The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

3362.0: Monday, November 17, 2003 - 4:40 PM

Abstract #74234

Does competition have to reduce costs?

Jonathan Sunshine, PhD, Research, American College of Radiology, 1891 Preston White Dr., Reston, VA 20191, 703-648-8924, jonathans@acr.org

It is often assumed that competition muct lead to reduced costs. In practice, cost reduction is what would be expected only with a pure commodity. In imperfectly competitive markets, suppliers often find that they do better in terms of profits by creating product differentiation and customer loyalty. This type of competition will not necessarily reduce prices.

Learning Objectives:

Keywords: Access to Health Care, Healthcare Costs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

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The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA