Medical Service Utilization for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Korea (2010–2017): A Retrospective, Cross-Sectional Study Using a Nationally Representative Sample from the HIRA-National Patient Sample Database

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common peripheral neuropathy with increasing prevalence and economic burden. This study aimed to analyze recent trends in CTS treatment patterns, healthcare utilization, and costs within the dualized healthcare system in Korea, using nationwide claim data. Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service National Patient Sample (HIRA-NPS) between 2010 and 2017. Patients with a primary diagnosis of CTS (KCD-10: G56.0) were included. Descriptive analyses were performed to examine trends in patient characteristics, healthcare utilization, treatment patterns, and medical costs in Western and Korean medicine. Results: A total of 29,112 patients with CTS were analyzed. In Western medicine, diagnostic tests accounted for the highest expenditure, particularly X-ray, nerve conduction studies, and electromyography. Over time, X-ray utilization increased, while nerve conduction and electromyography tests decreased. The proportion of surgical treatment declined from 11.28% in 2010 to 8.55% in 2017, whereas Korean medicine use increased from 9.41% to 15.08%, mainly consisting of acupuncture and related procedures. Conclusions: Korea exhibited a lower CTS surgery rate than other countries, alongside a rising trend in Korean medicine utilization. These findings underscore the distinctive dual healthcare system in Korea and highlight the need for prospective studies to assess the long-term effectiveness of Korean medicine-based conservative treatments. Additionally, the results may inform national health policy decisions, including insurance coverage and resource allocation for CTS management.