Canadians arguably have a Charter right to contract with any healthcare provider they choose, and the Supreme Court of Canada recognized this right about 10 years ago. Patients should organize to both gain the access they want, and get it at the price point they want, so they are not gouged. Going outside the system is hardly double dipping. Clinics are often cleaner and safer than hospitals are now.

And, doesn't Ontario allow any doctor to opt out on any service, but still limit the doctor to OHIP rates? That seems more than fair to patients. I think doctors should be able to charge at least 20% more if they provide a clinic and access to faster care..

I do object, however, to true double dipping in which doctors tell patients that OHIP won't cover their plastic surgery or cataract removal, collect huge private fees from t, and then bill OHIP anyway. The plan, poorly run, just pays the doctor a second time, wasting tax dollars on services the patient has just paid out of pocket for.