Changes in Clinical Atmosphere after the Introduction of Private Insurance: A Survey of Private Practitioners’ Experiences

After the introduction of private insurance, there have been significant changes in clinical practice patterns. In October 2014, 87 private practitioners from the Chungcheong province participated in our survey (18 on-line, 69 off-line). The survey focused on the positive and/or negative effects of private insurance on clinical environment. The results of our survey show that almost half (47.1%) of private practitioners replied that although private insurance doesn't seem to benefit patients’ health, the majority (90.9%) feel private insurance puts added pressure to their practice. The 79.2% replied that the effect of private insurance on the doctor-patient relationship is negative compared with only 4.6% saying it had a positive effect. The 58.6% replied that private insurance had little or no impact on hospital management and 72.4% replied that private insurance negatively affected objective and conscientious decision making. Overall, 50.6% of our participants replied that the private insurance system was flawed with negative side effects, while 49.4% replied that despite its flaws the private insurance system was bearable. No participants felt the private insurance system was positive and benefited the national insurance system. The 48.2% of participants voiced the need for a governing network between health services, private insurance companies, patients and the government.