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相隔百公里,治疗差价几十万!一批患者涌到大城市看病
第一财经·2025-05-10 05:21

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of patients migrating to major cities for medical treatment due to disparities in medical insurance reimbursement policies for new technologies and high-value consumables, leading to a "siphoning effect" where healthcare resources and funds flow from smaller cities to larger urban centers [3][4][14]. Summary by Sections Medical Technology and Insurance Disparities - The rapid development of medical technologies like the Da Vinci surgical robot and artificial hearts has led to significant differences in their inclusion in local medical insurance directories, with cities like Shanghai and Beijing offering better reimbursement policies compared to regions like Zhejiang [3][11]. - For instance, the Da Vinci surgical robot is covered by insurance in Shanghai, allowing for an 80% reimbursement for certain surgeries, while patients in nearby provinces must pay out of pocket [3][6]. Patient Migration Trends - Patients from economically developed regions, particularly those with serious conditions, are increasingly traveling to major cities for treatment, driven by the financial benefits of better insurance coverage [6][7]. - The article highlights a case where a patient from Suzhou opted to travel to Shanghai for surgery due to the significant cost savings provided by the local insurance policy [6][7]. Impact on Local Healthcare Systems - The influx of patients to major cities is causing a drain on healthcare resources in smaller cities, leading to a decline in local medical service capabilities and financial strain on local insurance funds [4][14]. - The article notes that in 2024, only 20 cases of artificial heart surgeries were performed in Zhejiang due to restrictive reimbursement policies, while the total number of such surgeries nationwide reached 779 [4][11]. High-Value Consumables and Reimbursement Policies - The article emphasizes the stark differences in reimbursement policies for high-value consumables like artificial hearts and heart valves, which further incentivizes patients to seek treatment in cities with more favorable policies [11][12]. - In Zhejiang, high-value consumables are subject to a reimbursement cap, which significantly limits the financial support available to patients compared to cities like Shanghai, where no such cap exists [12][13]. Challenges in Policy Implementation - The article discusses the challenges faced by local governments in integrating new technologies into insurance coverage, primarily due to the varying financial strengths of local insurance funds [15][16]. - It highlights the ongoing tension between the need for advanced medical technologies and the financial sustainability of insurance funds, which is exacerbated by rising healthcare costs and an aging population [15][16]. Future Considerations - The article concludes by noting that while some regions are beginning to relax restrictions on high-value consumables, the overall balance between healthcare innovation and insurance fund sustainability remains a critical issue for policymakers [17].