Research on the medical service pricing policy in China′s ongoing healthcare reform

Abstract

Objective To analyze the medical service pricing policy of 30 provinces and autonomous regions in China and recommend on problems and challenges, for reference of medical service pricing reform in the future. Methods Literature review and policy analysis were used for summary and performance appraisal of medical service pricing of China. Results Most of the areas surveyed followed the step-by-step approach to gradually adjust pricing, while a few areas completed it in a one-time adjustment manner. 2015 witnessed most areas, up to 20 (66.67%), in price adjustment; their price adjustments focused on price reduction of large-scale medical equipment inspection fees and some medical tests. On the other hand, prices of diagnosis, nursing care, and treatment which are labor-intensive were increased. Conclusions Specifications of medical services are improving, yet there exist great gaps in the convergence of medical insurance. It is advisable to expedite the convergence of the new version specifications, to achieve value regression and dynamic price adjustment of medical services. Key words: Ongoing healthcare reform; Medical service; Price; Adjustment; Policy research