What Changed After the Introduction of DPC?

Following the introduction of DPC, acute inpatient care saw shorter lengths of stay as well as greater standardization and efficiency in healthcare delivery.

An early survey by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare found that the average length of stay decreased from 21.22 days in 2002 to 19.11 days in 2004. An increase in the use of generic drugs was also observed. Subsequent studies have continued to show a tendency toward shorter lengths of stay at hospitals participating in DPC.

Meanwhile, there was no clear evidence of the underprovision of necessary medical care that had been a concern when DPC was introduced.

References

1. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, “Materials for the 22nd Meeting of the Social Security Council, Medical Insurance Subcommittee”

   • Evaluation of changes in average length of stay, use of generic drugs, and concerns about underprovision of medical care following the introduction of DPC.
   • https://www.mhlw.go.jp/shingi/2005/11/s1110-6d2.html

2. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, “Minutes of the 6th Meeting of the DPC Evaluation Subcommittee, FY2012”

   • Average length of stay was significantly shorter at DPC-participating hospitals than at DPC-preparation hospitals, with a further shortening trend observed after participation.
   • https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/shingi/2r9852000002rbaw.html

3. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, “Minutes of the 5th Meeting of the Inpatient and Outpatient Medical Care Survey and Evaluation Subcommittee, FY2025”

   • Standardization of healthcare and shorter lengths of stay were reported as benefits of participation in DPC.
   • https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/shingi2/0000190167_00064.html