Some Italian patients more equal than others:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Italian patients will have the choice of five levels of service in national health service hospitals, depending on their ability to pay. Under the new health reforms, patients will be able to opt for a basic service or to pay for upgraded accommodation and/or particular medical staff (there will be fixed prices for these services). Additional income will boost hospital finances and help ensure that specialist staff remain available in public sector hospitals.