Objective: We analyzed trends in PT interventions and associated medical costs among South Korean patients with PD between 2011 and 2020.

Background: Physiotherapy (PT), an effective strategy for managing Parkinson’s disease (PD), can influence healthcare utilization.

Method: Using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service, we analyzed the number of patients receiving PT interventions and relevant prescriptions among patients with PD, evaluated medical costs, and assessed the odds ratio (OR) in relation to receiving regular PT interventions.

Results: Over 10 years, 169,613 patients developed PD. The number of patients with PD increased annually from 49,417 in 2011 to 91,841 in 2020. Patients with PD receiving PT increased from 4,847 (9.81%) in 2011 to 13,163 (14.33%) in 2020, and PT prescriptions increased from 81,220 in 2011 to 377,651 in 2019. Medical costs per patient with PD have increased from 2,248,339 South Korean Won (KRW) in 2011 to 4,268,380 KRW in 2020. Medical expenses for each patient with PD receiving PT increased from 8,775,975 KRW in 2011 to 17,967,623 KRW in 2020. Moreover, 31,782 patients with PD (18.74%) underwent regular PT interventions during hospitalization. Those in their 50s with disabilities demonstrated a high OR for regular PT, while those aged 80 years or older and residing outside Seoul had a low OR.

Conclusion: The PD burden increased in South Korea between 2011 and 2020, including an increase in patient numbers, healthcare utilization, and medical costs. The increase in medical expenses was attributed to the increased PD prevalence and PT interventions through hospitalization.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/trends-in-physiotherapy-interventions-and-medical-costs-for-parkinsons-disease-in-south-korea-2011-2020/