Only 10% Benefit from Medical DX; 80% Report No Increase in Face-to-Face Patient Time [Survey of 470 Doctors]
A survey of 470 doctors conducted by M-Stage revealed that while medical DX has reduced administrative tasks for some, about 80% feel it has not increased their face-to-face time with patients. Many doctors are seeking genuine task delegation rather than just basic IT implementation.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 19, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 19, 2026 at 10:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 19, 2026 at 18:22 (7h 50m after Collected)
M-Stage Co., Ltd., a provider of comprehensive medical human resource services and occupational health support for workplaces, conducted a survey on 'Medical DX' among 470 doctors registered on its 'M-Stage Agent' platform. As medical DX is set to take center stage in the 2026 medical fee revisions, the survey revealed that while the introduction of digital tools is saving time on the ground, approximately 80% of doctors report that their 'time spent facing patients has not increased.'
◼︎ Survey Background
Promoting medical DX plays a crucial role in supporting sustainable work styles for doctors. Medical DX is also positioned as a core element in the 2026 medical fee revision, with related premiums scheduled to be significantly reorganized and strengthened. Against this backdrop, an questionnaire survey was conducted to clarify the progress of DX in medical settings and the essential needs doctors have regarding DX.
◼︎ Summary of Survey Results
○ The Wall of DX: 'Time-saving' Does Not Lead to 'Dialogue'
While half of the doctors saw a reduction in administrative work, only about 20% experienced an increase in time spent with patients.
○ The Essence of DX Lies in 'Task Delegation from Doctors'
About 40% of doctors expect DX to serve the role of separating 'tasks that do not require a doctor.'
○ An 'Environment Fostering Focus on Specialized Tasks' is Key to Hiring; 90% Value It When Changing Jobs
Whether an environment exists where they can focus on their core duties has now become a decisive factor in the recruitment and retention of doctors.
◼︎ The Reality of Medical DX
1. Only 10% Benefit from DX; Half Report 'No Progress Yet'
Only 10% of doctors answered that medical DX at their workplace is 'sufficiently advanced, and I feel the benefits.' About half responded that it is 'hardly advancing' or 'not advancing at all,' highlighting a lag in infrastructure development.
2. Effects of Tool Introduction are Polarized; Over Half Feel 'Reduction in Administrative Work'
Approximately 60% of doctors responded that the ease of working has 'greatly improved' or 'somewhat improved' due to digital tools. About half also noted that the time required for administrative tasks was 'greatly reduced' or 'somewhat reduced.' On the other hand, the remaining half have not felt the effects of digital tools, revealing a polarized reality.
3. 'Time-saving' Doesn't Mean 'Dialogue'; Only 20% See Increased Patient Time
Only about 20% of doctors reported that their time facing patients during consultations has 'greatly increased' or 'somewhat increased' due to digital tools. This suggests a structural issue where merely introducing tools does not directly translate to creating time for patients.
◼︎ Expectations and Challenges for Medical DX
4. Saved Time Goes to 'Personal Rest,' Followed by 'Study' and 'Dialogue'
When asked how they wish to use the time freed up by digital utilization, 'personal rest and mental care' was the top answer. This was followed by 'reviewing diagnoses and learning the latest medical knowledge' and 'extending dialogue time with patients,' showing that doctors aspire to provide better care if they have the capacity.
5. The Essence of DX is the Digital Delegation of 'Non-Doctor Tasks'
As the fundamental issue that DX needs to solve, about 40% of doctors cited the 'digital delegation of tasks that do not require a doctor.' There is a demand for systems that 'isolate' doctors from administrative work, rather than mere IT implementation.
6. About 60% Expect to 'Focus on Specialized Tasks' Due to 2026 Fee Revision
Approximately 60% of doctors responded that the promotion of DX by the 2026 medical fee revision will have a 'very positive effect' or 'somewhat positive effect' on their ability to focus on their 'original specialized tasks.' Over half hold high expectations for environmental improvements driven by the institutional revision.
◼︎ Organizational Environment and Job Changing
7. When Considering Job Changes, 90% Value an 'Environment Fostering Focus on Specialized Tasks'
When considering a new job, about 90% of doctors stated they place high importance on whether an 'environment to focus on original tasks' is well-established. Environmental development has become an indispensable element in hiring and retaining doctors.
■ Survey Overview
- Survey on 'Medical DX'
- Target: Member doctors registered with 'M-Stage Agent' operated by M-Stage Co., Ltd.
- Survey Period: April 24 - May 6, 2026
- Method: Web questionnaire
- Valid Responses: 470
* Please clearly state the credit 'M-Stage Co., Ltd.' when quoting or reprinting.
■ About 'M-Stage Agent'
Operates job search and part-time work sites for doctors, with over 40,000 registered doctors. Aims to solve issues such as physician shortages and overwork by promoting diverse work styles.
