COST-EFFECTIVE HEALTH-CARE - THE ROCHESTER EXPERIENCE

Rochester, New York, has been cited repeatedly for having achieved one of the most cost-effective and efficient health care systems in the c ountry. The determinants of the success of this system include a long history of comprehensive health planning; innovative hospital reimburs ement programs; community-rated health insurance; and high levels of m utual cooperation among business, insurers, hospitals, and physicians. The Rochester system promotes the goals of access, quality, affordabi lity, and provider satisfaction through a balanced approach to regulat ion and competition.