South Korea proposes expanding first-visit telemedicine scope

The South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare has announced a legislative notice for amendments to the Medical Service Act enforcement rules regarding telemedicine. The proposed changes aim to expand the scope of first-visit telemedicine, allowing patients to receive remote consultations from clinics located within the same city or province as their registered residence.

Under the new rules, first-visit prescriptions are generally limited to seven days. However, a provision allows for a one-time exception of up to 30 days if a medical professional determines that continuing existing treatment is necessary. The amendment also prohibits the prescription of narcotics, drugs prone to abuse, and obesity treatments via telemedicine. Additionally, platforms with over 100,000 users will be required to undergo mandatory certification processes.

The Korean Medical Association of Clinic Practitioners (KMA) has expressed strong opposition to the expansion. The association warned that allowing first-visit telemedicine and longer prescription periods could increase the risk of misdiagnosis and drug abuse. They specifically cautioned that without physical examinations, serious conditions like cerebral hemorrhages or myocardial infarctions could be overlooked. The KMA has advised its members to refrain from issuing 30-day prescriptions for first-visit telemedicine and has called for stricter regulations on platform advertising and patient solicitation.