Question

What are horizontal and vertical cost systems in health care and what is the focus of each?

Answer 1

Health systems are comprised of a horizontal cost system of general cost in providing prevention and care for prevailing health problems, and of vertical cost systems for specific health conditions. Not surprisingly, vertical cost systems are found more frequently where epidemics flourish and poverty prevails; general health services are not strongly developed under such conditions. The vertical cost systems primarily focuses on providing care mainly for specific healthcare diseases; and horizontal healthcare cost system main focus is to provide general health services. It is important that all health care settings must have both vertical as well horizontal cost systems to ensure both capabilities are directed into improving health.