The need is to prioritize, not ration

The Canadian model of medicare is based on shared values among governments, providers of care and the consumers of care. Rationing implies that a consensus exists as to what constitutes the most beneficial medical services and that an active decision be made by providers to choose inferior services to save societal resources. Such rationing can be arbitrary and non-scientific. A better option to prioritize healthcare spending is the development of best-practice guidelines that are agreeable to all concerned. Another approach is to reform the system in order to optimize the use of facilities, personnel and other resources. Many of these reforms will be expedited by the creation of information technology linkages between care providers.