Title of article :
The changing nature of contracts in German health care
Author/Authors :
Petra Riemer-Hommel، نويسنده ,
Issue Information :
دوهفته نامه با شماره پیاپی سال 2002
Abstract :
The flexibility inherent in the German health care system is fairly limited. The contracting environment itself is characterized by bilateral cartels negotiating the terms covering their respective members. Looking at some recently implemented reforms, namely structural contracts and experimental settings, the paper assesses the potential for sickness funds to take on a more active role. The paper also evaluates the implications for the contracting relationships between the statutory sickness funds and provider associations. Furthermore, the potential effect of selective contracting on the health care system is studied. A look at the reforms recently enacted in other countries illustrates the difficulties contractual reform has to cope with in an environment characterized by strong informational asymmetries. It is postulated that both private and public choices are needed for a successful reform effort.
Keywords :
Health care reform , Sickness funds , Germany , Selective contracts
Journal title :
Social Science and Medicine
Journal title :
Social Science and Medicine