Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was performed to compare the costs of nursing interventions implemented for the obstetrical and gynecological patients using Korean Reimbursement System and ABC codes system developed in the US for costing out interventions performed by health care professional.
METHODS
First, the narrative data on nursing interventions were extracted from electronic medical record system of a tertiary university and mapped with Nursing Intervention Classification (NIC) by two researchers until 100% consent was reached. Narrative nursing interventions mapped with NIC were then remapped with ABC codes system using the electronic program developed in the research. The mapping data were analyzed with real numbers, frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation.
RESULTS
More nursing interventions were mapped with ABC codes than Korean reimbursement system. Total of 97 different types of narrative interventions could be mapped with NIC, 43 NIC interventions could be reimbursed by ABC code but only 16 NIC interventions were reimbursed by Korea Reimbursement System.
CONCLUSION
Korean medical insurance fee system needs amendment to include more comprehensively interventions performed by nurses which are very important to patient outcomes. Further study is needed to develop strategies to costing out nursing interventions.