Introducing, replacing, or moving an EHR to the cloud costs money, but national and local subsidies and support programs may be available. This article outlines the main programs hospitals may qualify for. Because programs change by fiscal year, confirm details at each program's official window.
Main subsidies and support programs
System-Coordination Promotion Program for Medical Institutions
A national program that subsidizes work such as converting clinical information and documents into FHIR format for electronic exchange, premised on connecting to the information-sharing service. Applications go through the comprehensive portal of the Japan Health Insurance Claims Review & Reimbursement Services. Check official sources for subsidy rates and caps.
Regional Medical and Long-Term Care Comprehensive Security Fund
A national fund financed by consumption-tax revenue and allocated by prefectures. It supports areas such as healthcare ICT and coordination infrastructure; the menus and amounts applicable to EHRs vary by prefecture. Check each locality's call for applications.
IT Introduction Subsidy
A program supporting the introduction of IT tools for operational efficiency; in healthcare it can cover mainly clinic EHRs and receipt systems. It is used more by clinics than by hospitals, and eligibility and categories change by year.
Basics of applying
- Confirm eligible costs: identify what is covered — hardware, software, modifications, coordination
- Window and schedule: learn the portal or local application timing and requirements early
- Alignment with your plan: match subsidy requirements (e.g., standards conformance) to your own roadmap
Summary
Multiple subsidy programs may apply to EHRs and cloud adoption, but eligible costs, rates, and timing differ by program, year, and locality. An EHR that conforms to standards is easier to align with subsidy requirements. Consider using these programs while checking the latest information at official windows in line with your adoption plan.