Articles Vol. 66 No. CĐ4-NCKH 15/04/2025

35. PRIMARY CARE AND HEALTH INSURANCE REFERRAL POLICY 2021: A STUDY AT NGUYEN TRAI HOSPITAL, HO CHI MINH CITY

Huynh Trung Son1,2, Pham Duong Dac Bang3,4, Phan Thanh Vu5,6, Nguyen Thi Kim Anh5,6, Ly Vu Van5,6, Nguyen Thi Linh Hue5,6, Nguyen Nhu Vinh1,2, Pham Le An1,2
1 University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Hồ Chí Minh city
2 Đại học Y Dược thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
3 Hong Bang International University
4 Đại học Quốc tế Hồng Bàng
5 Nguyen Trai Hospital
6 Bệnh viện Nguyễn Trãi
Corresponding author: dacbang625@gmail.com
DOI: 10.52163/yhc.v66iCD4.2354
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Keywords
Primary care referral Nguyen Trai Hospital health insurance COVID-19
Abstract

Objective: To assess referral patterns at Nguyen Trai Hospital, Ho Chi Minh city (2020-2021), focusing on the impact of COVID-19 and health insurance policy changes.

Methods: A cross-sectional study analyzed 8642 referral records, comparing referral rates by ICD-10 groups between 2020 and 2021.

Results: The referral rate decreased significantly from 1.25% in 2020 to 0.65% in 2021 (p < 0.001). Infectious disease referrals doubled (7.59% to 16.69%). The group of chronic diseases showed a decreasing trend or had no statistically significant difference.

Conclusion: COVID-19 and health insurance policy changes led to significant shifts in referral patterns. Strengthening primary care, implementing family medicine, and enhancing referral systems are recommended.

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