Objective: Physiotherapy (PT), an effective strategy for managing Parkinson's disease (PD), can influence healthcare utilization. We analyzed trends in healthcare utilization, PT interventions, and medical costs among patients with PD.
Methods: Using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service from 2011 to 2020, we analyzed the number of patients with PD and their healthcare utilization and assessed the odds ratio (OR) for receiving regular PTs.
Results: Over 10 years, 169,613 patients with PD were present. The number of patients with PD increased annually from 49,417 in 2011 to 91,841 in 2020. Patients with PD receiving PT increased from 4,847 (9.81%) in 2011 to 13,163 (14.33%) in 2020, and PT prescriptions increased from 81,220 in 2011 to 377,651 in 2019. Medical costs per patient with PD have increased from 1,686 United States Dollars (USD) in 2011 to 3,201 USD in 2020. Medical expenses for each patient with PD receiving PT increased from 6,581 USD in 2011 to 13,476 USD in 2020. Moreover, Regular PTs were administered to 31,782 patients (18.74%) and conducted only through hospitalization. Those in their 50s with disabilities demonstrated a high OR for regular PTs, while those aged 80 years or older and residing outside Seoul had a low OR.
Conclusions: The PD burden increased in South Korea between 2011 and 2020, including an increase in healthcare utilization and medical costs. The significant rise in medical expenses can be associated with increased PD prevalence and PT interventions. Regular PT applications remain restricted and have barriers to access.
Keywords: Disease Burden; Health Care Utilization; Healthcare Costs; Parkinson's Disease; Physical Therapy; Prevalence.