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Dr. Stoffman seems to exist in a whole other medical world. He said he can typically see even elective patients for consultations within a couple of days and, if surgery is needed, book it within days or weeks.

“Our schedules are always full, but we’re always adding new patients,” he said. “That’s just how private practice works in the United States. … If it means we have to work harder, we just work harder.”

He believes one of the key differences is his access to the operating room. He said he can spend three days a week in the OR, compared with as little as half a day for counterparts in Canada. A full day a week is more typical here, said Dr. Brian Toyota, president of the Canadian Neurosurgical Society.

What those numbers mean for patients became distressingly obvious to Greg Sullivan three years ago.

The 37-year-old Toronto man had just gotten married and was working at a Bay Street law firm when a herniated disc left him hobbled by intense pain. Mr. Sullivan had to leave work, could do little but watch TV and, when he managed to walk a few steps, dragged one leg behind him “like Igor,” he said.

Although many people with slipped discs can heal without surgery, his family physician figured he needed an operation and the Toronto-area neurosurgeon who agreed to see him considered the case a priority. Still, his initial appointment wouldn’t be for another four months and surgery, if recommended, would be months after that.

Then he was referred to Dr. Stoffman by a relative who knows the physician, was offered an appointment the day after he called, and had the surgery before the date of his scheduled consultation in Ontario. The relief was instant and remarkable, he said, the cost a relatively modest $8,000.