J Korean Med Assoc.  2014 Jun;57(6):484-486. 10.5124/jkma.2014.57.6.484.

The challenges related to a new medical insurance policy for ultrasounds and their solutions

• Yang DM

• KMID: 1958083
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2014.57.6.484

Abstract

In the Republic of Korea, medical insurance coverage for ultrasounds began on October 1, 2013 for four major categories of illness: cancer, heart disease, cerebrovascular disorders, and rare and incurable diseases. However, several problems associated with this ultrasound insurance coverage have arisen: broad classification of ultrasound examination procedures, small and distorted insurance fees, and inappropriate insurance fee calculation methods. In order to prevent the deterioration of medical quality as well as confusion in the medical field, it is necessary that the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Korean Medical Association, and other ultrasound-related academic societies cooperate to subdivide the classification of ultrasound examination procedures, modify the insurance fee, and properly calculate the ultrasound insurance fee.

Keyword

Insurance; major medical; Ultrasound; Ministry of Health and Welfare; Korean Medical Association

MeSH Terms

Cerebrovascular Disorders
Classification
Fees and Charges
Heart Neoplasms
Insurance Coverage
Insurance*
Republic of Korea
Ultrasonography*