Under the societal perspective, which costs and benefits are included?

• A. All costs and benefits across society
• B. Only direct medical costs
• C. Only patient out-of-pocket costs
• D. Only provider costs

Answer: (A)

The societal perspective in economic evaluation includes all costs and benefits that affect society as a whole. It looks beyond medical bills to cover direct nonmedical costs, patient out-of-pocket expenses, caregiver time, lost productivity, transportation, and any other welfare effects. It also includes benefits like reduced disease burden and improved productivity that benefit society, even if not captured by a particular payer. Because it captures the broadest range of economic and welfare impacts, it provides the most comprehensive view for informing policy. Limiting the focus to direct medical costs, patient out-of-pocket costs, or provider costs misses important costs or benefits experienced by other stakeholders or by society at large.