There are wide variations between the hospital operation rates throughout the Netherlands, even when population differences are taken into account, according to research by health insurance body ZN.

The research, which has been obtained by the NRC, focuses on 12 different treatments – from varicose vein surgery to knee replacements.
It shows that there are wide differences in operation rates even when the health, age and income of a hospital catchment area are included.

Slipped disk
For example, almost twice as many people are operated on for slipped disk in Steenwijk hospital in Overijssel province than in Utrecht.
One reason for the difference could be the way surgeons are paid, the NRC said. If surgeons are paid per operation, as many are, then this could explain the higher number of operations.
Marcel Daniels, of the medical specialists association, said he welcomed the report, adding that it could lead to medical guidelines being amended.