The status and future of clinical pathology in Korea

Since its introduction half a century ago, modern clinical pathology in Korea has become an essential part of medical practice. The foundations of such fast development are manpower development systems, the government-certified clinical pathologist board system, the medical technologist license system, a medical insurance system providing universal coverage and the decisive introduction of modern technologies. Current issues in clinical pathology are the below cost fee system, the high rate at which claims are rejected, the government's intention to introduce an alternative fee system and 'overheated' competition among commercial laboratories. The 'fee-for-service system' inducing deviated medical practices and low publicity for the discipline-leading to reduction in the number of applications for residency-are serious issues which demand a solution. For continuing success, total laboratory automation (TLA), together with information and core laboratory systems, and an accreditation and audit system must be introduced. Clinical pathologists should, in addition, be trained as laboratory physicians. To extend laboratory usage by developing new demands and needs and expanding the future market for laboratories, effective publicity campaigns through the mass media and internet should be emphasized.