During the Same Period, the Number of Hypochondriasis Patients Also Reached 18,000
It has been revealed that, over the past five years, more than 12,000 patients visited clinics or hospitals for outpatient care more than 365 times in a single year-an average of more than once per day. During the same period, the cumulative number of patients diagnosed with hypochondriasis, a psychiatric disorder, reached 18,000.
According to data received by Assemblywoman Seo Myungok of the People Power Party, a member of the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee, from the National Health Insurance Service on October 9, the number of patients whose annual outpatient visits covered by health insurance exceeded 365 times last year was 2,288. By age group, those in their 70s accounted for the largest share at 774 people (32.6%), followed by those in their 60s at 524 (22.9%), and those aged 80 or older at 438 (19.1%), indicating a high proportion among the elderly. However, there were also younger patients, including 65 in their 30s and 27 in their 20s.
When classifying the types of medical institutions visited by these patients (allowing for multiple counts), it was found that the vast majority-2,249 people (98.3%)-visited clinics. Additionally, 1,404 people (61.4%) visited general hospitals, and 914 (39.9%) visited tertiary general hospitals.
To curb unnecessary overuse of medical services, since July last year, the National Health Insurance Service has implemented a differential copayment system, applying a 90% copayment rate to the portion of outpatient visits exceeding 365 per year (except in unavoidable cases). Alongside this, a "Wise (Medical) Choices Campaign" was also conducted, but the number of people exceeding the limit did not significantly decrease compared to the previous year.
Looking at the figures for the past five years, there were 2,535 such patients in 2020, 2,564 in 2021, 2,497 in 2022, 2,463 in 2023, and 2,288 last year, totaling 12,347 over five years. However, since the differential copayment system was introduced in July last year, it is possible that the number of patients exceeding the limit will decrease significantly this year, as the calculation will be based on the full 12 months.
Total Medical Expenses Claimed for Hypochondriasis Exceed 5.6 Billion Won Over Five Years
According to data obtained by Assemblywoman Seo’s office from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, a total of 2,478 patients visited hospitals for hypochondriasis (hypochondriacal disorder) between January and July this year. Also known as illness anxiety disorder, hypochondriasis is characterized by a persistent belief of having a serious illness or a fear of developing one, despite the absence of any actual disease. Patients with this disorder often seek repeated examinations at multiple hospitals.
Over the past five years (2020-2024), the number of patients was 2,962 in 2020, 3,864 in 2021, 3,682 in 2022, 3,866 in 2023, and 3,504 last year. During this period, the total medical expenses claimed for hypochondriasis amounted to 5.67 billion won.
Assemblywoman Seo pointed out, "The National Health Insurance Service developed a 'Wise (Medical) Choices' list in collaboration with 34 medical specialty societies to improve awareness among healthcare professionals and the public, but it has only been implemented in two medical settings. Public awareness campaigns, apart from subway outdoor advertisements, have been limited to one-off events." She added, "Given the current state of hypochondriasis in the country, it is necessary to increase the budget for preventing excessive medical use to actively create an environment where people can use medical services rationally and to prevent 'doctor shopping.'
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