Ten-Year Trends of Intravitreal Injection in South Korea Using the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Health Services Research
• Medical Economics

Background:

• Intravitreal injections (IVI) are a crucial treatment modality for various ocular conditions.
• Understanding the epidemiological trends and healthcare expenditure associated with IVI is essential for resource management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the annual trends of intravitreal injections (IVI) in South Korea from 2014 to 2023.
• To investigate patient demographics, healthcare facility utilization, and associated medical costs.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) Big Data Open Portal.
• Examination of IVI patient numbers and procedure counts, stratified by age group (excluding <40 years) and facility type.
• Analysis of healthcare expenditure trends related to IVI.

Main Results:

• A consistent rise in both the number of patients receiving IVI and the total number of injections administered, reaching 92,124 patients and 291,784 injections in 2023.
• Patients in their 70s represented the largest demographic for IVI recipients.
• Significant increase in IVI prevalence at primary healthcare facilities, rising from 20% in 2014 to 33% in 2023.
• Associated medical expenses showed a corresponding upward trend.

Conclusions:

• The utilization of intravitreal injections is increasing, with a notable shift towards primary healthcare settings.
• Rising medical expenses necessitate strategic planning for efficient healthcare resource allocation.
• This study provides critical data for future healthcare policy and resource management in ophthalmology.