The Impact of Emergency Room Utilization by Depression Patients on Medical Treatment Expense in Korea

ObjectivesTo investigate the determinants of total medical expense for depression patients admitted through the emergency room (ER).MethodsData were selected from the Korean National Health Insurance sample data for 2009. SPSS version 18 was used for the statistical analysis such as descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis. Data included 1203 cases admitted through the ER with ICD-10 codes (F31–F39).ResultsIn the multiple regression analysis, significant variables affecting total payment were gender (p < 0.001), age (p < 0.001), main illness (p < 0.001), course of admission to the ER (p < 0.05), and length of stay (p < 0.001).ConclusionIt is necessary to build a long-term program and system for high-risk depression groups.