TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) released financial data on Tuesday (April 30) for 238 medical institutions that received more than NT$200 million (US$6.1 million) in health insurance payments in 2022.
NHIA categorized the 238 institutions as medical centers (19), regional hospitals (214), local clinics (2), and medical laboratories (2). NHIA reported that nearly 80% of institutions reported surpluses as it applied to revenue from medical services versus expenditures, while 49 operated at a deficit, per a Ministry of Health and Welfare press release.
For the first time, NHIA financial reporting also separated non-medical income earned by medical institutions such as parking lots, food courts, and dividends from the shareholding. Other data, such as the nurse-to-patient ratio, was also publicized.
The NHIA identified China Medical University Hospital as the most profitable hospital in Taiwan based solely on medical-related income versus expenditures, with a reported budget surplus of NT$2.55 billion, or an equivalent 10.5% profit rate. The nurse-to-patient ratio at the hospital was 8.4, indicating one nurse tended to 8.4 patients, per Common Health.
China Medical University Hospital has traditionally been ranked as one of the most profitable hospitals in Taiwan as many medical treatments are self-pay, and the hospital employs a roster of well-known doctors. The hospital also invests in the latest medical technology that may not be available at other hospitals, justifying higher medical fees.
Mackay Memorial Hospital ranked eighth in profitability associated solely with medical business, with a profit ratio of 3.72%. It was, however, the top-ranked hospital when it came to the nurse-to-patient ratio, with an average of one nurse caring for 6.7 patients.
Taipei Veterans General Hospital had a profit rate of 2.06%, while National Taiwan University Hospital had a profit rate of only 1.59%. Both hospitals are teaching hospitals and place patient care over profitability.
NHIA also reported overall revenue (including non-medical business income) and expenses for medical institutions. In this regard, 90% of the medical institutions in the survey reported a surplus, and 21 reported a deficit.
Regarding overall revenue, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital topped the list as the most profitable hospital, an honor it has held for seven consecutive years. The revenue surplus came from shareholding and dividend income (NT$8.5 billion) associated with a charitable benefactor.
When eliminating non-medical revenue, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital had a medical profit rate of just 0.91% and an average nurse-to-patient ratio of 7.4. E-Da Hospital was the fifth-highest hospital in terms of medical profit in 2021, but in 2022, the hospital lost money.
NHIA Department of Medical Affairs Director Liu Lin-yi (劉林義) said several hospitals in remote areas, deemed "lighthouse hospitals," struggle to survive as the cost of staffing and facilities far outweigh medical fees. Liu said the NHIA is working on a subsidy plan to help these hospitals, which will be announced in the second half of the year.