Utilization Patterns of Medical Services in Cancer Incidents, Jejudo

Abstract

Objectives: While the cancer is the leading cause of death in Jeju residents, it is important social issue that cancer incidents have to utilize medical services out of the province. The aim is to evaluate the patterns of utilization of medical services among cancer incidents, Jejudo.Methods: The subject was the cancer incident in 2000 who registered on the database of Jejudo Regional Cancer Registry. The patterns of utilization of medical services were identified by the medical claim database of National Health Insurance Cooperation.Results: Among the 1,164 subjects, 55.9% were first diagnosed at a medical service out the province. The bone marrow was the most primary cancer site among the subjects being diagnosed at a medical service out the province. Among the patients who were first diagnosed at a medical service in the province, 6.8% utilized another medical service out the province at the second visit. Thus, 59% of the subject utilized medical services out the province.Conclusions: These results showed the dependence of the Jeju residents on medical services for cancer patients situated out the province. It is urgently necessary to construct the total system of cancer controls in Jeju island.