Starting next month, Korean national health insurance will apply to ultrasounds... of the kidneys, bladder, lower abdomen and urinary tracts.<br /> Until now, state insurance could only be used for ultrasounds on those parts of the body in cases of cancer, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and certain rare diseases.<br />But according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, from February first, it will cover ultrasounds for all diseases, including kidney stones and appendicitis.<br />That'll reduce patients' out-of-pocket expenses to as little as 20 U.S. dollars, down from as much as 150.<br />Insurance will also cover follow-up scans for high-risk patients. <br />
