Korean Society advocates for integrated primary care endoscopy

The Korean Society of Primary Care Gastrointestinal Endoscopy has emphasized the necessity of integrating endoscopy into a continuous cycle of patient care rather than treating it as a standalone procedure. During a press conference for its 2026 Autumn Academic Conference, the society highlighted that primary care physicians are uniquely positioned to manage patients by connecting screening, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow-up.

With the planned introduction of colonoscopy into the national colorectal cancer screening program in 2028, the society argued that the focus should shift from merely increasing the volume of tests to ensuring high-quality management. They noted that primary care doctors, who possess knowledge of a patient's chronic conditions, family history, and medications, can provide more effective risk assessment and follow-up care than specialized screening centers alone.

To enhance clinical standards, the society announced it will introduce an endoscopy certification exam next year. This initiative aims to verify the actual clinical competence and knowledge of primary care physicians beyond simple completion of training courses. The society also intends to work with the National Health Insurance Service to ensure that educational and quality control standards for national screenings are not overly dependent on specific academic institutions.