Spinal Care in a Single-Payer System: The Canadian Example

This article provides a general understanding of the fundamental differences between the Canadian and United States health care systems and how they may relate to spine care. Issues regarding sustainability of either system are beyond the scope of this article. The Canadian perspective is presented in this article. These 2 systems are fundamentally different regarding universality and accessibility of health care coverage and delivery. Comparative studies for a variety of health states, including spinal disorders, do not show significant differences in outcomes between countries for those who are insured. Consequently, the pro's and con's of both systems are variable depending on the perspective taken.