The Clinical Necessity and Policy Roadmaps for Neurologist-guided Home Medical Services in a Super-aged Era

Lee, Sang Bum; Park, Kun-Woo

doi:2026.44.3.198

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 44(3); 2026 > Article

Review Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 2026;44(3): 198-203. doi: https://doi.org/10.17340/jkna.2026.0031

초고령사회에서 신경과 전문의 주도 재택의료의 임상적 당위성과 정책적 실현 방안

이상범¹, 박건우²

¹서울신내의원
²고려대학교안암병원 신경과

The Clinical Necessity and Policy Roadmaps for Neurologist-guided Home Medical Services in a Super-aged Era

Sang Bum Lee MD¹, Kun-Woo Park MD, PhD²

¹Seoul Sinnae Hospital, Seoul, Korea
²Department of Neurology, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea

Corresponding Author: Kun-Woo Park ,Tel: +82-2-920-5347, Email: kunu@korea.ac.kr

Received: April 22, 2026 Revised: June 15, 2026 Accepted: June 16, 2026 Published online: August 1, 2026

Abstract

The ongoing transition of South Korea into a superaged society has resulted in a marked increase in the prevalence of complex neurological disorders among the homebound elderly. Traditional hospital-centric models often fail to reach these individuals, resulting in neurological desertification. This review article highlights the indispensable role of neurologists in home-based medical care (HBMC). Neurologists provide specialized diagnostic precision that allows specific neurological pathologies to be differentiated from the vague category of frailty. This article analyzes current pilot programs, specifically the Dementia Management Attending Physician Pilot Project and the 2026 Integrated Regional Care Act. By utilizing ecological validity in the patient’s home, neurologists can optimize medication for polypharmacy and allow multidisciplinary teams to optimally manage advanced neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We propose a strategic roadmap involving specialized fee structures, digital health integration, and educational reforms to establish a sustainable neurological HBMC ecosystem that ensures aging in place with dignity.

Key Words: Home care services | Aging society | Dementia | Aging in place