Measuring the resource-based relative value scale scores for physical therapies of traditional Korean medicine and estimating the insurer's expenditure in National Health Insurance

Backgrounds : Since December 1, 2009, National Health Insurance began to reimburse for three physical therapies of Korean medicine. The extension of insurance coverage is demanded by Korean medicine societies. Objectives : This study aimed to measure the resource-based relative value scale (RBRVS) scores for thirty four physical therapies of Korean medicine and to estimate the insurer's expenditure for them in National Health Insurance. Methods : To measure the physician's work and the practice expense, the 'magnitude estimation method (MEM)' and the 'fully distributed cost - attributable cost method (FDC-ACM)' were applied respectively. We collected the frequency data of physical therapies from Korean medicine hospitals and clinics to estimate the total expenditure. Results : The resource-based relative value scale scores of physical therapies were measured from 23.44 to 160.66. Total insurer's expenditure was calculated to be 95.5 billion won as of 2009. Conclusions : Based on the result that showed minor increase of total expenditure, most physical therapies of Korean medicine need to be reimbursed in the National Health Insurance.

한방물리요법 상대가치 산출과 급여 확대 시 재정부담 추계