Equity in the utilization of physician and inpatient hospital services: evidence from Korean health panel survey

BACKGROUND Little is known regarding equity in health care utilization among Koreans since 2008. This study examines the extent to which equity in the use of health care services has been achieved in Korea. METHODS Descriptive and logistic regression analysis was performed. The sample for this study was 17,035 individuals who participated in interviews. RESULTS Differences in need substantially account for the original differences observed between subgroups of Koreans. Need factors were important determinants of Koreans using physician and inpatient hospital services. Having income did not ameliorate the subgroup differences in the use of physician services. Nonetheless, having income remains an important predictor of physician utilization. CONCLUSIONS The Korean health care system does not yield a fully equitable distribution of physician and inpatient hospital services. Health care reforms in Korea should continue to concentrate on insuring effective universal health care, implying that all population groups with need receive effective coverage.