Who can consult with a medical social worker?

Anyone, including patients and their families, may receive counseling.

• Patients who have difficulty adjusting to treatment due to psychological or social factors (e.g., family, workplace, or community issues)
• Patients with complex or chronic diseases, severe or rare intractable conditions, hospice or palliative care needs, or those in crisis or emergency situations
• Low-income individuals and other vulnerable groups
  (e.g., victims of elder or child abuse, sexual or domestic violence, single mothers, and undocumented foreign patients)

When can I receive help from a medical social worker?

• When you have difficulty continuing treatment due to financial hardship
• When your living or caregiving arrangements after discharge are unstable
• When you experience psychological distress or confusion caused by illness
• When you need services such as long-term care certification or transportation assistance for persons with mobility challenges
• When you need assistance with disability registration procedures or related services
• When other factors interfere with your treatment or rehabilitation

What kind of support can I receive from a medical social worker?

Psychosocial counseling

• Counseling for patients who refuse treatment or surgery
• Counseling for patients experiencing psychological or emotional instability
• Confidential counseling for personal matters requiring privacy
• Counseling for terminally ill patients or those with incurable diseases
• Counseling for personal or family-related issues

Financial Support

• Counseling on financial difficulties related to medical expenses (e.g., treatment, surgery, nursing care)
• Guidance on medical insurance and benefit programs
• Information and referral to public and private medical expense support programs

Connect patients with community resources

• Referral and guidance to nearby medical facilities: Geriatric hospitals, long-term care hospitals, and rehabilitation centers
• Referral and guidance to social welfare facilities: Comprehensive welfare centers, nursing homes, and home care centers
• Referral and guidance on social insurance and public assistance programs: Long-Term Care Insurance, National Basic Livelihood Security Program, etc.
• Referral and guidance for transportation services for persons with mobility challenges in Daegu and Gyeongbuk: Nadri Call (Daegu) and Bureum Call (Gyeongbuk)
• Referral and guidance on welfare programs for veterans provided by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs: Home-care assistance for veterans, prosthetic device support, etc.
• Referral and guidance to other available community resources

Rehabilitation Support

• Counseling on social reintegration, adjustment, and daily living skills
• Guidance and referral for disability registration and related services
• Provision of information related to rehabilitation and therapy programs

Other Services

• Counseling for patients in crisis situations such as elder or child abuse, sexual or domestic violence, or issues involving foreign nationals
• Provision of information about designated partner hospitals for national veterans