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[Medical care in 7 Chilean cities]
E Medina1, A M Kaempffer, E Cornejo
1Escuela de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Revista Medica De Chile
|May 22, 1998
Summary
Two-thirds of acute disease patients and one-third of chronic disease patients received medical care in Chile. Most care was financed by the National Health Fund (FONASA), with a mix of public and private providers.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Healthcare is crucial for community health in intermediate-development countries like Chile.
- This study examines morbidity and medical care in several Chilean cities.
Purpose:
- To report findings from morbidity and medical care surveys conducted in Chilean urban areas.
- To analyze patterns of healthcare utilization and access.
Summary:
- A survey of 4,192 individuals across 951 households in Chile revealed that 69% of acute disease cases and 32% of chronic disease cases received medical attention.
- The National Health Fund (FONASA) funded most care, with a significant portion delivered by private providers, particularly for acute conditions.
- Perceived quality of care was higher in private facilities, and cost per episode varied by condition, averaging US$30 for acute diseases and US$32 for chronic diseases.
Impact:
- Findings highlight disparities in healthcare access and utilization based on disease type and socioeconomic factors.
- The study provides data on healthcare costs and patient perceptions, informing policy for health system improvement in Chile.
- Results indicate a need to optimize resource allocation and ensure equitable access to care, especially for chronic conditions.