Current Status and Issues in the Neurosurgical Practice of the National Medical Care Fee System in Japan

Abstract

  Under the changing population composition and disease structure in an aging society, the National Health Insurance System in Japan is facing a major turning point due to the heavy medical cost restraint pressure, the imminent work style reforms of doctors, and the COVID-19 disaster. From the neurosurgery perspective, maximum efforts should continue on daily medical treatment and ensure the sustainability of the organization to reflect the progress of neuroscience and related fields at the forefront. Given the economic basis for such a purpose, the reimbursement of the National Health Insurance System can be considered an evaluation from society for neurosurgery.

  The current state and various issues of the National Health Insurance System in neurosurgery should be addressed by demonstrating high professional ethics and professional autonomy. Further, high attention should be paid to recognize its importance in postgraduate education.