CURRENT USAGE AND PURCHASING PLANS OF NASAL ENDOSCOPIC SURGICAL EQUIPMENT IN LIGHT OF COMMENCEMENT OF REMUNERATION FOR USE OF NAVIGATION ASSISTANCE

Abstract

The 2008 revisions to the medical fee payment system included long-awaited provisions for remuneration for image-guided navigation-assisted endoscopic sinus surgery. The related revision actually entails a 2,000 point allowance for navigation used in surgery of the paranasal sinuses, cranial base, spine, or vertebrae. In the case of paranasal sinus surgery, there are no clear restrictions regarding location or other factors. This is a historic first step for not only the Oto-Rhino Laryngological Society of Japan, but for the entire field of computer-aided surgery. In the current study, we investigated the extensiveness of use of such equipment since the new regulations came into effect, as well as whether the allocated 2,000 points is an appropriate number from the standpoint of the current cost of navigation equipment and the prices that have been set for advanced medical treatment. We also looked at whether the allocated number of points is adequate when key hospitals within our prefecture apply to purchase the necessary equipment.