Charges for tests planned in Italy:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
The Italian government is planning to start charging patients a contribution towards tests carried out in day hospitals next year. This measure is part of a general overhaul of the way patients contribute towards the costs of medical tests. It is also proposing a two-tier system of payment for all medical tests based on family income levels, to include allowances for families with children under six and those caring for over 65-year-olds. The system would apply to everyone in Italy, except those exempt on the grounds of low income or specific conditions. The new charging structure would be introduced in the first half of 1999.