This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the Costa Rican health system, focusing on the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS). The CCSS is the cornerstone of the country’s healthcare infrastructure, offering a range of medical, social, and economic benefits. This analysis covers the historical evolution, organizational structure, financing mechanisms, and levels of healthcare services provided, including primary, secondary, and tertiary care. The study also examines the integration of digital health records (EDUS) and the roles of various governmental and quasi-independent institutions within the health sector. Key findings indicate that Costa Rica maintains a strong position in terms of healthcare personnel availability and GDP per capita in the region. However, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring the financial sustainability of the CCSS and addressing healthcare access disparities between urban and rural areas. The paper underscores the importance of continued investment in health infrastructure, professional training, and health promotion to enhance healthcare quality and equity. The study concludes by highlighting the need for strategic adaptations to meet emerging health demands, optimize resource allocation, and leverage technological advancements. These efforts are essential to maintain high-quality, equitable healthcare services for all Costa Rican citizens and to ensure the long-term sustainability of the social security system.

Persistent pain affects 20% of adults and can impair one’s daily functioning and well-being. Psychoeducational group interventions can be effective in aiding pain management and coping strategies, however the time commitment for most evidence-based programs (10-20 hours) leads to access barriers and delivery challenges in primary care. A mixed-methods, program evaluation was conducted on a low intensity, three-session, manualized group pilot psychoeducational intervention in a primary care practice, emphasizing pain education, behavioral strategies, and pain-alleviating activities. Eighty-two percent of the clinic’s panel of individuals with persistent pain (N=128) and being prescribed opioid pain medication attended at least one class (N=105). Attendees experienced significant pre-post improvements in self-reported pain functioning and favorable satisfaction ratings by patients and medical staff. However only 51% attended all three groups, despite frequent class offerings and heavily encourage by the patient’s medical providers. This study reviews the potential promise and limitations of a low-intensity, limited session pain group to aid pain-related functioning. Additional investigation is warranted to optimize participant attendance, group format and frequency, and outcome assessment.