[Ambulatory medical care in Mexico: the cost for users]

To analyze the results of the National Health Survey (ENSA-II) as to the costs generated by the search and obtainment of ambulatory medical attention in various institutions of the private and public health sector.

Information was raised from the health care cost indicators reported by the study population of the ENSA-II. The dependent variable was the direct expense for the consumer and the independent variables, the condition of being insured and the income. Variation significance levels were identified using the test by Duncan.

The costs at national level in US dollar were: transport $2.20, medical visit $7.90, drugs $9.60, diagnostic studies $13.6; average total cost for ambulatory attention was $22.70. Empirical finding suggest a new direct and indirect cost-for-consumer analysis for the health care users. These costs represent an important burden on the family income, which worsens when users are not insured.

Incorporation of the economic perspective to the analysis of public health issues should not be limited to the analysis of the health provider's expenses, particularly if the problems of equity and accessibility must be solved, which are at present characteristic of health care services in Mexico.