Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital

Five hospitals of Hallym University Medical Center (HUMC) including Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, and Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital ranked in the top grade in the assessment on treating patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which is conducted by Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA). In the comprehensive evaluation, Hallym Hospital scored 93.06, Kangnam Hospital scored 94.96, Chuncheon Hospital scored 93.3, Dongtan Hospital scored 89.97, and Kangdong Hospital scored 89.74, and these scores were far above the average of healthcare industry. These hospitals received high marks in several specific categories including the rate of pulmonary function tests, continuous patient visits, prescriptions of bronchodilator and so on.

In collaboration with departments of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Thoracic Surgery, and Infectious Disease, HUMC provides patients with multidisciplinary care. It also provides customized treatment programs by making quick diagnosis and determining the severity through the latest 256-channel CT scanner and pulmonary function test. Furthermore, it is actively participating in international clinical trials in order to develop new drugs for bronchial and pulmonary infection.

COPD is one of ambulatory care sensitive conditions, but there are ways to slow down the progression of the disease. Since COPD is a disease with high prevalence rates and considerable consumption of medical resources, it is very important for patients to take appropriate measures to prevent further exacerbations.

HIRA has conducted the assessment on COPD every year to improve the quality of patient management.

By Ji-Hyeon Choi, Int’l Cooperation Team, HUMC (jihyeon@hallym.or.kr)