Regional differences in medical resource inputs in the clinical testing field

Abstract

Japan’s healthcare system has achieved a high level of health care through universal health insurance. On the other hand, although there is a possibility that the increase in total medical expenses will slow due to the population decline after 2040, it is inevitable that medical expenses will increase for some time due to the increase in the elderly population. For this reason, medical cost optimization plans have been formulated, and each prefecture is required to make efficient use of medical resources. This study aims to identify priority items for policy intervention by examining regional differences in the allocation of medical resources in clinical testing. Using 2021 NDB open data, we analyzed the calculation frequency of “D tests” and selected items with significant regional disparities based on the population of each prefecture. Additionally, we conducted interviews with the Japan Association of Medical Technologists. The results identified ultrasound examinations in home visits and anorectal function tests as medical services with potential for policy intervention. Factors contributing to regional differences included: (1) areas where securing human resources is challenging, (2) regional disparities in the availability of physicians capable of performing tests, and (3) the progress of the spread of newly added items in medical fee revisions. In conclusion, further analysis and optimization are needed for ultrasound examinations in home visits and anorectal function tests. This study underscores the importance of policy intervention to address regional differences in medical resource allocation and contributes to future plans for optimizing medical expenses.