Overview Of Japan's Medical Device Reimbursement Policy

  In Japan's NHI (national health insurance) system, which realized universal coverage in 1961, medical fees are determined on a fee-for-service basis. The Diagnosis Procedure Combination system was introduced in inpatient medical care, with a fixed payment per day in many acute care hospitals; however, surgery reimbursement is based on a fee for service out of a fixed fee.

  Therefore, many medical implant devices used during surgery are still paid on a fee‐for‐service basis.