With apps and remote medicine, Japan offers glimpse of doctor visits in post-virus era

The coronavirus crisis has prompted Japan to ease regulations on remote medical treatment, creating an opening for tech companies and offering a glimpse of the future of health care in the world's most rapidly aging society. As coronavirus cases spiked in April, Japan temporarily eased restrictions on remote medical care, allowing doctors to conduct first-time visits online or by telephone and expanding the number of illnesses that can be treated remotely. The changes mark a potential shake-up in one of the world's biggest medical markets, which has lagged countries like Australia, China, and the United States in telemedicine. The reforms could also help the nation grapple with both a skyrocketing health care burden and a lack of doctors in rural areas. Previously doctors were only allowed to treat recurring patients remotely, and for a limited number of diseases.