Cost-effectiveness analysis of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine versus 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in an adult population in South Korea.

In South Korea, the National Immunization Program offers a 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) for the elderly; however, the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) is not included, and vaccination is not offered to younger, at-risk populations. This study offers a comparative analysis of PCV13 and PPSV23 in Korea's adults, stratified by age and risk group. A Markov model with a lifetime horizon was developed from the healthcare perspective.

Do cost containment policies save money and influence physicians' prescribing behavior? Lessons from South Korea's drug policy for diabetes medication.

Objective: We evaluate the effects of drug price reduction policy on pharmaceutical expenditure and prescription patterns in diabetes medication.

Design: An interrupted time series study design using generalized estimating equations.

Setting: This study used National Health Insurance claim data from 2010 to 2013.