tervishoiukulutusi

Tervishoiukulutus is a term used in health economics to describe the level and pattern of consumption of health care services and related resources by individuals or populations. It encompasses the use of primary care visits, specialist consultations, hospital stays, diagnostics, medications, long-term care, rehabilitation, preventive services, and administrative overhead tied to care delivery. It also includes direct financial costs borne by patients through out-of-pocket payments as well as public and private financing for services.

Measurement and data: Researchers measure tervishoiukulutus with indicators such as per-capita health expenditure, utilization rates (visits per year, hospital days), average length of stay, prescription fill rates, and out-of-pocket shares. Data typically come from national health accounts, health utilization surveys, insurance claims, and international databases. Comparisons across settings require harmonization of service classifications and price levels.

Determinants: Utilization is influenced by health status and age structure, prevalence of chronic disease, income and education, insurance coverage, accessibility and geographic distribution of providers, waiting times, and the introduction of new technologies. Policy context and financing arrangements (gatekeeping, copayment, capitation) also shape consumption.

Implications: Understanding tervishoiukulutus helps assess sustainability, equity, and efficiency of health systems. High or rising consumption may reflect unmet needs, access barriers, or overuse, depending on context. Policy responses include cost-control measures, preventive care, price regulation, and efforts to improve care coordination and quality.