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Accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone in medical practice. In Korea, however, we cannot find the exact frequency of inaccurate diagnosis due to the very limited numbers of autopsy. As an alternative measure, the author analyzed the postoperative diagnosis at Seoul National University Hospital those who were transferred for surgery after diagnostic work up at the Department of Internal Medicine, during 2fl-year period from 1966 to 1986. Inaccurate diagnosis were found in 29.7% at the first 5-year period. It dropped to 17.2%, 14.4% and 12.5% during the successive 5-year periods. Although it is hard to directly compare the results with the data from foreign countries, which was obtained through autopsy, the author was certain that re-cent diagnostic accuracy in Korea was comparable with other developed countries. Improvement in diagnostic accuracy was related to the improved diagnostic methods and improved quality of medical personnel. To further improve diagnostic accuracy, experience with scientific knowledge should be obtained through autopsy.
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