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South Korean medical community dispute over testing fees
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2026-11-02 00:52 UTC → 2026-11-02 02:34 UTC ·
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The South Korean medical community is protesting government proposals to reduce reimbursement fees for specimen testing, such as blood and urine tests. Health authorities justify the cuts by citing a study claiming compensation rates for these tests are as high as 192%. Medical professionals and the Korea Medical Devices Industry Association (KMDIA) argue the data is flawed. They contend the study used a sample size representing only 0.24% of facilities and excluded major general hospitals and specialized outsourcing agencies. Experts suggest that without institutional add-on payments, actual rates for tertiary and general hospitals would be approximately 148% and 154%, respectively. Adding to the opposition, the Korean Health Screening Society has called for the withdrawal of reforms regarding the specimen testing entrustment system for national health screenings. The society warns that reducing fees and shifting direct payments from the National Health Insurance Service to laboratories could undermine primary care infrastructure. Simulations Expanding the protest, the Korean Pediatric and Adolescent Hospital Association is opposing a government decision to reduce specimen test fees by an average of 28% starting in January. The association argues that uniform reductions ignore the society suggest losses unique complexities of 3,600 to 7,000 KRW per case, as current compensation allegedly fails pediatric care. They note that pediatric blood collection requires more staff to cover administrative stabilize children and labor costs manage smaller blood volumes compared to adult procedures. The association is calling for patient consultation and a “pediatric specimen management. collection surcharge” to reflect these additional labor costs, warning that insufficient fees could lead to reduced staffing or increased physical distress for children due to repeated needle sticks.
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- 2026-11-02 02:34 UTC South Korean medical community dispute over testing fees
- 2026-11-02 00:52 UTC South Korean medical community dispute over testing fees
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