| [ Summary ] |
The Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy (JSDT) has conducted an ongoing nationwide annual survey concerning chronic dialysis therapy since 1983. This survey includes questionnaires on outcomes and possible factors related to patient survival rates. Although rates of increased incidence seem to have slowed, the number of patients requiring dialysis continues to rise. It is noteworthy that the number of patients who are elderly, diabetic or have hypertension continues to rise. The cost of dialysis treatment is notoriously high therefore, the demands to decrease medical expenses in every aspect of this therapy are growing. "Bundled" payment systems have already been introduced in the USA. However, it would be hazardous to dialysis patients if we were to cut the direct costs of dialysis therapy while cutting the cost of other "indirect medical costs". To promote better allocation of limited resources, further study concerning the demographics and dynamics of dialysis therapy is required. |