Sign in Subscribe
Physicians

Computed Tomography Practices in Japan: A Critical Review of Current Trends and Radiation Exposure

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Compututed tomography (CT) scans have become increasingly common in Japan, with the country recording the highest number of CT units per million population among Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries in 2020. The excessive use of CT scans has raised concerns about unnecessary procedures, increased costs, and increased radiation exposure. A recent study published in Internal Medicine, 2025, aimed to investigate the current trends in CT practices in Japan and the role of referring physicians in radiation exposure management.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of CT procedures performed per 1,000 population in Japan has steadily increased from 210 in 2008 to 283 in 2020.
  • The number of CT procedures performed per unit increased from 2,170 in 2008 to 2,445 in 2020.
  • Men underwent more CT scans than women across all age groups, with CT procedures per 1,000 population increasing with age.
  • The number of CT procedures performed per 1,000 population in Japan has consistently ranked among the highest OECD countries, including in 2017 and 2020.
  • The study estimated that the population of Japan underwent between 100 million to 200 million CT scans between 2008 and 2020.
  • Referring physicians play a crucial role in radiation exposure management, and education regarding radiation risks is essential.

Statistics:

  • In 2020, Japan recorded the highest number of CT units per million population among OECD countries.
  • The number of CT procedures performed per 1,000 population in Japan increased from 210 in 2008 to 283 in 2020.
  • The number of CT procedures performed per unit increased from 2,170 in 2008 to 2,445 in 2020.
  • In 2022, the computed tomography procedures per 1,000 population, according to the source NDB Open Data, revealed an annual increase from 221 in 2014 to 255 in 2022.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New Data from Chiba Central Medical Center Illuminate Findings in Engineering (Current Trends In Computed Tomography Practices In Japan and the Role of Referring Physicians In Radiation Exposure Management). Health Insurance Week. June 22, 2025; p 48.
  • Internal Medicine, 2025. Current Trends In Computed Tomography Practices In Japan and the Role of Referring Physicians In Radiation Exposure Management.

Read more