The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) of South Korea has announced the designation of 71 rehabilitation medical institutions for the third phase, covering March 2026 to February 2029. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to minimize patient disabilities and facilitate early reintegration into society following illness or surgery. Rehabilitation medical institutions are defined by law to provide intensive rehabilitation services during the recovery period. The policy builds on previous phases and pilot projects since 2017, aiming to strengthen the continuum of care from acute treatment to community-based support.
Patients with central nervous system injuries (such as brain or spinal cord damage), musculoskeletal conditions (including hip, pelvic, and femur fractures or replacements), and disuse syndrome are eligible for tailored rehabilitation services. The designated institutions must meet strict criteria regarding staffing, facilities, and patient ratios, including having at least 60 beds and specialized therapy rooms. Some newly applying institutions received conditional designation to promote regional balance, provided they achieve a 40% recovery-phase patient ratio within one year. The program also supports post-discharge community care and home-based rehabilitation for those in need.
The third phase saw 97 institutions apply, with 71 selected after document review, site inspection, and committee approval. The new institutions will implement ‘customized rehabilitation fees’ and pilot reimbursement models starting March 2026, following approval by the Health Insurance Policy Review Committee. These models include bundled payments for intensive rehabilitation, integrated management, functional evaluation, community linkage, and home visits. Patients will not face reduced hospital fees for longer stays during recognized rehabilitation periods, encouraging early discharge without financial penalty.
Frequently asked questions include: Who can benefit from these services? Eligible patients are those with specific neurological, musculoskeletal, or disuse-related conditions within defined post-onset or post-surgery timeframes. What are the requirements for institutions? Facilities must meet standards for staffing, equipment, and patient ratios, and maintain a minimum recovery-phase patient proportion. Where can more information be found? The MOHW website and the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service provide details and contact points for inquiries. The ministry will continue to analyze outcomes and refine the system based on patient satisfaction and home-return rates.
Metaqsol opinion: The Ministry of Health and Welfare’s third phase designation of 71 rehabilitation medical institutions is a significant step toward enhancing patient recovery and reducing disabilities. The policy’s focus on intensive, tailored rehabilitation and community reintegration addresses both medical and social needs. Conditional designations for new institutions promote regional balance, ensuring broader access. The adoption of customized reimbursement models and ongoing evaluation of outcomes will help sustain and improve the effectiveness of rehabilitation care in South Korea.