The characteristics,mechanisms and governance of overmedicalization in China
10.3969/j.issn.1674-2982.2025.07.008
- VernacularTitle:我国过度医疗的主要表征、生成机制及治理策略分析
- Author:
Qiang YAO
1
;
Xiao-dan ZHANG
;
Yue-fang JIAO
;
Lan YAO
Author Information
1. 武汉大学政治与公共管理学院 湖北 武汉 430072;国家医保研究院华科基地 湖北 武汉 430030
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Overmedicalization;
Characteristics;
Causes;
Governance
- From:
Chinese Journal of Health Policy
2025;18(7):61-69
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
This study systematically summarizes and analyses the current situation and the generation mechanism of overmedication in China based on the uncertainty and information asymmetry of medical services,and then puts forward targeted governance strategies.The study finds that overmedicalization in China is mainly manifested in the overuse of hospitalization,examinations,and surgical procedures,with the problem being particularly severe in primary healthcare institutions.The study concludes that the formation of overmedicalization in China is the product of the combined effect of multiple factors including the interest-driven mechanism,the supply of medical resources,the cognitive bias of patients,the payment method of medical insurance and the regulatory mechanism of medical behaviour.Based on these analyses,we propose five governance measures:deepening the reform of public hospital compensation systems,strengthening the planning of medical and health insurance resources,optimizing the health insurance benefit system and payment methods,establishing a disease-based medical behavior regulation system,and enhancing public health education.The coordinated implementation of these measures could suppress the overmedicalization effectively,improve the efficiency of healthcare services and achieve the high-quality development of China's healthcare system.
