Characteristics of Primary Care Physicians Providing Low-Value Care in Japan

Recent research from the University of Tsukuba has shed light on the profile of primary care physicians who are more likely to deliver low-value healthcare services in Japan. This comprehensive study, published in JAMA Health Forum, analyzed data from approximately 2.5 million patients and examined the provision of 10 different types of low-value interventions, which are procedures or treatments offering little to no clinical benefit to patients.

The findings revealed that about 1 in 10 patients received at least one low-value service annually, with an average of 17.2 episodes per 100 patients each year. Notably, a small subgroup of physicians—specifically older practitioners, those not certified by a medical board, and physicians managing high patient volumes—were responsible for nearly half of all low-value care episodes. Regional differences were also observed, with higher rates of low-value care in western Japan.

These insights suggest that targeted policy measures focusing on certain physician groups—rather than broad interventions—may be more effective in reducing unnecessary procedures, improving the efficiency of healthcare delivery, and optimizing resource allocation. Decreasing low-value care is vital for sustaining healthcare systems, ensuring patient safety, and maintaining high standards of care. This study underscores the importance of tailored strategies to address physician-specific factors contributing to low-value healthcare services.

Overall, the research informs future policies and clinical practices aimed at minimizing unnecessary medical interventions, thereby promoting cost-effective and high-quality patient care.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-exploring-characteristics-primary-physicians-japan.html