Need-to-Know Issues about Medical Fee and Social Security System as a Neurosurgeon

Abstract

  Patients with long-term care needs exist among all age groups and live with various problems, and establishing relationships with them and their families is an important task for neurosurgeons. Such patients have a wide range of symptoms and come from diverse backgrounds. It is therefore difficult to gain a complete understanding of the various types of social security involved for all cases. To reduce the burden on patients, it is necessary to consult with professionals from other fields, such as social workers, and play the role of leader of the medical team. Medical expenses in these cases are covered under the universal health insurance scheme by the public burden, and doctors need to understand the basic structure of the healthcare insurance system and the rules for treatment using medical insurance. This paper gives a broad outline of the aspects of medical insurance, long-term care insurance, and social security with which neurosurgeons should be familiar. It also explains the key points in regard to applications for social security, which are considered particularly important for daily practice of neurosurgery.