Improvement plans for the payment rate of the Korean Medical Association membership fee

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study is to describe the current status of the payment rate of the Korean Medical Association (KMA) membership fee and to suggest a way to overcome the decreased payment rate of membership fees by analyzing the causal factors of the decrease.Methods: Quantitative analysis of the KMA membership data, qualitative research of in-depth interviews with 2 staff members of the regional subsidiaries, and literature research were conducted.Results: From the results, 6 major factors for reducing the membership fee payment rate were derived, and plans to improve the payment rate of membership fees were suggested to improve the factors. First, the role of the KMA and the promotion of its members should be strengthened. Second, there should be a flexible adjustment of the membership fee. Third, there should be an enhancement of the transparency of budget execution and increased awareness through the promotion of the members. Fourth, differentiated incentives should be offered to the members who pay dues. Fifth, an improvement of a more efficient and easier payment method should be installed. Finally, legal enforcement measures to pay the membership fee should be considered.Conclusion: In order to improve the payment rate of the KMA membership fee, the KMA should try to make the members understand the performance of the business affairs and health policies. Furthermore, incentives that members can feel should be given.