Priority setting in Austria

Priority setting and rationing are not yet matters of public debate in Austria. Before a discussion on rationing is undertaken, the incentive system concerning the financing of health care services needs to be reformed, especially in relation to the reimbursement of hospitals and physicians. This is necessary if a waste of scarce resources is to be avoided. Although methods and principles of priority setting and rationing are not openly discussed, several rationing techniques are already performed as organisational tools. A Eurobarometer survey of the population regarding their satisfaction with the health care system confirms the presumption that Austrians are not aware of the fact that rationing methods already exist.