National Health Insurance System of Korea: Resource-Based Relative Value Scale and a New Healthcare Policy

ABSTRACT

The resource-based relative value scale (RBRVS) compares the value of a medical practice to the consumption of resources, which consist of the work of the physician, practice expenses, and professional liability insurance. At the time of the 2nd revision of RBRVS, the fee for radiological examinations had been reduced due to the high preservation rate. In RBRVS, practice expenses account for most of the compensation of radiological examinations, and physicians' work is relatively undervalued. A new healthcare policy (Moon Jae-In care) consists of the expansion of the National Health Insurance (NHI) coverage, reduction of patient charges for the vulnerable class, and support for catastrophic medical expenses. However, Moon Jae-In care is expected to negatively affect the NHI in Korea financially. The expansion of the insurance coverage for ultrasonography and MRI examinations is a significant part of the Moon Jae-In care, and radiological societies should establish fair compensations for physicians' work within the field of radiology while implementing the Moon Jae-In care.