I think this is an incorrect impression caused by cherry-picking data. E.g. in the dataset linked below, while some European countries have longer waiting times

I think this is an incorrect impression caused by cherry-picking data. E.g. in the dataset linked below, while some European countries have longer waiting times for elective surgery, they have between 2x and 10x shorter waiting times than the US when it comes to seeing a primary physician. Which is arguably one of the most important metrics for getting people medical attention on time. Furthermore, in many non-US countries you have "controversial" things like emergency contraceptives being prescription free, so people don't even need to see a doctor in the first place. Imagine how much more efficient that is. https://www.statista.com/chart/33079/average-waiting-times-for-a-doctors-appointment/ https://www.statista.com/chart/33079/average-waiting-times-f...