Over 900 Local Clinics Apply as 'COVID-19 Treatment Clinics'... Testing, Treatment, and Prescription Services Start from the 3rd

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Starting from the 3rd, as the quarantine system shifts to have local clinics and hospitals fully responsible for COVID-19 testing, diagnosis, and treatment, it has been reported that over 900 clinic-level medical institutions nationwide have expressed their intention to participate.

According to the Korean Medical Association (KMA) on the 2nd, more than 900 medical institutions have applied to participate as COVID-19 treatment clinics. Since the 27th of last month, the KMA has been accepting applications for treatment clinics through the 16 city and provincial medical associations nationwide and has forwarded the list to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service.

Previously, the KMA announced the "COVID-19 Treatment Clinic Operation Plan," anticipating that at least 1,000 local clinics nationwide would participate in COVID-19 treatment. At that time, Lee Sang-woon, Vice President of the KMA, explained, "Although we cannot specify the exact number of expected participating medical institutions, the goal is to have up to several thousand institutions participate so that citizens across the country do not face geographical difficulties in visiting clinics and hospitals."

Accordingly, COVID-19 treatment clinics are expected to perform expert rapid antigen tests (RAT), diagnosis, treatment, and prescriptions starting from the 3rd, right after the Lunar New Year holiday. If the result is positive, a PCR test must be taken. If self-testing is possible, the test can be conducted at the medical institution; otherwise, testing should be done at screening clinics or other designated sites.

If the PCR test also returns positive, oral antiviral treatments can be prescribed, and patients can undergo home treatment. If severe symptoms are suspected, the health center can be requested to allocate a hospital bed and arrange transportation. If the result is negative, patients receive prescriptions and return home following standard procedures. However, based on medical staff judgment, retesting may be recommended, or in exceptional cases, a PCR test may be requested.

Since not all hospitals provide COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment, it is necessary to confirm in advance whether the hospital is designated before visiting. Lists of respiratory specialty clinics and designated hospitals and clinics can be checked on the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service website, the Coronavirus-19 website, and portal site maps.