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. 2020 May 20;50(9):754–772. doi: 10.4070/kcj.2020.0171

Table 1. Strengths and limitations of Korean National Health Information Database.

Strengths Limitations
One of the largest claims datasets (≥52 million people) Not designed for research purposes
Health screening information containing detailed lifestyle questionnaires, laboratory results, and anthropometric measurements Not all eligible subjects undergo regular health screening
Customized cohort datasets, such as National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort Laboratory test limited to basics
Mortality data from Statistics Korea Not available on data not covered by the National Health Insurance system, such as cosmetic procedures, over-the-counter medicines, and uninsured new drugs or treatment
Resident registration number for tracking the outcomes Challenge for researchers due to a large number of variables and complicated administrative process
Rare intractable disease program