Abstract
Backgrounds : Since December 1, 2009, National Health Insurance began to reimburse for three physical therapies of Korean medicine. The extension of insurance coverage is demanded by Korean medicine societies. Objectives : This study aimed to measure the resource-based relative value scale (RBRVS) scores for thirty four physical therapies of Korean medicine and to estimate the insurer's expenditure for them in National Health Insurance. Methods : To measure the physician's work and the practice expense, the 'magnitude estimation method (MEM)' and the 'fully distributed cost - attributable cost method (FDC-ACM)' were applied respectively. We collected the frequency data of physical therapies from Korean medicine hospitals and clinics to estimate the total expenditure. Results : The resource-based relative value scale scores of physical therapies were measured from 23.44 to 160.66. Total insurer's expenditure was calculated to be 95.5 billion won as of 2009. Conclusions : Based on the result that showed minor increase of total expenditure, most physical therapies of Korean medicine need to be reimbursed in the National Health Insurance.