[Fiscal Year-End Survey] Dermatology Surgery Appointments in March Surge 1.5 Times, Approximately 68% Report Reduced Out-of-Pocket Costs for Insurance-Covered Procedures Received Before Fiscal Year-End

[Conclusion] Key Points of This Survey 

In conclusion, undergoing surgeries for conditions like epidermoid cysts (atheroma) and moles within the fiscal year offers advantages, particularly for those with already high annual medical expenses, as it allows them to utilize the High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit System and Medical Expense Deduction to reduce out-of-pocket costs. The self-pay ratio for insured medical treatments may be revised with the fiscal year change in April, and since medical expense deductions are calculated on a calendar year basis (January to December), receiving treatment in March allows it to be included in the current year's deduction. Many skin tumor surgeries, such as those for epidermoid cysts, moles, lipomas, and warts, can be performed as outpatient procedures at a plastic surgery clinic within the fiscal year.

・67.3% of those wishing to book dermatology surgery in March responded, "I want to receive it within the fiscal year." 

・58.7% have considered the timing of their medical visit with the fiscal year change in mind. 

・68.0% felt a reduction in out-of-pocket medical expenses by receiving insurance-covered surgery within the fiscal year.

Glossary 

■ What is an Epidermoid Cyst (Funryu)? 

An epidermoid cyst is a benign skin tumor that forms a sac-like structure under the skin, in which keratin and sebum accumulate, gradually increasing in size. Also known as an atheroma, if left untreated, it can become inflamed, causing pain and swelling. Therefore, surgical removal of the entire sac is the radical treatment.

■ What is the High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit System?

 The High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit System is a public health insurance system that reimburses the portion of out-of-pocket medical expenses that exceeds a certain limit within a single month. The maximum amount varies depending on income and age, and payments from multiple medical institutions within the same month can be combined, allowing for reduced out-of-pocket costs with planned medical visits.

■ What is the Medical Expense Deduction?

The Medical Expense Deduction is a system that allows you to deduct medical expenses paid during one year (January 1 to December 31) from your income when filing your final tax return, if the expenses exceed a certain amount. Medical expenses for not only the individual but also family members who share a livelihood can be combined, and it applies to both insurance-covered and self-pay treatments, thus providing tax-saving benefits with planned medical visits until the end of the year.

Comparison of Benefits: Medical Visit Within Fiscal Year vs. After Fiscal Year End

Comparison Item	Visit Within Fiscal Year (until March)	Visit After Fiscal Year End (April onwards)
High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit System	Can be combined with medical expenses for the current fiscal year	Resets in the new fiscal year, cannot be combined
Medical Expense Deduction (Calendar Year)	Can be combined with medical expenses from January of last year	... FAQ Why did dermatology surgery appointments surge in March? Appointments surged in March as patients aimed to receive treatments within the fiscal year to utilize benefits like the High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit System and Medical Expense Deduction, thereby reducing out-of-pocket costs. What percentage of patients cited receiving treatment within the fiscal year as their reason for booking March dermatology surgery? A significant 67.3% of those wishing to book dermatology surgery in March responded that their primary motivation was to receive the treatment within the fiscal year. How did receiving insurance-covered surgery within the fiscal year impact out-of-pocket expenses for patients? Approximately 68.0% of respondents felt a reduction in their out-of-pocket medical expenses by receiving insurance-covered surgery before the fiscal year-end. What is an epidermoid cyst and why might surgical removal be recommended? An epidermoid cyst, also known as an atheroma, is a benign skin tumor where keratin and sebum accumulate. Surgical removal of the entire sac is the radical treatment, especially if it becomes inflamed, causing pain and swelling. How does the timing of medical treatments relate to medical expense deductions? Medical expense deductions are calculated on a calendar year basis (January to December). Therefore, receiving treatment in March allows it to be included in the current year's deduction, potentially lowering the overall deductible amount. Back to Newsroom (351)