Pasientvalget

Pasientvalget refers to a policy in the Norwegian health care system that gives patients the right to choose where they receive publicly funded non-emergency specialized care within the national health service. The policy aims to empower patients, improve the use of capacity, and shorten waiting times by introducing a degree of choice and competition between providers within the publicly financed system.

In practice, patients referred for specialized care may be offered a choice between approved hospitals or clinics within the national network. The exact rules vary by region and service line, and not all services fall under the right to choose. When a patient selects a hospital outside their home county or under certain conditions, the referral and funding process coordinates the transition, including the consideration of travel or accommodation support where applicable under existing provisions.

Implementation is overseen by the Ministry of Health and the regional health authorities, with guidelines for information, referral procedures, and patient rights. The policy is designed to work in concert with other reforms to increase patient involvement and more efficient use of health system capacity.

Impact and debate: Opinions differ on its effects. Proponents argue that pasientvalget can shorten waits and increase patient satisfaction, while critics raise concerns about equity, information gaps, and administrative burden on providers. Evidence from evaluations varies by region and service area.

History: The concept emerged as part of broader health system reforms in Norway during the late 20th and early 21st centuries, and has continued to evolve with policy updates and regional implementation.