Why Are Head and Neck Cancer Surgeries Finally Getting Paid 80% More?

A New Dawn for Head and Neck Surgery

The recent health insurance policy committee decision to boost compensation for 29 head and neck surgical procedures marks a historic shift in Korean medical reimbursement [web:1][web:2].
Starting this September, core surgeries such as oral tumor excision and tongue cancer resection will see their relative value scores increased by 20 to 80 percent [web:1][web:5].
For example, oropharyngeal malignant tumor surgeries at top-tier hospitals will jump from 9,779.37 points (approximately 920,000 won) to 17,602.87 points (about 1.66 million won) [web:5][web:8].
This change reflects a long overdue recognition of the resources and expertise required for these complex operations [web:2].

Why These Surgeries Were Neglected

Head and neck surgeries have historically been labeled high difficulty due to the region’s dense anatomy and proximity to critical structures like the airway and major blood vessels [web:2][web:8].
Despite this, relative compensation lagged behind other specialties, driving many surgeons to avoid this niche [web:4][web:11].
In fact, among seven regional emergency medical centers in Seoul, only Seoul National University Hospital supports a full-time head and neck surgery specialist, highlighting a severe workforce shortage [web:2].
The new reimbursement scheme finally aligns compensation with surgical complexity by differentiating rates based on procedural difficulty and patient severity [web:5].

Real Voices from Patients and Physicians

Patients and physicians alike have taken to blogs to share their reactions since the announcement rolled out in 2025 [web:9][web:6].
One Naver blogger who underwent robotic-assisted oropharyngeal resection described renewed hope that more surgeons will offer such advanced treatments near home [web:6].
Another Tistory post reflected excitement that reconstructive free flap procedures now carry a new code for perforator flaps, boosting surgeon willingness to tackle post-cancer defects [web:12].
Yet some patient communities debated the ongoing costs of rehabilitation and speech therapy, which remain largely out of pocket despite efforts to improve overall care pathways [web:19].

Looking Ahead: Cultural Impact and Community Buzz

This reimbursement revolution resonates beyond policy circles, sparking conversations across medical forums and patient support groups [web:15][web:17].
Enthusiastic comments in a Dic Is Inside community praised the move as crucial for sustaining infrastructure in this rare surgical field [web:17].
International patient advocacy groups hope Korea’s example will encourage other countries to address underfunded essential surgeries [web:3].
Ultimately, better compensation not only secures specialist careers but also signals to patients that their challenging journey to recover functions like speaking and swallowing will be supported every step of the way, so how swiftly hospitals will adapt remains the next big question!

Looking Ahead: Cultural Impact and Community Buzz

This reimbursement revolution resonates beyond policy circles, sparking conversations across medical forums and patient support groups [web:15][web:17].
Enthusiastic comments in a Dic Is Inside community praised the move as crucial for sustaining infrastructure in this rare surgical field [web:17].
International patient advocacy groups hope Korea’s example will encourage other countries to address underfunded essential surgeries [web:3].
Ultimately, better compensation not only secures specialist careers but also signals to patients that their challenging journey to recover functions like speaking and swallowing will be supported every step of the way, so how swiftly hospitals will adapt remains the next big question!