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Telemedicine in Japan: Challenges and Opportunities

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Digital Healthcare in Germany

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of telemedicine in Japan. Although the COVID-19 pandemic gave it a strong boost, traditional face-to-face interactions with physicians are still the norm. Hurdles for further growth include Japan’s old population and lower reimbursement rates for telemedicine compared to face-to-face medical care. On the other hand, Japan is one of the few countries in the world where digital apps are reimbursable by statutory health insurance given a positive scientific and economic evaluation.

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Demiya-Dillenburger, S., Isshiki, M., Mahlich, J. (2022). Telemedicine in Japan: Challenges and Opportunities. In: Walzer, S. (eds) Digital Healthcare in Germany. Contributions to Economics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-94025-6_8

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