Journal List > J Korean Med Assoc > v.51(6) > 1042033

Kim and Kim: Strategies for Development of Hospice Reimbursement

Abstract

In the last few moments of life before death, a more adequate health care system must be established in order for suffering patients to have their dignity respected. To this point, Korea's health care system does not possess additional health insurance reimbursement covering hospice care. Until recently, the existing fee for service system consists of an informal hospice care service that has been developed and supplied. Due to society's increasing expectation of hospice reimbursement in regard to development and in reality, progression is currently being undertaken which we have welcomed. However, there has been a tendency for over expectation in financial reduction by hospice reimbursement introduction in which there were evidence from cases in other nations. In practice, supplementation of per diem type of hospice coverage will be the mainstream and fee for service in some areas must be explored in order to compensate for the negative aspects of per diem type of hospice coverage.

Figures and Tables

Table 1
National hospice reimbursement rates 2007
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*Care visits (RN, home health aid, social worker), Home respite care, Interdisciplinary group, Drugs, Medical supplies, Durable medical equipment (DME), Outpatient hospital services (i.e., palliative chemotherapy/radiation)

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