1️⃣ Super-Aged Society and the Need for Elderly Integrated Care
South Korea is aging at an unprecedented rate, and by 2025, it is expected to enter a super-aged society where one in five people is elderly. This demographic shift is leading to an explosive increase in medical demand for seniors suffering from chronic diseases. However, seniors with limited mobility or those living in areas with low medical accessibility often face worsening conditions due to the lack of timely treatment.
In particular, many seniors show a high preference for Korean medicine when it comes to managing musculoskeletal disorders or chronic pain. Despite this, existing medical systems have been hospital-centered, posing structural limits for seniors recuperating at home. To address these issues, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has sought ways to actively utilize Korean medicine as part of 'Community Integrated Care.'
2️⃣ Core Analysis of the 4th Comprehensive Plan for Korean Medicine
The '4th Comprehensive Plan for Korean Medicine Promotion (2021-2025)' goes beyond mere preservation and aims to utilize Korean medicine as a core tool for national health promotion. The biggest feature of this plan is that services move beyond hospital doors directly into communities and homes.
- Strengthening Community Integrated Care: Expanding home visiting services so seniors can age healthily in their own homes rather than in nursing hospitals or facilities.
- Expanding Coverage of Korean Medicine: Including policies to reduce economic burdens, such as the pilot project for health insurance coverage of herbal medicine (Cheopyak) and Chuna therapy.
- Increasing the Role of Primary Care: Reforming the system so local Korean medicine clinics can serve as 'primary care doctors' for managing chronic diseases in the elderly.
3️⃣ Details on Elderly Primary Care Doctors and Visiting Services
Korean Medicine Home Visiting Service (House Calls)
This service involves Korean medicine doctors visiting the homes of seniors who have difficulty visiting medical institutions due to limited mobility. Seniors can receive diagnosis, prescriptions, and disease management, as well as treatments like acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping at home. This is a breakthrough change that ensures the health rights of seniors in medical blind spots.
Pilot Project for Primary Care Doctors for the Disabled and Elderly
This is a primary care system providing comprehensive chronic disease management and health counseling. It goes beyond treating pain as it occurs, managing daily eating habits, exercise, and lifestyle from a Korean medicine perspective. This is expected to prevent worsening of severe diseases and reduce medical costs.
Prevention and Management of Dementia and Chronic Diseases
Through Korean medicine health promotion programs at public health centers nationwide, services such as dementia prevention, stroke sequelae management, and bone/joint disease prevention are provided. These are often operated in connection with local senior centers or welfare centers, offering excellent accessibility.
4️⃣ New Benefits in Korean Medicine: How to Use Them?
- Check Local Public Health Center Programs: Local public health centers operate 'Korean Medicine Health Promotion Projects.' Inquire via phone about free Qigong exercises or dementia prevention classes.
- Find Participating Clinics for Home Visiting Services: Search the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) website or app to find local Korean medicine clinics participating in the 'Primary Care Home Visiting Pilot Project.'
- Confirm Insurance for Herbal Medicine (Cheopyak): Health insurance benefits are available for herbal medicine prescriptions for specific conditions such as facial nerve palsy, stroke sequelae, and menstrual pain. If applicable, consult your clinic to reduce the cost.
2️⃣ Understanding Core Insights at a Glance
The 4th Comprehensive Plan for Korean Medicine Promotion is not just a policy announcement; it is an important milestone in changing the medical environment for our parents' later years.
Paradigm Shift: From 'Treatment' to 'Care'
While past medicine focused on treating diseases in hospitals, this plan focuses on providing continuous care in the patient's living space: 'home' and 'community.' Korean medicine is a service optimized for this care model.
Why is Korean Medicine Suitable for Elderly Care?
Korean medicine prioritizes conservative treatment over invasive surgery and excels at strengthening energy and immunity in seniors. Furthermore, high-quality medical services can be provided with just a doctor's bag, making it highly efficient for home visits.
Enhancing Trust Through Science and Standardization
This plan also includes strengthening the scientific basis of Korean medicine and developing standard clinical practice guidelines. This serves as a foundation for the public to trust and utilize Korean medicine more.
Key Points for Readers
Health insurance coverage for herbal medicine preparations is expected to expand. Since previously expensive treatments will become more accessible, staying informed about policy changes can greatly help reduce medical expenses.
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