Social health organizations: an analysis of the specialties and exams contracted by the State of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

Social Health Organizations (SHOs) are private entities that receive resources from governments for the management of public healthcare services. With the history of market interest in public health and the high volume of resources transferred to SHOs, one must question if the market logic continues to be inserted in this management model. The understanding of the dynamics of providing healthcare services to the population in the different contracts may help to understand how possible changes in the contracted services may have an influence. This is a descriptive-exploratory study using quantitative and qualitative approaches. Documental research was conducted through the collection of data from management contracts and amendments. The State of São Paulo was chosen because of its economic representativeness and for being the pioneer state in the implementation of SUS services managed by SHO. Medical specialties were included in 184 renegotiations (6.14%) and excluded in 187 (6.24%), whereas non-medical services were included in 26 renegotiations (2.97%) and excluded in 144 (16.44%). Regarding examinations, 101 renegotiations (18.07%) had their goals increased and 60 (10.73%) reduced, while 6 renegotiations (1.07%) included exams and 12 (2.14%) excluded them.