Towards A Professional Rationalization

Abstract

A bstract . The French health care delivery system is characterized, on the one hand, by a centralized and socialized decision making process as far as financing is concerned, yet on the other hand, the regulation of activities is highly decentralized and governed mainly by individual physicians on a private basis. Today, the health care scene seems to be stuck in a process within which each new reform leads to yet another reform, In this movement, the role played by academic health economists is increasing. The French health care delivery system and its dynamics are described and two major topics which wilt be at stake in the years to come, the remuneration of physicians and the financing of hospitals are considered. The challenge facing health economists who have to consider the system as a system, is examined. The relationships between the political arena and the researcher's ivory tower appears to be is one of the keys for the future of the health care system. It is demonstrated that, in this area too, few barriers have fallen.