International Healthcare Models: Italy

Here is my earlier review of Italy’s healthcare system.  Below is more information.

Physicians:

• Physicians can treat patients in both the public and private sector.
• Citizens must enroll with a GP, but can choose their own doctor.
• Initial training requires 6 years with a dissertation required for completion. After that students can practice as GPs or study another 3-5 years to specialize.
• The government determines the number of GP slots each year, and competitive tests determine who gets these slots.
• Physician ratio: 1:2000

Hospitals:

• Locally administered.
• Guardia Medica: over 3000 stations that provide around the clock emergency services.

Funding:

• Federal and regional taxes support the healthcare system.
• The National Solidarity Fund allows the central government can transfer funds from regions showing a surplus to those with a deficit.

Source: Roth, WF (2010) Comprehensive Healthcare for the U.S.: An Idealized Model. Productivity Press, 174 pages.