Korea expands chronic disease care at clinics to lower costs for hypertension, diabetes < Policy < Article

The government has introduced a new medical service by allowing neighborhood clinics to manage chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, on a one-year cycle.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare said the hypertension and diabetes management service will be fully implemented at neighborhood clinics nationwide starting Monday.

People with hypertension and diabetes can make a customized management plan through an examination at a nearby neighborhood clinic and receive comprehensive patient management services, including education and counseling on the disease and lifestyle improvement on a one-year cycle.

The primary care chronic disease management project was launched to improve disease management for hypertension and diabetes patients through continuous and comprehensive management at neighborhood clinics and contribute to the establishment of an efficient medical delivery system. After a five-year pilot project, it will be rolled out nationwide.

To encourage patients to manage their diseases, the patient co-payment rate for hypertension and diabetes management services will be reduced from 30 percent to 20 percent of the outpatient statutory co-payment rate.

Patients who practice healthy lifestyles, including walking, or continuously participate in services provided by the clinic will also receive a healthy lifestyle practice support grant worth up to 80,000 won ($61) annually.

Healthy lifestyle practice points can be used at designated online shopping malls and to pay for medical treatment at clinics nationwide.

The Health and Welfare Ministry’s website contains notices and guidance materials related to hypertension and diabetes management services, as well as guidelines for the Healthy Lifestyle Support Program pilot project.

“We hope people with hypertension and diabetes will actively manage their conditions with the help of their local clinic to prevent complications and become healthier,” said Bae Kyeong-take, director-general of the Health Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Bae continued, “We will continue to improve the system to make it easier for older adults with difficulty using apps to apply for and use the healthy living practice subsidy.”