[Out-patient services in Lombardy during 1999]

This study describes the basic elements of the information service set up in Lombardy about out-patients' departments and instrumental diagnosis. The authors report the main results obtained in 1999 and discuss the merits and defect of such flow of information. Its aim is to show the figures of the health services offered: more than 100 million were provided (more than 11 services pro-capita) to the local citizens in 1999. The study describes the distribution of these services (total and pro-capita distribution) according to age, gender and municipality; it also makes a detailed account of some economic indicators (pro-capita expenses and health care cost). With regard to the whole extent of the services offered (including citizens outside Lombardy), the study also provides information about the distribution and frequency of each specific branch, place, price and kind of service.