Analyzing the Current Status of the Telemedicine Pilot Project Using Korean National Health Insurance Service Data

Abstract

This study evaluated the performance and status of a telemedicine pilot project implemented in 2023. The analysis used National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) claim data from June 1 to December 14, 2023, focusing on patients who received telemedicine at least once during this period. The findings indicate that 8.5% of healthcare institutions participated in telemedicine, accounting for 0.16% of total health insurance cases. Telemedicine-related costs constituted 0.06% of total health insurance expenditures. Among the diseases where telemedicine was utilized, acute bronchitis was the most common in individuals under 40, while hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus increased significantly after age 30. This study is the first study to analyze the possibility and status of current telemedicine in Korea using NHIS data. The findings underscore its potential as an effective tool for managing chronic and acute diseases in Korea's healthcare system while identifying opportunities for further improvement.