When researching Korean clinics, you may encounter "JCI Accredited" in their credentials. Understanding this international standard helps you make informed decisions.

What Is JCI?

Joint Commission International (JCI) is a global healthcare accreditation organization. It evaluates hospitals and clinics worldwide against rigorous safety and quality standards.

What JCI Evaluates

  • Patient safety protocols
  • Infection control
  • Medication management
  • Staff qualifications
  • Emergency procedures
  • Facility standards
  • Patient rights

JCI vs. Non-JCI Clinics

JCI Accredited Clinics

  • Meet international safety standards
  • Regular external audits
  • Standardized procedures
  • Often larger facilities
  • May have higher prices

Non-JCI Clinics

  • Still regulated by Korean health ministry
  • Can be excellent quality
  • May be smaller, more personalized
  • Often more competitive pricing
  • Requires more individual research

Should You Only Choose JCI?

Not necessarily. Many outstanding Korean clinics aren't JCI accredited because:

  • Accreditation is expensive and time-consuming
  • Smaller clinics may not pursue it
  • Korean domestic standards are already high

How to Evaluate Non-JCI Clinics

  • Check Korean medical association certifications
  • Verify surgeon board certifications
  • Research patient reviews from multiple sources
  • Ask about safety protocols directly

JCI is a helpful indicator but not the only measure of quality in Korean medical tourism.