Health care in Austria: universal access, national health insurance and private health care

Article Abstract:

Austria has a national health care system with nearly universal access, few malpractice lawsuits and little abuse of medical resources. It is based on the principle that people are legally entitled to health care. Overall, the health status in Austria is one of the highest in the world. Infant mortality is about 20% lower than in the US, and there is almost 100% compliance with prenatal care visits. About 8% of the gross domestic product goes toward health care expenses, much less than in the US. At $1,124, per capita health care expenditures spending are about half that of the US. The national system is funded mostly by a 7% wage tax paid by all Austrians as well as federal contributions and such things as prescription copayments. As in the US, health care delivery in Austria is challenged by the demands of an increasingly aging population, drug use, HIV infection and tuberculosis.

Models, Austria, Social policy, Health insurance, Health care reform

---

Evaluation of Conflict of Interest in Economic Analyses of New Drugs Used in Oncology

Article Abstract:

Researchers who receive funding from the pharmaceutical industry may be less likely to report an unfavorable cost-benefit analysis when studying the cost-effectiveness of drugs. This was the conclusion of researchers who analyzed 44 reports of the cost-effectiveness of six oncology drugs. There was no indication, however, that researchers who are sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry overstate quantitative results.

Research, Economic aspects, Antineoplastic agents, Cost benefit analysis

---

Venous thromboembolism and mortality associated with recombinant erythropoietin and darbepoetin administration for the treatment of cancer-associated anemia

Article Abstract:

A study to ascertain mortality rate and incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) by administration of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to cancer patients to treat anemia is conducted. Results raised concerns over the safety of administration of ESAs which increased the risk of VTE and mortality among patients.

United States, Care and treatment, Anemia, Cancer patients, Dosage and administration, Thromboembolism, Erythropoietin, Clinical report, Darbepoetin alfa

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Malpractice and the health care crisis. Issues of race, poverty and national health insurance. U.S. needs fair, affordable national health care
• Abstracts: The right tools give safety a hand. Handle hand protection with care. Well? It's about time
• Abstracts: Special report: sexual health emergency. Young women and breast cancer. The ten most important health questions you can ask
• Abstracts: Human epidermal growth factor for the stratification of synovial lining layer and neovascularisation in rheumatoid arthritis
• Abstracts: Improvements in hostility and depression in relation to dietary change and cholesterol lowering: the family heart study

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.