| [ Summary ] |
The special exemption in the national fee schedule which allows dialysis patients to be hospitalized for more than 3 months was gradually abolished starting in 2012 under healthcare reform measures. This change causes severe problems for dialysis patients who have difficulties in receiving outpatient dialysis treatment due to their poor ADL.
Today, the number of long term hospitals and nursing homes which can provide dialysis service is relatively small in Japan. Because of the shortage of these facilities, the rapid abolishment of special exemptions may cause severe problems for dialysis patients with poor ADL and their families. Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare should pay closer attention to this problem to avoid severe side-effects due to system reforms. |