J Korean Med Sci.  2025 May;40(17):e150. 10.3346/jkms.2025.40.e150.

Use of Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Lung Cancer Patients in Korea: Analysis of the National Health Insurance Service Database

• Kim SH
• Hong CH
• Jeong JH
• Kim J
• Cho JS
• Yoon JA
• Eom JS
• Lee BJ
• Jang MH
• Shin MJ
• Shin YB

• KMID: 2568089
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2025.40.e150

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the utilization trends of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) among lung cancer patients in Korea using the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database (2017 to 2021). PR was introduced and covered under the NHIS in 2016, primarily for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but recent evidence suggests its benefits for lung cancer patients. Data extraction was based on Korea Informative Classification of Diseases 8th revision codes C33 and C34, with PR prescriptions identified by codes MM440 and MM290. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed, and propensity score matching was used for comparison between PR and non-PR groups. Results showed a significant increase in PR utilization, with the number of patients receiving PR (MM440) rising from 1,002 in 2017 to 3,723 in 2021, indicating a 3.7-fold increase. However, the proportion of patients receiving PR remained low at 2.9% in 2021. Enhanced access to PR services and improved evaluation strategies are essential for optimizing patient outcomes.

Keyword

Lung Neoplasm; Pulmonary Rehabilitation; Exercise Test; Health Insurance; Big Data

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Annual number of patients with lung cancer prescribed PR and average number of PR sessions per patient. (A) MM440, (B) MM290.PR = pulmonary rehabilitation.

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  Fig. 2 Annual trend of pulmonary rehabilitation implementation rate. (A) MM440, (B) MM290.

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  Fig. 3 Regional distribution of PR (MM440) implementation rates in 2017 and 2021. Maps of Korea show PR implementation rates per 100,000 population in each region in (A) 2017 and (B) 2021.PR = pulmonary rehabilitation.

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