A recent study has uncovered a surprising trend in obstetrics and gynecology: 4 out of 10 specialists in the field choose not to display their specialty on their practice signs.
More alarmingly, 8.5% of these professionals didn’t file any health insurance claims in 2024, suggesting a significant shift towards cosmetic procedures and other non-covered services.
On Monday, Democratic Party Representative Seo Young Seok, a member of the National Assembly’s Health and Welfare Committee, released findings from a survey conducted by the Ubuntu Health Policy Lab. The study revealed that of the 2,291 outpatient clinics established by OB-GYNs in 2024, only 1,320 (57.6%) were officially registered as obstetric and gynecological practices.
The remaining 971 facilities (42.4%), while staffed by OB-GYNs, operated under other specialties or as general medical practices.
Notably, 83 of the 971 clinics not registered as OB-GYN practices (8.5%) didn’t submit any health insurance claims in 2024, suggesting a likely shift toward cosmetic and other non-covered services.
The study also highlighted a concerning trend in maternity care: few registered OB-GYN clinics offer delivery services.
Of the 1,320 surveyed OB-GYN clinics, only 153 (11.6%) filed at least one delivery-related health insurance claim in 2024.
Rep. Seo Young Seok emphasized that these findings reflect the broader challenges facing obstetrics and gynecology, noting that many specialists are moving away from core OB-GYN services due to low reimbursement rates and high malpractice risk. He added that the trend highlights the need for broader reforms in maternity care, including both service delivery and payment systems.