The role of quality standards–accreditation in redressing asymmetry of information in health care markets

Using dental care resources optimally

“…Quality is often as good as its price (Whitney et al , 1997); superior quality comes with higher price and is also determined by information on price and quality shared with consumers (Tellis and Wernerfelt, 1987). In other words, it is difficult to judge dental care quality unless the dentist follows standard quality guidelines (O'Neill and Largey, 1998). If guidelines are absent then it would be difficult to see quality‐price trade‐offs (Faggion, 2008).…”

Information asymmetry and performance tilting in hospitals: a national empirical study

“…Three principal types of health-and health care-related information are asymmetrically distributed among the three principal parties, providers, insurers and potential patients. They consist of price (provider's cost) information asymmetry (De Fraja, 2000), quality information asymmetry (Jin, 2002(Jin, , 2003Azoulay-Schwartz et al, 2004), and demand information asymmetry (Evans, 1984;O'Neill and Largey, 1998;Chou, 2002).Pervasive asymmetry of information exists between providers and users of health care as a commodity (Akerlof et al, 2001), in terms of the paradigms of behavioral analysis appropriate to its study, as well as the institutional characteristics which surround its development and delivery. Also, an environment that is technically complex, surrounded by much uncertainty, and which contains information asymmetry enhances the mystique of the medical professional and often leaves the user confused and perplexed (McKee and Healy, 2000).…”

“…Three principal types of health-and health care-related information are asymmetrically distributed among the three principal parties, providers, insurers and potential patients. They consist of price (provider's cost) information asymmetry (De Fraja, 2000), quality information asymmetry (Jin, 2002(Jin, , 2003Azoulay-Schwartz et al, 2004), and demand information asymmetry (Evans, 1984;O'Neill and Largey, 1998;Chou, 2002).…”