Taiwan’s National Health Insurance will extend its coverage of minimally invasive procedures using the da Vinci Surgical System.
A surgeon makes five tiny incisions and removes a tumor on a patient’s pancreas with great precision.
The wound was small and blood loss so minimal, that the 80-year-old patient was able to move around the following day.
The da Vinci Surgical System, which performs these minimally invasive procedures, has been in use in Taiwan since 2004. It’s precise and flexible, lowering the strain on the patient’s body and shortening hospitalization time. The only problem? The cost!
Doctor Yeh Chun-chieh (葉俊杰) says that procedures not covered by national health insurance cost between NT$250,000 and NT$350,000 (US$8,200-11,500).
Until recently, only prostate and some kidney surgeries were covered. But from March 1, a total of 17 procedures will also be included, involving the liver, lungs, intestines, and pancreas. Patients will be able to save between NT$60,000 to NT$160,000 (US$2,000-5,300).
Doctor Yeh says that represents between a fourth and a third of the full amount.
According to reports, the list of covered surgeries may be expanded in the future and authorities expect the changes will benefit over a thousand patients.
Tomasz Koper, Rti News