Device Reimbursement Changes Ahead

Looking at the segment of medical remuneration and drug/device reimbursement prices, the following measures are also going to be incorporated:

1.    Differentiate acute care and nursing care in long-term care facilities, and promote the functional distinction by putting in place a separate remuneration system. By introducing this method, long-term in-patient services will be re-evaluated.

2    Explore the best combination of the “Bundled Payment System” and “Cost Reimbursement System” to enhance the prospective payment system in light of the nature of medical practices and medical institutions.

3.    Promote healthy lifestyles and offer guidance in daily healthcare practices to help prevent chronic and lifestyle diseases.

4.    Re-evaluate the fair and reasonable assessment system for the reimbursement of new medical technology as a measure to cope with rapidly advancing medical technology.

5.    Evaluate fair assessment of reimbursement prices of drugs and medical devices.

Yoshio Mitsumori is the president and CEO for Tokyo-based ADMIS, a consultant specializing in the medical device industry. He has more than 25 years of experience in the medical industry, including positions with the Itochu Corp., U.S. Surgical, National Medical Enterprises and Century Medical. A member of RAPS, he has spoken at many industry events and worked extensively in international trade of medical products and technologies. He can be reached at [email protected].