The aim of the study is to identify the current trend and future perspectives of the telemedicine market. The survey report comprises:

• Profiles of 4 hospitals in which remote diagnosis and treatment has been implemented, and 50 players which opted to enter the telemedicine market
• Issues to be resolved in the telemedicine industry, and perspectives of the market by segment
• Current status of telemedicine product vendors and service providers, and hospitals in which telemedicine systems are established, along with challenges facing these industries

Telemedicine refers to medical practices and associated services that are provided remotely using telecommunication networks, including transfer of patient data such as digital images. A series of government-led trials have been conducted in Japan since 1997 when the Ministry of Health and Welfare publicly expressed their views on promoting access to medical care for consumers and health professionals via telemedicine technology. In recent years, several private companies also have begun to enter the e-health service market, with the synergy effect being created by increasingly digitized healthcare facilities. This will further accelerate the telemedicine market in the future.

This survey report is based on the assumption that the remote health market can be classified into two different approaches - physician-to-physician and physician-to-patient communication. Furthermore, Seed Planning, Inc. considers that each approach could be categorized into 6 subgroups (for physician to physician) and 2 subgroups (for physician to patient). The survey results show that remote radiographic diagnosis has been the most successful area in this industry, and thus it can be concluded that this technology will lead to a lucrative market.

There is a potential opportunity for the telemedicine industry to see significant growth not only in physician to physician communication but in physician to patient approach that is commonly used for home health care applications. Movements are becoming brisk in the home health segment, with new patient monitoring services being demonstrated, and various kinds of financial support being provided by the government for the businesses that will likely lead to reduced medical diagnostic costs.