Seongdong-gu Hyosarang Health Primary Care Doctor Eliminates Blind Spots in Medical Care

Proactive Implementation of the 'Hyosarang Health Primary Care Physician' Project
Dedicated Physicians and Community Nurses Provide In-Home Medical Care for Elderly and Health-Vulnerable Residents
Expansion to the 'Hyosarang Long-term Care Home Medical Pilot Project' from March
Support Target Expanded to All Mobility-Impaired Elderly Residents with Long-term Care Ratings in the Area

Seongdong-gu (Mayor Jeong Wono) announced that it will further accelerate efforts to eliminate blind spots in medical care through the expanded operation of the ‘Hyosarang Health Primary Care Physician Project,’ which involves visiting and providing medical treatment directly to elderly residents and health-vulnerable households in the area.

Since 2017, the district has proactively promoted the ‘Hyosarang Health Primary Care Physician’ visiting health management project, where dedicated primary care physicians and community nurses visit elderly residents aged 65 and older, low-income individuals, people with disabilities, and households at risk of care within the district to provide medical care. Through systematic health management, including chronic disease treatment and medical consultations, blood pressure and blood sugar measurement and management, as well as elderly depression and dementia prevention services, the project plays a central role in safeguarding the health of the elderly.

In particular, with the enactment of the law on integrated support for regional care, including medical and nursing care, scheduled for 2026, the district plans to further strengthen the linkage between medical care, nursing, and caregiving to build a more robust community-centered care safety net.

Accordingly, since March of this year, the district has newly established and is actively operating the ‘Hyosarang Long-term Care Home Medical Pilot Project.’ This project notably expands the support target to all mobility-impaired elderly residents in the area who have been rated for long-term care but were previously excluded from the ‘Hyosarang Health Primary Care Physician’ project.

Elderly individuals who have received a long-term care rating (grades 1 to 5, or cognitive support grade) but live at home without being admitted to a facility and require medical services can access the service either through referrals from the National Health Insurance Service or by applying directly to the Home Medical Care Center.

Even those who have not received a long-term care rating or have been judged as non-eligible can continue to receive health management through the existing ‘Hyosarang Health Primary Care Physician’ program, which is expected to further minimize blind spots in medical care.

The ‘Hyosarang Long-term Care Home Medical Pilot Project’ begins with eligibility confirmation by the assigned social worker and medical staff meetings, after which the dedicated home medical care team at the ‘Hyosarang Home Medical Care Center,’ composed of doctors, nurses, and social workers, provides medical treatment, nursing, and welfare support services for up to one year.

After the service period ends, a reassessment determines whether ongoing management is necessary, and welfare services are linked and supported as needed. The provided services, including examinations, prescriptions, and nursing care, are covered by long-term care insurance and can be used without any out-of-pocket expenses (however, additional nursing fees may incur out-of-pocket costs).

Jeong Wono, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, stated, “Seongdong-gu is proactively promoting the tailored medical care service ‘Hyosarang Health Primary Care Physician’ so that elderly residents can enjoy a healthy and comfortable old age where they live. With the expansion of the target group to include elderly individuals rated for long-term care, we expect medical welfare for the elderly to be further strengthened. We will continue to do our best to provide customized medical care services that meet the needs of our elderly residents.”