M-Stage Co., Ltd.
Under the group vision 'Everything for the future of sustainable healthcare,' the company provides career support for medical professionals, hiring support for medical institutions, and occupational health services for workplaces.
◼︎ Survey Background
Promoting medical DX plays a crucial role in supporting sustainable work styles for doctors. Medical DX is also positioned as a core element in the 2026 medical fee revision, with related premiums scheduled to be significantly reorganized and strengthened. Against this backdrop, an questionnaire survey was conducted to clarify the progress of DX in medical settings and the essential needs doctors have regarding DX.
◼︎ Summary of Survey Results
○ The Wall of DX: 'Time-saving' Does Not Lead to 'Dialogue'
While half of the doctors saw a reduction in administrative work, only about 20% experienced an increase in time spent with patients.
○ The Essence of DX Lies in 'Task Delegation from Doctors'
About 40% of doctors expect DX to serve the role of separating 'tasks that do not require a doctor.'
○ An 'Environment Fostering Focus on Specialized Tasks' is Key to Hiring; 90% Value It When Changing Jobs
Whether an environment exists where they can focus on their core duties has now become a decisive factor in the recruitment and retention of doctors.
◼︎ The Reality of Medical DX
1. Only 10% Benefit from DX; Half Report 'No Progress Yet'
Only 10% of doctors answered that medical DX at their workplace is 'sufficiently advanced, and I feel the benefits.' About half responded that it is 'hardly advancing' or 'not advancing at all,' highlighting a lag in infrastructure development.
2. Effects of Tool Introduction are Polarized; Over Half Feel 'Reduction in Administrative Work'
Approximately 60% of doctors responded that the ease of working has 'greatly improved' or 'somewhat improved' due to digital tools. About half also noted that the time required for administrative tasks was 'greatly reduced' or 'somewhat reduced.' On the other hand, the remaining half have not felt the effects of digital tools, revealing a polarized reality.
3. 'Time-saving' Doesn't Mean 'Dialogue'; Only 20% See Increased Patient Time
Only about 20% of doctors reported that their time facing patients during consultations has 'greatly increased' or 'somewhat increased' due to digital tools. This suggests a structural issue where merely introducing tools does not directly translate to creating time for patients.
◼︎ Expectations and Challenges for Medical DX
4. Saved Time Goes to 'Personal Rest,' Followed by 'Study' and 'Dialogue'
When asked how they wish to use the time freed up by digital utilization, 'personal rest and mental care' was the top answer. This was followed by 'reviewing diagnoses and learning the latest medical knowledge' and 'extending dialogue time with patients,' showing that doctors aspire to provide better care if they have the capacity.
5. The Essence of DX is the Digital Delegation of 'Non-Doctor Tasks'
As the fundamental issue that DX needs to solve, about 40% of doctors cited the 'digital delegation of tasks that do not require a doctor.' There is a demand for systems that 'isolate' doctors from administrative work, rather than mere IT implementation.
6. About 60% Expect to 'Focus on Specialized Tasks' Due to 2026 Fee Revision
Approximately 60% of doctors responded that the promotion of DX by the 2026 medical fee revision will have a 'very positive effect' or 'somewhat positive effect' on their ability to focus on their 'original specialized tasks.' Over half hold high expectations for environmental improvements driven by the institutional revision.
◼︎ Organizational Environment and Job Changing
7. When Considering Job Changes, 90% Value an 'Environment Fostering Focus on Specialized Tasks'
When considering a new job, about 90% of doctors stated they place high importance on whether an 'environment to focus on original tasks' is well-established. Environmental development has become an indispensable element in hiring and retaining doctors.
■ Survey Overview
- Survey on 'Medical DX'
- Target: Member doctors registered with 'M-Stage Agent' operated by M-Stage Co., Ltd.
- Survey Period: April 24 - May 6, 2026
- Method: Web questionnaire
- Valid Responses: 470
* Please clearly state the credit 'M-Stage Co., Ltd.' when quoting or reprinting.
■ About 'M-Stage Agent'
Operates job search and part-time work sites for doctors, with over 40,000 registered doctors. Aims to solve issues such as physician shortages and overwork by promoting diverse work styles.
M-Stage Co., Ltd.
Under the group vision 'Everything for the future of sustainable healthcare,' the company provides career support for medical professionals, hiring support for medical institutions, and occupational health services for workplaces.
FAQ
What is the main challenge of medical DX in Japan?
While digital tools save time, they have not increased face-to-face time with patients. About 80% of doctors report no increase in patient interaction time.
What do doctors expect from medical DX?
Doctors want systems that digitally transfer non-medical tasks, allowing them to focus exclusively on their specialized duties, rather than just basic IT implementation.
What is a key factor for doctors when changing jobs?
About 90% of doctors prioritize workplaces with environments that allow them to focus on specialized medical tasks, which requires effective DX and task-shifting.