Drawing on international experience to reform the Belgian market for ostomy appliances

Health Policy
Steven SimoensDirk Ramaekers

Abstract

This article aims to review the regulatory framework governing the Belgian ostomy appliance market in the light of the experience of Denmark, France, the Netherlands and Ontario (Canada) with regulation of ostomy appliances. Information about the regulatory framework was derived from the international literature, analysis of legal texts and a survey completed by national experts. The comparative analysis revealed that these countries have adopted varying approaches towards regulating their domestic ostomy appliance market. Strategies to keep down prices include public procurement in Denmark, maximum prices in France and exclusion of expensive appliances from reimbursement in the Netherlands. To contain public expenditure on ostomy appliances, consumption patterns are monitored in the Netherlands, the quantity of reimbursed appliances is limited in Belgium and public reimbursement is restricted in Ontario. Ostomy appliances are generally distributed by community pharmacies and medical equipment shops. In countries that emphasise home care delivery such as Denmark, domiciliary distributors dominate the market to the detriment of community pharmacies which do not seem to be able to offer this service at a competitive price. An ave...Continue Reading

Citations

Dec 21, 2006·The European Journal of Health Economics : HEPAC : Health Economics in Prevention and Care·Veerle VanleeneDirk Ramaekers
May 20, 2009·Journal of Medical Economics·Steven SimoensDirk Ramaekers

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