Flexible Nursing Staffing Through ICT Utilization: Specific Criteria for “Level of In

News Highlights

The third set of clarifications regarding the FY2026 medical fee revision has presented specific criteria for flexible nursing staff allocation through the utilization of ICT. New items have been added to evaluate the degree of ICT utilization within medical institutions, aiming to promote the adoption of technology. This initiative is part of efforts to reduce the workload of nurses and improve efficiency, and it may impact the management strategies of healthcare providers.

M&A Medical Editorial Department’s Perspective

The presentation of specific criteria for flexible nursing staffing via ICT utilization in this medical fee revision can serve as a clear roadmap for DX promotion, particularly for small to medium-sized hospitals and clinics. For instance, not only the introduction of electronic health records but also advanced ICT applications such as AI-powered patient intake support and remote vital sign monitoring may now directly translate into evaluation points for medical fees. This creates an incentive to provide high-quality medical care with limited personnel. From an M&A perspective, we anticipate an acceleration of movements towards joining healthcare groups with ICT investment capacity or strengthening collaborations with IT vendors possessing technological expertise. Especially in regions facing severe shortages of doctors and nurses or in rural areas, efficiency through ICT will be key to business continuity, making M&A for scale expansion or consolidation of management resources a viable solution to these challenges.

Points Highlighted by This News

• The presentation of specific criteria for the level of ICT utilization will serve as an incentive for DX promotion.
• Flexible nursing staffing will contribute to improved operational efficiency in healthcare institutions.
• The potential for technology investment to be linked to evaluation in medical fees.
• A reduction in the hurdles for ICT adoption is expected in small to medium-sized medical institutions.

Practical Questions Arising from This News

• What are the detailed criteria for specifically evaluated ICT applications?
• To what extent can our current in-house ICT environment be evaluated?
• What level of cost reduction and operational efficiency can be expected from flexible nursing staffing through ICT adoption?

If You Feel “Should I Consult About This?”

This revision suggests that ICT investment may directly impact management. It’s a good opportunity to discuss with experts how your institution’s ICT utilization status will affect future medical fees and management efficiency, and whether accelerating ICT investment through group formation or M&A could be an option. Early consultation is particularly effective if you have concerns about introducing the latest technologies or restructuring your organizational system accordingly.

M&A Medical (CentralMedience Inc.) supports the business succession of medical corporations, hospitals, and clinics as an M&A support institution certified by the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency, with a complete success-fee-based service. Consultations are handled with strict confidentiality. Free consultations are available here.