Behavior of the reference tariffs of three frequently requested laboratory test in three institutions in Colombia, 1990-2003

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the tendency of reference tariffs in recent years in three colombian institutions (Sociedad Colombiana de Patología Clínica —SCPC—, Instituto de Seguros Sociales —ISS— and Ministry of Health), for the three laboratory tests with greater demand, namely: glucose test, urine analysis and blood count.

Methodology: The tariffs for these tests in the aforementioned institutions were analyzed since first available until 2003. Tariffs of the SCPC are adjusted according to official price indexes and the minimum salary. A comparison year after year was carried out.

Results: The proposed tariffs of the SCPC were very closely similar to the adjustments by economic indicators. Prices of the glucose test were on the average 61,3% lower in the ISS and 45,2% lower in the Ministry of Health as compared with the SCPC. Prices of the urine analysis were on the average 58,9% lower in the ISS and 49,4% lower in the Ministry of Health than in the SCPC. Prices for the blood count were on the average 36,5% lower in the ISS and 31,8% lower in the Ministry of Health than in the SCPC.

Conclusion: Tariffs for the three evaluated tests are lower in the ISS and the Ministry of Health and the gap with those of the SCPC becomes wider every year.