Final answer:
The United States is best compared with other developed nations when assessing the quality of healthcare, as it offers higher quality care than many peripheral or semi-peripheral nations but faces challenges in cost control and universal access.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing the United States healthcare system to other nations, especially in terms of quality of healthcare, the most apt comparison can be made with other developed nations.
The US may offer higher quality care than many peripheral or semi-peripheral nations, but it is not universally the "best in the world" when looking at metrics like cost control, universal access, and health outcomes as compared with other developed countries.
These developed nations often strive to balance quality of care with equitable access and affordability, challenges that the US system also grapples with, particularly in providing basic medical care to all.