Korean Medicine Telemedicine: Pioneering Post-COVID Healthcare Delivery
Seoul, Monday, 21 April 2025.
Research shows promising integration of Korean medicine in telemedicine, highlighting its effectiveness in non-face-to-face care, which fills healthcare gaps and transforms patient perceptions.
Early Success in COVID-19 Response
The integration of Korean medicine into telemedicine services demonstrated remarkable success during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the first confirmed case in South Korea on January 20, 2020, the Korean Medicine Telemedicine Center was swiftly established by March 9, 2020, providing vital teleconsultations and herbal medicine prescriptions to patients with mild symptoms [1]. By June 30, 2020, the center had successfully treated 18.1% of all confirmed COVID-19 patients in South Korea, establishing a strong foundation for future telemedicine applications [1].
Digital Innovation in Healthcare Delivery
Recent developments in 2025 showcase the evolution of telemedicine platforms across various medical specialties. Digital interventions have proven particularly effective in improving patient adherence to treatments, with studies showing significantly lower risks of poor adherence among digital technology users [3]. The integration of mobile applications, reminder systems, and interactive multimedia platforms has transformed healthcare delivery, making it more accessible and efficient [3]. These technological advances are particularly relevant for Korean medicine practitioners, who can now offer comprehensive care through virtual consultations while maintaining traditional treatment approaches [1].
Regional Implementation and Future Prospects
The success of Korean medicine telemedicine has inspired similar initiatives across different healthcare systems. For instance, the Arizona Telemedicine Program currently serves twenty communities through real-time and store-and-forward technologies [4]. This model of healthcare delivery is particularly significant as it demonstrates how traditional medical practices can be effectively integrated with modern technology. Looking ahead, upcoming events such as the American Telemedicine Association Nexus Conference 2025 [5] are set to further explore the intersection of traditional medicine and digital healthcare delivery, potentially expanding the reach of Korean medicine practices globally.