Dong Y, et al. – Researchers assessed the effect of capitation on outpatient expenses among patients with diabetes mellitus, and provide scientific evidence for health policy-makers. They assessed 35,529 records, which included 9,646 records in the pilot group and 25,883 records in the control group. An increase in total outpatient expenses of ¥1993.76 with an elevation in drug expenses of ¥1904.30 in the pilot group post-implementation of capitation was observed in comparison to the control group. Further, ¥44.90 increase in examination expenses, ¥3.55 treatment expenses, and ¥43.46 in other expenses were also found in the pilot group vs that of the control group. Hence, a significant increase in outpatient expenses of patients enrolled in capitation with those who participated in the “control” policy was observed. The actual requirements of patients, changes in drug directories, and the liberty and independence of hospitals were the main reasons for such increases. Therefore, the authors stressed the important of capitation policy improvement for the government, policy-makers, hospitals, doctors, patients, and supervisory agencies.