[More adequate use of laboratory services--economical aspects].
BACKGROUND
There has been a substantial increase in reimbursement for outpatient laboratory services in recent years. This article gives an overview of the use of such laboratory services and discusses measures for improved efficiency.


METHODS
We have analysed reimbursement to the specialist health care for the period 2002-04.


RESULTS
In the period 2002-04 the reimbursement to public laboratories increased by 42%. There has been a substantial growth in all reimbursements groups, especially for "General analysis for molecular biological methods" (236%). Reimbursement to private laboratories have increased by 24%, similar to the increase in general clinical chemistry. There has been a trend towards using the expensive reimbursement groups more often, especially for public laboratories. There is substantial variation in the use of laboratory services between the health regions.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicate that the growth and variation in the use of laboratory services cannot be explained by deteriorated health or more illness in the population. The variation indicates that the use of laboratory services is not optimal. Establishment of a national laboratory system within specialized health care may contribute to a more knowledge-based use of laboratory services.
Gjelsvik
Roar
R
Helseøkonomi Bergen (HEB), Institutt for økonomi, Universitetet i Bergen, Herman Foss gate 6, 5007 Bergen.
Kaarbøe
Oddvar
O
Haukland
Hanne Husom
HH
Monsen
Anne-Lise Bjørke
AL
Sandberg
Sverre
S
D019963:Clinical Chemistry Tests / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007348:Insurance, Health / Q000191:economics; D007753:Laboratories / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007755:Laboratories, Hospital / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009664:Norway; D017149:Private Sector; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms / Q000191:economics*