[Expert’s View] Key Points of the 2026 Medical Fee Revision (Part 2) by Tetsushuu Kusaba – Japan Medical Journal

As discussions for the 2026 medical fee revision intensify, Mr. Kusaba's commentary in the latter part will likely serve as an opportunity for medical institution managers to reconsider urgent management strategies. In particular, specific revision directions such as the expanded utilization of regional medical collaboration promotion corporations and the review of facility standards and nursing staffing levels can directly impact the revenue structure of individual medical institutions, necessitating close attention to their trends.

From the perspective of medical M&A and business succession, responding to medical fee revisions is not merely a short-term revenue measure but is inseparable from mid-to-long-term management strategies and, consequently, business succession strategies. For example, maintaining facility standards or responding to new equipment investments may become burdensome for standalone management. In such circumstances, mergers and group formations pursuing economies of scale can be effective options for strengthening the management base, diversifying risks, and ensuring future business continuity.

For medical institution managers facing succession issues, in particular, it is crucial to understand the direction of the revisions and objectively assess their own institution's management resources and role within the region. By aligning preparations for the medical fee revision with the timing and scheme considerations for business succession, the possibility of succession under more favorable terms and the continuation of contributions to regional healthcare increases. Strategic decision-making based on institutional trends is required for the survival and development of one's own institution.