Over 80% of all Manitobans (including RFN) see a physician at least once during any given year. However, RFN individuals have higher visit rates to general physicians than with all other Manitobans.  This is not an “overservicing” issue, but judging from the health status measures, it is needs-based. Consult rates are only slightly higher provincially for RFN compared with all other Manitobans (0.29 vs. 0.27 visits per person per year) - surprising given the poorer health status. 

The Tribal Council area of DOTC (in southern Manitoba) has the poorest health status, supposedly good access to Manitoba’s largest cities, yet has the lowest consult rate of all TC areas.  In contrast, the remote Island Lake TC has one of the highest consult rates.

Looking at the total number of visits to specialists (the first “consult” and subsequent visits), Winnipeg has the highest rates in the province both for RFN and for other Winnipeggers (1.6 RFN vs 1.7 all others), followed by areas in close proximity to the major urban centres (i.e., Brandon, Interlake, North Eastman) .  These do not appear to be particularly needs driven, showing higher rates for other Manitobans than for RFN. 

Six RHAs do show higher specialist visit rates for RFN compared with other residents in the region: Churchill, Nor-Man, Burntwood, Parkland, Marquette, South Westman.