Clin Ultrasound.  2020 Nov;5(2):59-64. 10.18525/cu.2020.5.2.59.

Two Years of Experience with Health Insurance Coverage of Upper Abdominal Ultrasound in South Korea

• Han JH
• Park N

• KMID: 2555124
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.18525/cu.2020.5.2.59

Abstract

In September 2014, insurance benefits were implemented for ultrasound examinations for patients suspected of having one of the four serious diseases. Initially, there was considerable confusion in the clinical field, but this has gradually dissipated. Full insurance coverage for upper abdominal ultrasounds began on April 1st 2018, and now 2 years have passed. Using data requested from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service of South Korea, we examined the trends in the number of upper abdominal ultrasound examinations by period, hospital type, and ultrasound type. Before the start of full insurance coverage, we were concerned about a significant increase in the number of examinations, but this did not, in fact, occur. Especially in tertiary hospitals, the amount of such activity is low, so it is necessary to apply an increased cost for epigastric ultrasounds. Also, improved quality control is needed, particularly monitoring, because in some hospitals the ultrasounds are conducted by people who are not doctors.

Keyword

초음파; 복부; 보험; 한국; Ultrasound; Abdomen; Insurance; Korea