Medical Fee Revision to Support Wage Increases for Healthcare Workers and Address Inflation; Initial Consultation Fee to Increase by 57 Yen for 30% Co-payment Patients; Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare – TBS NEWS DIG

News Highlights

On May 31, 2026, medical fees will be revised to address wage increases for healthcare workers and rising inflation. For patients with a 30% co-payment, the initial consultation fee will increase by \u00a557. This revision highlights key issues for medical institution management strategies and business succession, including mid-to-long-term planning considering revision cycles, economies of scale through group participation, and utilization of tax incentives such as transitioning to specific medical corporations or social medical corporations.

M&A Medical Editorial Department's Perspective

今回の診療報酬改定は、単純な点数変更に留まらず、医療提供体制の持続可能性を問うものと言えます。特に、医療機関で働く職員の賃上げ原資確保という名目は、人件費増加という経営上の喫緊の課題に直面する多くの医療機関にとって、直接的な影響となります。初診料の57円アップ（3割負担時）では、この人件費増を完全にカバーするには到底及びません。この差額をどう吸収するかが、今後の経営戦略の鍵となります。M&Aによる規模のメリット追求、例えば複数のクリニックを統合して後方支援部門を共有したり、共同での設備投資を行ったりすることで、コスト効率を高める動きが加速する可能性があります。また、収益構造の改善や、将来的な承継を見据えた税務スキームの検討も、より一層重要性を増すでしょう。

Points Raised by This News

• While the stated purpose is to secure funds for wage increases, a \u00a557 rise in the initial consultation fee is insufficient, making supplementary efforts through management initiatives essential.
• Concerns are rising that an increasing number of medical institutions will find it difficult to continue operating independently due to the double impact of inflation and rising labor costs.
• Joining a group that can provide economies of scale or considering strengthening the management base through M&A are becoming more realistic options.
• Utilizing tax schemes, such as transitioning to specific medical corporations or social medical corporations, may hold the key to stabilizing management and facilitating succession.

Practical Questions Arising from This News

• With this revision, how much of the increased labor costs at our clinic will be covered?
• With each medical fee revision, labor costs and expenses increase, but I am concerned about whether we can continue operating independently.
• If considering M&A, what specific benefits are there, and what size of medical institution would be ideal to partner with?

If You Feel "Should I Consult Too?"

For executives of medical institutions who are concerned about addressing increased labor costs and inflation with this medical fee revision, or who are beginning to feel the limits of continuing independent operations, we recommend consulting with experts about the possibilities of strengthening your management base or business succession through M&A. Especially if you are interested in futureLack of Successoror in improving management efficiency by leveraging economies of scale, specific options should become clear. Early consultation can lead to securing more favorable options.

M&A Medical (CentralMedience Inc.) is a business succession support service for medical corporations, hospitals, and clinics, certified by the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency as an M&A support institution. We provide comprehensive support.Success FeeWe handle consultations with strict confidentiality.Contact Us for a Free Consultation