Korean Resource-Based Relative Value Scale in Rheumatic Diseases

Uhm, Wan Sik; Bae, Sang Cheol

Abstract

In Korea, Resource-Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS) was developed in 1997 and introduced in 2001 for the alternative of Korean Medical Fee Schedule. The RBRVS measures physician resource inputs to construct relative values for services and procedures. The RBRVS, as an administered price system, would need to be updated periodically. Changes in practice costs and practice patterns, and the rapid evolution of technology will require that relative values be adjusted over time. The Relative Value Scale Update Committee (RUC) in Korean Medical Association (KMA) is under updating annual review and 5-year review of Korean Relative Value Scale (RVS). The Korean RVS is estimated less balanced and rational in general, and furthermore there was no update after base-line study. So, it is the reason why this update of RVS is important. We, rheumatologists, are specialists for rheumatic diseases and are unfamiliar and unconcerned with health care system and medical insurance fee schedule, but this attitude is not appropriate to improve our specialized medical situation. This article reviewed the history of Korean medical insurance, development and update procedure of Korean RVS, and the current insurance problems in rheumatic diseases briefly. In Korea, RVS of medical services including rheumatology is relatively less compensated than the other invasive and imaging services. Therefore, Korean RVS update should be changed to more balanced and reasonable one for the medical service including rheumatology.