ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Health Insurance reimbursement does not accurately reflect the cost of test items performed in a hospital, and it is particularly more difficult to introduce laboratory tests applying new technology. Ensuring the safety of blood bank tests is encumbered since the reimbursement rates for the blood bank items that are high risk are not properly set. In this study, we analyzed the validity of reimbursement through a cost analysis of testing performed in Severance Hospital blood bank. METHODS: Original cost and net income were calculated for the tests performed in Severance Hospital blood bank from 1 January, 2009 to 31 December 2009. RESULTS: The original cost and deficit of ABO & Rh(D) blood tests using an automated blood test analyzer was 4,588 won and 1,572 won (52% compared to reimbursement), respectively. Irregular antibody screening test was 3,416 won in original cost and 3,422 won profit. Lewis antigen test was 10,816 won in original cost, creating a 4,745 won deficit. Irregular antibody identification was 32,568 won in original cost and 17,189 won in deficit. CONCLUSION: Unless the original cost of blood bank tests is reflected in the reimbursement rates, hospital blood banks will run into a budget deficit and blood bank automation, which is used worldwide for patient safety, will not be used in domestic health care.