"Clinic Crossing the Line with 'Use Your Insurance for a Hotel Vacation' Promotion, Ultimately Reported"

"How about a summer vacation Korean medicine clinic staycation?" Text Promotion
Mapo Public Health Center reported to police for violating Medical Service Act
'Insurance money-eating hippo'... Insurance premium hikes increase public burden

A Korean medicine clinic A located in Mapo-gu, Seoul, has sparked controversy after sending a group text message encouraging people to enjoy a 'hospital room staycation' using indemnity health insurance. The local health center has decided to report the clinic to the police on charges of violating the Medical Service Act.

A Korean medicine clinic located in Mapo-gu, Seoul, sparked controversy by sending a group text encouraging people to enjoy a "hospital room staycation" using actual medical expense insurance. The health center plans to file a complaint with the police on charges of violating the Medical Service Act. [Photo by Online Community]

On the 26th, the Korean Pediatric Society filed a complaint regarding A Clinic's advertisement with the Mapo-gu Health Center and disclosed the response letter they received. According to the letter, the Mapo-gu Health Center judged that the clinic's actions violated the medical advertising regulations specified in the Medical Service Act.

In response, the Mapo Health Center stated, "Following an on-site inspection triggered by the complaint, the medical advertisement of the institution was found to violate the Medical Service Act. Administrative guidance was given to ensure compliance with the law to prevent similar complaints in the future," adding, "We plan to file a complaint with the Mapo Police Station for violation of the Medical Service Act and impose administrative sanctions."

Earlier this month, A Clinic sent text messages to visitors stating, "We will inform you of a health insurance staycation method to spend the hot weather healthily and coolly," claiming that patients could use hospital rooms free of charge by utilizing indemnity health insurance, which drew heavy criticism.

According to the clinic's message, their premium hospital rooms, consisting only of single and double rooms, can now be used at the general ward rate, and even the daily hospitalization and treatment cost of around 60,000 KRW can be fully reimbursed through indemnity insurance. They asked, "How about a Korean medicine staycation during holidays or vacations?"

Clicking the link included in the message leads to a blog where photos of the hospital rooms can be viewed. After the message spread through online communities and other channels, the Seoul Medical Association filed a complaint with Mapo-gu, where the clinic is located, escalating the issue.

In response, the Association of Korean Medicine Doctors issued a statement on the 13th, saying, "The illegal and false advertisement has damaged the dignity of Korean medicine doctors," and emphasized, "We have decided on severe disciplinary measures against the involved doctor and will strongly respond under a zero-tolerance policy to prevent recurrence."

They expressed their determination to thoroughly prevent future incidents, stating that such irresponsible behavior not only undermines public trust in Korean medicine treatment but also lowers the morale of Korean medicine doctors who are dedicated to treatment and research.

Explosion in Korean Medicine Treatment Costs in Auto Insurance... Also a Cause of Premium Increases

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that the non-life insurance industry is suffering due to excessive treatment at Korean medicine hospitals. The total auto insurance payments (excluding property damage compensation) for Korean medicine treatment have also significantly increased.

According to the report "Status of Korean Medicine Treatment Costs in Auto Insurance after Strengthening Health Insurance Coverage" published by the Insurance Research Institute, Korean medicine treatment costs within auto insurance increased by 506.7 billion KRW from 956.9 billion KRW in 2019 to 1.4636 trillion KRW in 2022. During the same period, Western medicine treatment costs decreased by 206.7 billion KRW (from 1.2573 trillion KRW to 1.0506 trillion KRW).

As excessive treatment at Korean medicine hospitals increases auto insurance payouts, it leads to a rise in auto insurance loss ratios. This ultimately results in higher premiums, which inevitably burdens consumers.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.