Objective The rising medical expenditure is an international problem. By comparing theories and methods of medical expenditure control between China and the US, this paper aims to find out the medical expenditure strategies fitting for our country and to help with the new round of medical and health system reform.
Methods This evidence-based research searched for literatures using the search strategy and screened literatures according to inclusion and excluding criteria. Useful information in the literatures was extracted through quantitative analysis of literature tables and descriptive statistical analysis.
Results We found that the US academia showed a sustainable and steady trend of increased concern on the medical expenditure control, while the Chinese academia showed a larger volatility on it. There were some obvious differences such as reasons for expenditure increase, the reasonableness of the medical expenditure increase, and the specific methods and strategies of the medical expenditure control between Chinese and American authors.
Conclusion On the one hand, the purpose of medical expenditure control is based on the different stages of development. On the other hand, the main interest group determines the main body who is responsible for the medical expenditure control. According to our national context, China should develop effective strategies and methods for medical expenditure control.
Citation： ZHENG Xiaohua,HU Jinliang,QIAN Enkui,ZHAI Qinhua,JIANG Chao. A Comparative Study on Theories and Methods of Medical Expenditure Control between China and the US. Chinese Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine, 2009, 09(11): 1193-1199. doi: 10.7507/1672-2531.20090215 Copy