| [ Summary ] |
It has been a big problem for both the families and medical institutes involved to take long-term care of the elderly patients. In April, 2000, Social insurance system for elderly care was introduced in Japan, seemingly a good news for these elderly patients necessitating cares as well as for the dialysis centers. However, the following problems appeared; (1) Dialysis fee for the patients in health care facilities for the elderly is 4,600 points lower than that for the ordinary patients. (2) It seems difficult for these patients in facilities to maintain dialysis regularly mainly because of some problems related to the patients-transportation system between their facilities and dialysis centers. (3) Additional doctor's fee is not allowed for the dialysis patients admitted to these health care facilities for the elderly. From these reasons, the authors conclude that the current social insurance system still include some problems to be solved for both patients and medical institutes. The system should be revised as soon as possible. |