Information Asymmetry


Health Economics

  • The usual asymmetry in health economics relates to the difference in the information known to a patient, or member of the public, and that known to a professional such as a doctor or nurse. Another asymmetry is that between insurers and those insured. The information asymmetries in health care have deep-reaching consequences for its organization, regulation and financing, mainly in order that the lay person (patient, potential patient, family carer) is not exploited. For a fuller discussion see Asymmetry of Information.