The 38th Social Security Council, Medical Insurance Subcommittee: Materials for the Expert Committee on Reimbursement for Anma, Massage, Shiatsu, Acupuncture, and Moxibustion

Key News Points

The Expert Committee on Reimbursement for Anma, Massage, Shiatsu, Acupuncture, and Moxibustion was held at the 38th Social Security Council, Medical Insurance Subcommittee. It is presumed that discussions were held regarding the reimbursement for treatments provided by Anma-massage-shiatsu therapists, acupuncturists, and moxibustion practitioners, as well as judo therapists, in preparation for future revisions. In particular, the criteria for reimbursement of treatment costs, the scope of eligible diseases/conditions, and the calculation methods may have been the focus.

Perspective from M&A Medical Editorial Department

The convening of the Expert Committee on Reimbursement for Anma, Massage, Shiatsu, Acupuncture, and Moxibustion at the Social Security Council, Medical Insurance Subcommittee serves as a clear signal for medical institutions and businesses providing these services to closely monitor trends in medical fee revisions. Especially against the backdrop of an aging population and increasing interest in extending healthy life expectancy, optimizing reimbursement for treatments and reviewing the scope of coverage directly impacts management. For instance, in past revisions, reimbursement criteria for certain conditions were tightened. While it remains uncertain how these discussions will affect future revenue structures, pursuing economies of scale through group formation and considering tax schemes with a view to transitioning to specific medical corporations or social medical corporations will become increasingly important as preparation for such uncertainties. It is anticipated that the focus will shift not only to unit price revisions but also to quality of treatment and evidence-based evaluation.

Points Indicated by This News

• Discussions on revising reimbursement for Anma, massage, shiatsu, acupuncture, and moxibustion may directly impact the revenue structure of treatment practice management.
• The social context of extending healthy life expectancy in an aging society may drive discussions for revising reimbursement criteria and eligible conditions.
• Considering tax schemes such as achieving economies of scale through group formation or transitioning to specific medical corporations/social medical corporations can be an option for management stabilization.
• A shift towards evaluating the quality of treatment and evidence-based approaches is suggested as a potential premise for future reimbursement calculations.

Practical Questions Arising from This News

• What specific diseases or conditions were discussed for revision of reimbursement at this expert committee?
• If the calculation standards for treatment reimbursement are changed in the future, what will be the impact on our clinic’s revenue?
• What specific schemes can be expected for tax benefits through group formation or changes in corporate status, and what is the estimated effect?

If You Feel “Should I Consult?”

For those whose primary revenue source is the reimbursement for treatments such as Anma, massage, shiatsu, acupuncture, and moxibustion, the convening of this Expert Committee on Reimbursement indicates a future change in the business environment. This should be seen as an opportunity to consider strategies for stabilizing the revenue structure and ensuring business continuity. In particular, if you operate multiple business locations or are considering future business expansion, it is worth considering consulting with experts in M&A and business succession, including group formation for operational efficiency and transitions to corporate statuses that offer tax benefits.

M&A Medical (CentralMedience Inc.) supports the business succession of medical corporations, hospitals, and clinics on a full success fee basis as an M&A support institution certified by the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency. Consultations are accepted with strict confidentiality. Free consultation here