Non-emergency patients should pay more at ERs

By Lee Kyung-min

Patients seeking medical treatment in emergency rooms (ERs) for non-emergency cases such as colds and fevers will have to pay an additional cost of up to 54,830 won ($47) starting this year, the Ministry of Health and Welfare said Thursday.

The new rule was introduced to better provide prompt medical care for those who need immediate attention, which is often delayed because of a large number of non-emergency patients.

According to a report by the ministry and the Korean Society of Emergency Medicine, more than 80 percent of ER visitors are non-emergency patients.

Under the revised law, visitors to 140 ERs nationwide will be categorized into five levels according to seriousness of their condition and the possibility of infection. Those categorized with non-emergency conditions can be sent to other hospitals with their consent.

So far, National Health Insurance Service has covered the cost for ER use for all visitors, as well as an additional charge for respective patients’ treatment fees. But now, the charge will not be covered for non-emergency patients.

The ER use charge differs according to the size of the hospital, ranging from 18,280 won to 54,830 won.

Since the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreak in May last year, critics have said that the nation should try to reduce the number of ER visitors, reducing the chance of mass infection grows in case of an epidemic.

Some welcomed the move, saying the measure would help those who actually need emergency treatment.

“ERs are full of drunk and abusive people who cause disturbances in hospitals preventing doctors from doing their jobs,” an Internet user wrote.

But the measure drew backlash as well, especially from mothers.

“What should I do if my baby suffers from a high fever in the middle of the night? How can I know if it’s a simple cold or a serious disease like MERS?” another Internet user asked. “If the government wants to limit the use of ERs, then it should provide hospitals that operate at night.”