한국 청소년 코로나바이러스감염증-19 환자의 의료 비용과 약제 정보

초록

Purpose The aim was to estimate the medical cost and the pharmaceutical information of the adolescent population with COVID-19. Materials and Methods The Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) databases contain all data from the National Health Insurance Service and have provided access to healthcare professionals for research purposes. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has opened the #OpenData4Covid19 project, and researchers can request statistical data from the HIRA to conduct studies. This study obtained 70 billing statements for patients who received healthcare services because of COVID-19 from the HIRA. Results Total medical cost for the study population was USD 305,284. The average individual cost was USD 4,361. Patients aged 16?19 had the highest prescription rate at 26.83% and were prescribed 52 drugs, far more significant than those prescribed in younger groups. Patients aged from 11?15 years required the fewest prescriptions. Prescriptions for relieving respiratory symptoms, such as rhinorrhea, cough, and sputum, were common. Interestingly, clinicians also prescribed non-respiratory-related drugs, such as Saccharomyces boulardii(probiotic; age 0?5 years), lactulose (laxative; age 6?10 years), mosapride (gastroprokinetics; age 11?15 years), and alprazolam (anxiolytics; age, 16?19 years). Conclusion The total expense of medical costs for each age group increased for older patients. Other notable points were the prescription of drugs to respond to symptoms other than respiratory symptoms. This finding would contribute to future healthcare preparedness for other public health affairs.