Occam said:
Unrelated (somewhat) question:
If a member had a concern about the care (or lack thereof) for a condition they have complained about, but received nothing more than a "let's wait three months and see" when a specialist referral might be indicated, is there a mechanism at the various CF Health Services Centres for the member to raise their concerns?
Something along the line of patient advocates I have seen on staff at civilian hospitals?
The avenues to lodge patient complaints in CAF Health Centres are the Commanding Officer, the Base Surgeon, Company Sergeant-Major or the Primary Care Services Manager. Contact numbers are available here: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/health-support/medical-dental-centers.html
Most clinics have a Quality and Patient Safety Committee that review patient feedback and patient safety incidents. Not all currently have a patient representative on this committee.
A final avenue to follow is to ask for a referral to see a Case Manager. The Case Management Program is designed to help eligible CAF members identify and access health, pension and other related resources and to ensure continuity of care. There are "more than 60 Nurse Case Managers across the country to provide you with the best care possible. A Nurse Case Manager is available at most Canadian Forces Health Services Medical Clinics." More info here: http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/caf-community-health-services-case-mgmt/index.page
Medical Care Limitations
Limitations on the type, level and frequency of services will be applied by the Senior Medical Authority based on selection criteria and guidelines developed by the Surgeon General. These limitations are designed to ensure that a comprehensive range of appropriate medical services are provided to eligible persons based on professionally assessed need. Source: http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/caf-community-health-services-benefits-drug-coverage/limitations-medical-dental-care.page
The Senior Medical Authority at each Base is the Base Surgeon. See additional policy here:
http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/caf-community-health-services-benefits-drug-coverage/coverage-eligibility-management-access.page
Excerpt
"Coverage
Within the limits provided in this document, CAF members and other eligible persons will be:
provided comprehensive coverage, whether serving in Canada or abroad, including:
hospitalization and physician services;
supplemental health benefits including drugs and health practitioner's benefits;
occupational health services; and
dental services.
excluded from any deductible fees or co-payments for care and services provided by or authorized by the CAF, except where otherwise specified;
provided emergency health services from the nearest appropriate military or civilian treatment facility; and
responsible for all costs related to health care services not authorized, or for services from sources other than those designated and authorized by the senior Health Services authority.
In addition, payment will not be made for treatments or therapies if they are deemed to be:
controversial;
not scientifically founded or proven;
not medically beneficial; or
provided solely for cosmetic purposes.
Limitation: Health Services Outside Canada. Eligible persons residing in Canada will not be entitled to routine health services outside Canada.
Note: Consideration will be given for cost recovery for the fees that result from missed appointments."