RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Healthcare utilization and economic burden of patients with diagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Korea JF European Respiratory Journal JO Eur Respir J FD European Respiratory Society SP P4107 VO 44 IS Suppl 58 A1 Yong Bum Park A1 Kwang Ha Yoo A1 Won-Yeon Lee YR 2014 UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/Suppl_58/P4107.abstract AB BACKGROUND: The prevalence and economic burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are increasing throughout the world. However, little information is available concerning COPD-associated healthcare utilization and costs in Korea.OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to analyze healthcare utilization, medical costs, and medication use for the year of 2009. The changes of costs and medication use over 5 years were also analyzed.DESIGN: Using the database of the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, COPD patients were identified by searching with both ICD-10 code and COPD medication.RESULTS: A total of 192,496 COPD patients were identified in 2009. Total medical cost per one person was $2803±3865, and the average number of days of outpatient clinic visit and days of hospitalization for a year were 40±36 and 11±33, respectively. Methylxanthine and systemic beta-agonist were the most frequently used drugs. However, the frequency of prescribing long-acting muscarinic antagonist increased rapidly. Total cost of COPD-related medication revealed a 33.1% increase during 5 years.CONCLUSION: The present study provides a new insight on healthcare utilization and economic burden of COPD in Korea. Changing patterns of COPD-related medication use is also valuable information. This can be an important fundamental data in establishing a policy on management of COPD.