title: International Study of Health Care Organization and Financing for renal replacement therapy in Italy: an evolving reality.
abstract: The Italian national health system funds universal health care through general taxation, but health services are provided by local institutions. This study examines the epidemiology, provision, and funding of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in Italy. In 2001, prevalence and incidence of RRT in Italy were 0.083% and 0.014%, respectively. A 1999 donation law markedly increased renal transplantation rates. Italy spends 8.3% of its GDP on health care; 1.8% is for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, who represent 0.083% of the general population. The reorganization of the NHS requires attention from the health community so that economic and geographic health disparities are not exacerbated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, Ospedale A. Manzoni, Lecco, Italy. g.pontoriero@ospedale.lecco.it
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pontoriero
authors.forename: Pietro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pozzoni
authors.forename: Lucia Del
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Vecchio
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Locatelli
mesh_terms: D003956:Dialysis / Q000191:economics; D005102:Health Expenditures; D006296:Health Services / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000191:economics* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*