Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a medical procedure performed by affiliated medical institutions in Japan. The specific methods, examinations, and schedules may vary depending on the medical institution and the patient’s condition.
This page outlines a general flow commonly used by many medical institutions, from the initial consultation through transplantation and follow-up care. Whether FMT is appropriate, as well as the treatment plan and number of transplant sessions, is determined individually through consultation with a physician.
Eligibility (Who Can Apply)
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) services introduced on this website are intended for individuals who meet the following conditions.
- Applicants must be able to travel to Japan and undergo a face-to-face medical examination at a medical institution within the country.
- Applicants must be capable of explaining their symptoms and medical condition in either English or Japanese (translation support may be used if necessary).
- Applicants must be able to submit inquiry forms and the questionnaire in English or Japanese for both the application and Pre-Treatment Confirmation process.
To ensure a smooth coordination process, please reach out to us through our inquiry form instead of contacting the medical institutions directly.
If any of these conditions cannot be met, it may not be possible to proceed with an application for fecal microbiota transplantation at this time.
Eligibility for FMT, as well as the final decision to proceed with treatment, is determined by physicians at affiliated medical institutions based on individual medical evaluation.
Steps to Fecal Microbiota Transplantation
Step 1: Review the Website and Submit an Inquiry
The first step is to review the information provided on this website and gain a general understanding of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in Japan, including the overall process and requirements.
After reviewing the information, individuals who wish to make an inquiry may submit an online inquiry form through this website.
Submitting an inquiry does not constitute an application for treatment and does not guarantee eligibility for FMT.
The information provided through the inquiry form is used solely to determine whether further steps, such as questionnaires or interviews, may be appropriate.
Step 2: Complete the Online Questionnaire (1) and Consent Form
After submitting an inquiry, individuals who are eligible to proceed will be asked to complete the online questionnaire (1).
FAQ can be found here:
The Online Questionnaire (1) form is available here:
This questionnaire collects basic information related to medical history, symptoms, and previous treatments.
The information provided is used for preliminary review purposes only and does not constitute a medical diagnosis.
As part of this step, applicants are required to review and sign the necessary consent forms.
These consent forms explain how information will be handled and clarify that further screening and medical evaluation are required before any treatment decisions are made.
Completion of the online questionnaire and the required consent forms is necessary to proceed to the next step in the process.
Step 3: Scheduling the Concierge Interview, Submission of Questionnaire (2), and Payment
After submitting the initial questionnaire, applicants are required to schedule an online concierge interview.
Prior to the concierge interview, applicants are also required to submit an additional questionnaire (Questionnaire 2).
Click here for the Online Questionnaire (2) Form.
The Questionnaire (2) is used to confirm more detailed information and preferences in order to facilitate a smooth interview process.
Please note that submission of Questionnaire (2) is required even if you are making an inquiry only.
During the online concierge interview, individual circumstances are reviewed based on the information provided in the questionnaires.
In addition, supplementary information not covered on the website may be provided, and general questions related to fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) may be addressed.
Please note that the concierge is an exclusive representative of Shinbiosis Corporation and does not provide medical judgment or perform any medical treatment.
At this stage, pre-payment of the pre-transplant support fee is required.
A payment URL will be provided separately, and payment must be completed in advance.
Please note that the pre-transplant support fee does not include the cost of the fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) procedure itself.
Medical fees related to the transplantation are determined separately based on the physician’s evaluation at the medical institution.
Step 4: Online Concierge Interview
During the online concierge interview, the applicant’s situation and objectives are reviewed based on the questionnaires submitted in advance.
To ensure a smooth interview process, please watch the explanatory video provided prior to the meeting.
During the interview, practical matters such as organization of medical information, current status, language support, and scheduling are discussed.
This interview does not involve medical diagnosis or treatment decisions.
If necessary, additional information may be requested during or after the interview.
After the interview, a follow-up report summarizing the discussion will be sent to you in English.
Upon completion of this step, you may proceed to a consultation with a physician.
Step 5: Online Medical Examination With a Doctor
After the online concierge interview, an online medical examination with a physician is conducted.
During this examination, the physician reviews the medical information provided and discusses the applicant’s condition in more detail.
The purpose of this examination is to determine whether further evaluation may be appropriate and to explain potential next steps.
Please note that this online medical examination does not finalize a treatment plan.
Whether fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is appropriate, as well as the specific method and number of transplant sessions, is determined through further evaluation and in-person medical examination.
Proceeding to the next step is based on the physician’s medical judgment.
Step 6: Visit Japan for a Face-to-Face Medical Examination and Receive the Flora Balance Test Kit
After completing the online consultation, applicants who proceed to the next stage will travel to Japan and undergo a face-to-face consultation at an affiliated medical institution.
During the in-person consultation, the physician will directly examine the patient and determine whether further evaluation and testing are appropriate for proceeding toward FMT.
At this stage, a gut microbiota balance test kit may be provided based on the physician’s judgment.
In many cases, the test kit is received at the medical institution during the stay in Japan, and after submitting the sample, the patient returns to their home country.
Test results are typically provided by email after returning home.
This test is conducted to assess the composition of the gut microbiota and is used as reference information when considering the treatment plan.
The method and timing of the test may vary depending on the medical institution.
Please note that receiving the test kit does not guarantee that FMT will be performed.
All subsequent steps are determined based on the physician’s medical judgment.
Step 7: Online Medical Examination (Review of Test Results and Schedule Confirmation)
After the flora balance test has been completed, an online medical examination is conducted to review the test results.
During this examination, the physician explains the findings of the test and discusses whether proceeding with fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) may be appropriate.
Moving forward, we at Shinbiosis Corporation will p
rovide you with details regarding prospective fecal microbiota transplantation dates and the next steps in the process.
The transplantation schedule will be finalized once these arrangements have been completed.
For further information regarding the transplant fee, please refer to the Fecal Microbiota Transplantation fee page.
Please note that the interpretation of test results and the decision to proceed are made solely at the physician’s discretion.
The timing, number of transplant sessions, and specific procedures are determined individually.
Step 8: Start of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation
If the physician determines that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is appropriate, the treatment will proceed according to the confirmed plan and schedule.
FMT may be performed over multiple sessions, depending on the individual treatment plan.
The specific method of transplantation, number of sessions, and follow-up approach vary by medical institution and are determined by the physician.
After each transplant session, the physician may monitor the patient’s condition and response to treatment as necessary.
Follow-up methods and frequency differ depending on medical judgment and the patient’s condition.
Additional Notes
The steps described above represent a general flow for fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) provided by affiliated medical institutions.
Actual procedures, schedules, and medical decisions may vary depending on the medical institution and the patient’s condition.
Eligibility for FMT and all treatment-related decisions are made solely by physicians based on individual medical evaluation.
If you have questions about the process or would like to confirm whether further steps may be appropriate in your case, please contact us for more information.
To ensure a smooth coordination process, please reach out to us through our inquiry form instead of contacting the medical institutions directly.
