A Study of the Roles, Practice, and Reimbursement of Korean Advanced Practice Nurses, and Proposal for Improving Reimbursement Policies
10.22650/JKCNR.2024.30.3.178
- Author:
Su Jung CHOI
1
;
Dong Hyun LEE
;
Young Ah KANG
;
Cho Sun LEEM
;
Mi Kyeong JEON
Author Information
1. Graduate School of Clinical Nursing Science, Sungkyunkwan University
- From:
Journal of Korean Clinical Nursing Research
2024;30(3):178-192
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:This study aimed to improve the reimbursement policies in the service of Korean Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) to enhance their utilization in practice.
Methods:The study was conducted in three stages: 1) reviewing other countries’ APN systems; 2) conducting focus group interviews and online surveys with APNs to gather opinions on their roles, practices, and reimbursement status; and 3) proposal for improving reimbursement policies based on expert consultations. The data was collected between March and June 2023.
Results:In the United States, APNs can be reimbursed at 85~100 % of physician fees for services provided under the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. In Japan, reimbursement is only available for 38 tasks performed among specially trained Certified Nurses. Master’s level APN education has been created but not nationally legislated. The results of focus group interviews reveal low awareness and legal limitations of Korean APNs’ roles. The results of online surveys indicate high professional pride but low satisfaction with little reimbursement system, and 71.4% of respondents denote the APN field’s integration. Also, expansion of current reimbursement to other APN fields and regular evaluation of roles and reimbursement were recommended.
Conclusion:In this study, it is necessary to clarify APNs’ roles, and scope of practice, and establish benefits and reimbursement systems for professional APNs’ health services. This study suggests improvements to enhance the Korean APN system and healthcare quality in Korea.
