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Managed competition in the Netherlands: an example for others?

Ginneken, E. van, Schäfer, W., Kroneman, M. Managed competition in the Netherlands: an example for others? Eurohealth: 2010, 16(4), p. 23-26.
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The introduction of managed competition in the Netherlands in 2006 fundamentally changed the roles of patients, insurers, providers and the government. Health insurers are expected to negotiate with providers and purchase efficient care of good quality. Patients are expected to critically assess and select the health insurer and provider of their choice. In this ongoing transition process all players should receive the appropriate tools to fulfil these roles. Important challenges remain: patient information on price and quality should be continuously improved; the risk adjustment system needs continuous refining; quality has to be made visible and measurable; the DBC (Diagnose Behandeling Combinatie) system, comparable to a DRG system, must be reformed; and the negotiation and purchasing process should be optimised and shortened. Other countries planning to introduce a similar system can learn from the Dutch experience. The introduction of managed competition is not merely a simple exercise but a process that requires continuous efforts from all market players.(aut. ref.)