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With the opening of the medical market ahead, one of the local hospitals has been attracting increasing numbers of international patients despite the fierce competition among Korean hospitals. 
The name of that hospital is Dongsan Medical Center, Keimyung University in Daegu.

According to the hospital statistics, the number of foreign patients in Dongsan Medical Center has been rising from 3,014 patients in 2003 to 3,592 in 2004 (19% increase) to 3,922 in 2005 (35% increase).

Dongsan Medical Center International Clinic has been providing medical care to foreign patients since its opening in 1967, and from June 2000, it entered into Agreement with 18th MEDCOM and became the sole hospital to care for foreign patients in Daegu and Kyungbook areas.

Among the foreign patients, the Americans are most frequently found, followed by other nationalities such as French, German, Nepal and Philippine, etc.

As diverse as the patients' nationalities is their purpose of the hospital visit.
Some come to treat the common cold, and some for operation on a serious illness. The departments such as Internal Medicine, Physical Therapy, Ob & Gyn and ENT are some of the departments most commonly visited.

Dongsan Medical Center explains the steady increase of International patients is attributable to its Agreement with the US Army 18th MEDCOM, enabling the hospital to care US Army active duty personnel, their family members and retirees and civilians stationed in the US Army installaion.

Additionally, Dongsan Medical Center has been distinctively providing convenient services and deals with International Insurance Companies which also accredited to the increasing number of patients.

Beginning last year, the Medical Center International Clinic has been providing coverage services to foreign patients with major Insurance Companies that accommodate them with insurance benefits similar to their native country.

Dongsan Medical Center International Clinic is the first in the local medical institutions to establish relationship with one of America's major Medical Insurance Corporation "World Access-Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance and Federal Employee Program".  When members of this Insurance Company receive medical services at Dongsan Medical Center, they are able to get the same insurance benefits there as they would in their native country.

Accoringly, there has been a boost in foreign currency earnings and a good chance to wholly impress international patients of Korea's sophistication in clinical medicine.

In addition, Dongsan Medical Center International Clinic accommodates 24-hour emergency service to foreign patients, teaches English to nurses and staff members, and provides full escort and translation in making appointments and during the medical examination with the doctors.

Dongsan Newsletter tells, "The establishment of relationship with World Access has allowed patients (members of the Insurance Company) to pay only their deductible and co-payment."  Furthermore, it says, "well organized system and administration for the foreign patients has resulted in the steady increase in numbers and this will continue".

Meanwhile,  the U.S. Army 18th MEDCOM has awarded a Plaque of Appreciation to Dr. Soo-Jhi Sh, Medical Director of Dongsan Medical Center, last April in recognition of the systematic and outstanding medical services rendered to the U.S. Army personnel and their family members and a Letter of Appreciation for the quality services rendered to the emergency patients.