Obstacles to meeting challenges: information gaps

First page Back Continue Last page Overview Graphics

Obstacles to meeting challenges: information gaps

  • Information-related issues:

    • Lack of information on the value and efficacy of medical services hinders providers’ and consumers’ decisions about appropriate use.
    • Insufficient comparative information inhibits consumer choice and hampers effective competition.
    • Because of serious lag times in the availability of cost and utilization data, policymakers lack prompt and reliable information on which to base payment reform decisions.