National Health Screening

The consultation and examination, height, weight, waist circumference, body mass index, vision and hearing, blood pressure, chest X-ray, urinalysis, and blood tests for anemia, fasting blood glucose, liver function, and kidney function are included. The NHIS general screening also includes an oral examination; when making a reservation, separately check which institutions provide this examination.

Dyslipidemia screening is provided every 4 years for men aged 24 or older and women aged 40 or older; hepatitis B screening is for those aged 40, and hepatitis C screening is for those aged 56. Pulmonary function tests are provided at ages 56 and 66, bone density tests for women at ages 54, 60, and 66, and cognitive function tests every 2 years for those aged 66 or older. Depression screening is provided every 2 years at ages 20–34, and once in each of the following age groups: 35–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, and 70–79. Early psychosis screening is provided every 2 years at ages 20–34. Lifestyle assessments are provided at ages 40, 50, 60, and 70, and geriatric physical function tests at ages 66, 70, and 80. Check with the NHIS for individual exclusion criteria and the items applicable in the relevant year.

Men and women aged 40 or older are eligible for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy every 2 years. If endoscopy is difficult, an upper gastrointestinal contrast examination may be selected. Eligibility may vary depending on previous stomach cancer treatment or registration for reduced copayment benefits, so check the NHIS eligibility results.

Men and women aged 50 or older first receive an annual fecal occult blood test. If the result is positive, they are eligible for a second-stage colonoscopy. Colonoscopy performed without a fecal occult blood test is paid for by the patient, and additional costs may apply for sedation and polyp removal. NHIS eligibility may be deferred depending on previous colonoscopy or a history of colorectal cancer.

People aged 40 or older who are at high risk for liver cancer are eligible for liver ultrasonography and a serum alpha-fetoprotein blood test every 6 months. The NHIS determines eligibility based on previous medical records and test results, including cirrhosis and hepatitis B or C. Check whether you are eligible in the first or second half of the year and which tests can be reserved.

Women aged 40 or older are eligible for mammography every 2 years for breast cancer screening, and women aged 20 or older are eligible for cervical cytology every 2 years for cervical cancer screening. Exclusion criteria may vary depending on surgical history and whether you have previously received cancer treatment. Please call to check which items can be reserved at our clinic.

Medical Aid recipients aged 66 or older are eligible every 2 years and have no out-of-pocket costs. The basic screening includes a consultation and examination, body measurements, and vision and hearing tests. At the applicable ages, check pulmonary function testing (age 66), bone density testing for women (age 66), cognitive function testing (every 2 years from age 66), lifestyle assessment (age 70), and geriatric physical function testing (ages 66, 70, and 80). Depression screening is provided once for those aged 66–69 who did not receive it at ages 60–65, and once for those aged 70–79.

There is no out-of-pocket cost for general health screening and transitional-age Medical Aid screening covered by the NHIS. In principle, cancer screening costs are shared 90% by the NHIS and 10% by the examinee; colorectal cancer and cervical cancer screenings are fully covered by the NHIS. Those eligible for the National Cancer Screening Program and Medical Aid recipients also have no out-of-pocket costs. Additional costs may apply for sedated endoscopy, polyp removal, and additional tests, so please check when making your reservation.

According to NHIS instructions, fast after 9 p.m. the night before and refrain from food, water, coffee, milk, smoking, juice, chewing gum, and other items on the day of screening. Afternoon screening requires at least 8 hours of fasting. Tell us about any medications you take and medical conditions when making your reservation. Follow individualized instructions from your medical provider regarding taking or stopping diabetes medication, insulin, blood pressure medication, anticoagulants, and other medications. Also inform us in advance about possible pregnancy, menstruation, and whether an endoscopy will be performed.

Screening results will be provided by mail or email within 15 days after completion of the screening. If additional medical care is needed, you will receive information about consultation and follow-up tests based on the results. You can check your eligibility and the latest system information on the National Health Insurance Service website or by calling 1577-1000. For screening reservations and inquiries at Asan Oreum Internal Medicine, call 02-6958-7070.