strips when medically necessary Certain ostomy supplies Certain permanent prosthetic appliances and children's orthodontic devices @races)

Consideration may be given for coverage of non-benefit medications in cases of medical emergency. Talk with your physician for more information.

CHA Information Kit - Vancouver Women's Health Collective - page 25 GLOSSARY - WHAT WORDS MEAN

ABUSE to treat badly or wrongly

ADMIT to enter someone into a hospital, long-term care facility etc.

ADVOCACY to speak or act for; to represent

ALTERNATIVE another choice or way of doing something

APPOINTED named to a job or position

AUTHORITY a person with special power or knowledge

CAREGIVER person taking care of someone's health needs, like a doctor or a nurse

COMMIT to have someone sent to a hospital or prison

COMPLEMENTARY another choice or way of doing something

CONFIDENTIAL private; an agreement between two or more people to keep information between themselves

CONSENT to agree to or give permission for

CONSTITUTION a written document stating rules for how a country and its people are to be governed

CRITERIA standards or levels used to measure or decide something, like how a person can be put into a mental health facility without their permission

DETENTION being put somewhere and having to stay there

DIAGNOSIS a doctor's opinion about what is happening to your physical or mental health

CHA Information Kit - Vancouver Women's Health Collective - page 26

-- - - DISCHARGE to let go; to release

DISCIPLINARY doing something to a person or malung them do ACTION something as a way to punish or correct them

DISPENSING a cost for the service of giving something out, like pills

FEE ELIGIBLE made available, under or part of, an agreement for example; a medication that is covered under Pharrnacare could be called elseunder Pharmacare

ENFORCE to make sure that a rule or law is obeyed

ELECTED voted into a position

EXAMINE to look at and study in order to find out more about something

FACILITY a building that is used for a certain purpose; a mental health facility is a place that is used for taking care of mental health patients

GUARDIAN a person who by law is in charge of the care of another person as set down under law

GUARDIANSHIP taking care of another person

HEALTH CARE somebody who is licensed to give health care, PROVIDER such as a doctor, nurse, dentist, or surgeon

IMMUNIZE to protect from a disease by giving a vaccine

INVOLUNTARY without your conscious permission

LEGAL in the law; allowed by law

CHA Information Kit -Vancouver Women's Health Collective - page 27 LICENSE a piece of paper stating that a person is allowed by law to do something, such as practice medicine (be a doctor)

MUNICIPAL the local or city level of government NEGLECT to not give enough care or attention, to the point of harm

PERMISSION allow or agree to let somebody do something

PRESCRIPTION recommended medication to treat a health problem

PROCEDURE usual way of doing something

PROVINCIAL the provincial level of government

POLICY a rule or plan of action by a group or organization

RESPONSIBLE to be in charge of and answerable for

RIGHTS what a person is entitled to by law

SIDE EFFECTS how a pill or medication may affect you in ways other than the reason for which you are taking it, for example an allergy medication may make you sleepy, so the side effect would be drowsiness

SUBMIT hand in

SUPERVISE to watch over

SYMPTOM a sign of something else, for example, a high temperature would be a symptom of fever

TREATMENT a thing done to relieve or cure an illness

VACCINE something made from the germs that cause a disease that is given to people to stop them from getting the d'isease

CHA Information Kit - Vancouver Women's Health Collective - page 28