SOUTH KOREA Law and Practice Contributed by: Kyungsun Kyle Choi, Eui Seok Kim, Han Kyul Nam and Eun Sun Jang, Kim & Chang
With support for DTx increasing with the imple- mentation of the DMPA, the MOHW is explor- ing reimbursement paths, but challenges per- sist regarding reimbursement, long-term patient adherence, and equitable access, especially for older adults and rural populations. As of late 2024, DTx adoption is highest among younger, urban individuals, and the overall market growth remains in its early stages (see the National Library of Medicine website). AI-Based Healthcare AI-powered diagnostic tools are already widely used. Leading South Korean companies have developed AI solutions for medical image ana- lytics in major hospitals. AI is also used for drug discovery, optimising clinical trials, and enabling precision medicine by analysing genetic and molecular data. The government is investing in data infrastruc- ture, creating platforms to consolidate and share medical data for AI research and commerciali- sation. Initiatives like Dr. Answer 3.0 focus on post-treatment care and daily health manage- ment, with AI-powered services available via smartphones and wearables. The government is also establishing ethical guidelines and invest- ing in workforce training to ensure responsible and effective AI deployment. 1.3 Benefits of Digital Healthcare Digital healthcare is making significant impacts on the South Korean medical system, benefit- ing patients, healthcare providers, and the eco- nomic framework as well. Improvement in Patient Experience and Outcomes Enhanced convenience The development of telemedicine and remote patient monitoring apps enables patients to
receive necessary diagnoses and treatments without physically visiting hospitals. This is par- ticularly beneficial for chronic patients and the elderly who have mobility challenges. Moreo- ver, the automation of appointment scheduling, medication management, and insurance claims reduces administrative burdens and increases overall patient satisfaction. Personalised prevention and treatment By analysing patient data, digital healthcare can provide optimised treatment and preventive strategies tailored to each individual. Genomic testing and advanced health informatics contrib- ute to proactive disease prevention and person- alised treatment plans. Continuous health status monitoring through wearable devices or mobile applications also facilitates early detection and prevention of various health conditions, thereby significantly improving overall health outcomes. Improved post-operative care For patients recovering from chronic conditions, including cancer, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen after surgery and treatment is crucial. Digital healthcare can play a signifi- cant role in this area by providing personalised diet and exercise programmes, which promote physical recovery, reduce the risk of recurrence, and ultimately enhance the overall quality of life for patients. Improvement in Healthcare Workforce Practices Clinical decision support AI and big data analytics assist healthcare pro- viders in formulating more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. For instance, AI-based systems support cancer treatment planning and new drug development.
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