The article examines variations in health care delivery across different hospital service areas in Vermont, highlighting the disparities in resource input, service utilization, and expenditures. It discusses how these variations are influenced by factors such as population size, income, and age structure, and how decisions by regulatory bodies like the Hill-Burton and Price Commission may exacerbate these inequalities. The study uses population-based data to analyze the use of health services, including hospital beds, physician manpower, and surgical procedures, revealing significant differences between service areas. For example, hospital bed rates varied from 34 to 59 per 10,000 persons, and surgical procedure rates varied widely, with some areas having rates up to 151 cases per 10,000 persons for tonsillectomies. The study also notes that variations in expenditures and service utilization are not necessarily linked to health outcomes, suggesting that the effectiveness of health care delivery is uncertain. The article emphasizes the need for more data and research to understand these variations and to develop rational public policy for health care. It concludes that population-based health information systems are essential for informed decision-making and planning in the health care field.The article examines variations in health care delivery across different hospital service areas in Vermont, highlighting the disparities in resource input, service utilization, and expenditures. It discusses how these variations are influenced by factors such as population size, income, and age structure, and how decisions by regulatory bodies like the Hill-Burton and Price Commission may exacerbate these inequalities. The study uses population-based data to analyze the use of health services, including hospital beds, physician manpower, and surgical procedures, revealing significant differences between service areas. For example, hospital bed rates varied from 34 to 59 per 10,000 persons, and surgical procedure rates varied widely, with some areas having rates up to 151 cases per 10,000 persons for tonsillectomies. The study also notes that variations in expenditures and service utilization are not necessarily linked to health outcomes, suggesting that the effectiveness of health care delivery is uncertain. The article emphasizes the need for more data and research to understand these variations and to develop rational public policy for health care. It concludes that population-based health information systems are essential for informed decision-making and planning in the health care field.