Unresolved issues in medical tariffs: Challenges and respective solutions to improve tariff system in Iranian health sectors

ABSTRACT

Medical tariff is one of the most important tools for health policy making in a country that influences equity, efficiency, quality and accountability of service deliveries. If relative values for different services are not determined correctly, it may have negative consequences on availability and sustainability of care. This study was designed to assess the challenges and respective solutions of the tariff system in Iranian health sectors. This is a qualitative study, involving nine face to face interviews with health managers, policy makers and researchers at the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and relevant organizations, as well as public and private institutions and service providers who had experiences in medical tariff. We used the thematic framework method for analyzing qualitative data. The problems and respective solutions were classified into stewardship power, policy making and surveillance for tariff setting, structural organization of medical tariff system, methods and principles of setting the tariffs, medical costs recording systems and other concepts related to the medical tariff system in the health sector. To improve medical tariffs system in the country, one need to have a deep understanding of the current challenges and potential solutions in different levels. It is advisable to follow a clear model based on focus on policy-making and stewardship of medical tariffs system as an important cornerstone of any effort to rectify the current situation