In a surprise to many Americans, Europeans in most countries have almost complete freedom of choice in their providers. The United Kingdom is the exception. Even after reorganization of the National Health Service, primary care providers are assigned and serve a gatekeeper role. Certain comparisons can help deepen understanding of the European situation. Countries were selected on the basis of political, economic, health care and cultural characteristics.
Japan is included occasionally as a contrast to both the USA and selected European countries.
The comparisons use the most recent data available, from the mid-1990s.