BC Healthcare Glossary
Understanding the language of the healthcare system is the first step to navigating it effectively. This glossary defines key terms you will encounter in British Columbia.
Important: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Access to private services is subject to provincial regulations. "Private" refers to non-MSP insured services or opted-out providers. No referral or access is guaranteed.
Definition:
The public health insurance plan for British Columbia residents that covers medically necessary services provided by physicians and surgeons.
Why it matters in BC:
It is the foundation of public healthcare access in BC. Most residents must enroll.
Common Misconception:
MSP covers all medical costs (it does not cover most prescription drugs, dental, or paramedical services like physiotherapy without specific exemptions).
Definition:
Regional governance bodies responsible for delivering health services in specific geographic areas of BC (e.g., Vancouver Coastal Health, Fraser Health).
Why it matters in BC:
Wait times and available services can vary significantly between different Health Authorities.
Definition:
A General Practitioner who provides primary care and acts as the gatekeeper for specialist referrals in the public system.
Why it matters in BC:
Having a family doctor is crucial for longitudinal care and accessing specialists.
Note:
Many British Columbians currently do not have a family doctor due to shortages.
Definition:
Advanced practice nurses who can diagnose, prescribe medications, and refer to specialists, similar to a family doctor.
Why it matters in BC:
NPs are an increasingly common alternative to GPs for primary care in BC.
Definition:
A clinic offering same-day medical care for non-emergency issues without an appointment.
Why it matters in BC:
Useful for immediate minor issues but often cannot provide long-term care or complex referrals.
Definition:
Government-funded centres designed to provide same-day care for urgent, non-life-threatening issues and connect patients to primary care.
Why it matters in BC:
Intended to bridge the gap between walk-in clinics and emergency rooms.
Definition:
ER (Emergency Room) is for life-threatening conditions; Urgent Care is for serious but non-life-threatening issues requiring same-day attention.
Why it matters in BC:
Using the correct facility helps reduce overcrowding and wait times.
Definition:
A formal order from a doctor for a diagnostic test (like bloodwork, X-ray, MRI, or CT scan).
Why it matters in BC:
You cannot get a diagnostic test in BC (public or private) without a valid requisition.
Common Misconception:
You can just pay for a scan without a doctor's order (false; a requisition is legally required).
Definition:
A request from a primary care provider (GP/NP) to a specialist for consultation or treatment.
Why it matters in BC:
Required to see most specialists in BC. The referral letter details the medical reason for the visit.
Definition:
A system where referrals are sent to a central office and assigned to the first available specialist or a specific one if requested.
Why it matters in BC:
Often used to reduce wait times by distributing patients more evenly among available specialists.
Definition:
The process of prioritizing patients based on the severity of their medical condition.
Why it matters in BC:
Wait times are determined by triage category; more urgent cases are seen first.
Definition:
The list of patients waiting for a specific service, appointment, or procedure.
Why it matters in BC:
Being on a waitlist does not guarantee a specific date; timelines fluctuate based on system capacity and urgency.
Definition:
A target time frame set by health authorities for completing a procedure or appointment.
Why it matters in BC:
Actual wait times often exceed these benchmarks.
Definition:
Services deemed essential for diagnosing or treating a medical condition, as defined by MSP.
Why it matters in BC:
Only medically necessary services are covered by MSP. Cosmetic or elective procedures are not.
Definition:
Medical tests that create images of the body, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs.
Why it matters in BC:
Critical for diagnosis but often subject to significant wait times in the public system.
Definition:
Diagnostic imaging services provided by privately owned clinics for a fee.
Why it matters in BC:
Allowed in BC for non-medically necessary scans or for third-party payers (e.g., WCB, RCMP), and often accessed by individuals willing to pay out-of-pocket.
Note:
Access rules are complex; ensure you understand if your scan qualifies.
Definition:
Insured services are covered by MSP; uninsured services are not and must be paid for by the patient or private insurance.
Why it matters in BC:
Examples of uninsured services include cosmetic surgery, some forms of counseling, and certain administrative forms.
Definition:
Charging a patient for a service that is already covered by MSP.
Why it matters in BC:
This is generally prohibited in BC under the Medicare Protection Act.
Definition:
A doctor who has chosen to opt out of MSP and bills patients directly.
Why it matters in BC:
Patients seeing opted-out doctors may be reimbursed by MSP at a set rate, but the doctor can charge more than the MSP rate.
Note:
Very few doctors in BC are fully opted-out.
Definition:
A private practice model where patients pay a membership fee for enhanced access or non-insured services.
Why it matters in BC:
Membership fees cannot cover medically necessary services insured by MSP.
Note:
Carefully review what the fee covers to ensure compliance.
Definition:
Seeing a different doctor to review a diagnosis or treatment plan.
Why it matters in BC:
Patients can request a referral for a second opinion, but it is subject to specialist availability and acceptance.
Definition:
A list kept by clinics of patients willing to take a last-minute appointment slot if another patient cancels.
Why it matters in BC:
Getting on a cancellation list is a common strategy to see a specialist sooner.
Definition:
A new referral required if a previous one has expired or if a new issue arises.
Why it matters in BC:
Referrals often have a validity period (e.g., 6 months); follow-up care may require a new referral.
Definition:
A medical practice focused on a specific area of medicine (e.g., dermatology, cardiology).
Why it matters in BC:
Access usually requires a referral.
Definition:
Seeking medical treatment in another Canadian province.
Why it matters in BC:
MSP may cover some costs, but usually only at BC rates; patients often pay the difference.
Definition:
Traveling to another country (e.g., USA) for medical treatment.
Why it matters in BC:
Entirely out-of-pocket or covered by private travel/health insurance. MSP coverage for elective out-of-country care is virtually non-existent.
Definition:
Medical consultations provided remotely via video or phone.
Why it matters in BC:
Convenient for minor issues and referrals, but limited for physical examinations.
Note:
Some private telemedicine platforms charge fees for the platform/convenience, not the medical visit itself.