[Necessary health service or redundant welfare? On public costs of patient transportation]. / Nødvendig helsetjeneste eller overflødig velferdsgode? Om folketrygdens utgifter ved transport av syke.

ABSTRACT

In Norway the cost to the public of transporting patients to a doctor or to hospital (ambulance or helicopter service not included) amounted to NOK 750 million in 1989, which is almost as much as reimbursements to all general practitioners. About 50% of the costs referred to transport to and from hospital. Large variations are found between municipalities. The present regulations are inadequate if the health authorities wish to lower the level of costs.