Differences Between DPC and Non-DPC Hospitals

DPC/PDPS does not apply uniformly to all hospitals. It is primarily used by hospitals providing acute inpatient care that meet the requirements established by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW). Participating hospitals are required to continuously submit DPC data and meet other requirements. Non-participating hospitals generally calculate reimbursement on a fee-for-service basis. Even in DPC hospitals, however, not all inpatients are eligible for DPC/PDPS. Patients who fall outside its scope are reimbursed on a fee-for-service basis.