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japan_01
Joined: 04 Mar 2006
Posts: 89
Location: Gifu Ken
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 Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 9:51 am Post subject: |
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| ironopolis wrote: |
| japan_01 wrote: |
Unless you are absolutely dying, I would strongly recommend that you DON'T visit a doctor. Doctors in Japan are downright thieves. I have been to the doctor 3 times in Japan and haven't left without paying a fortune for unnecessary drugs. I was given 10 different types of drugs (no joke) on 3 seperate occasions from 3 different doctors due to relatively small illnesses. I consulted my doctor in Australia and he also thought that they were going 'overkill' on the drugs.
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I agree with that, I've had similar experiences. However, if you are aware of this and put your foot down a bit, you CAN get around being ripped off for drugs you don't need.
You can also do yourself a few favours by asking around for doctors, who've practised abroad. I once got really lucky when attending an emergency clinic to be dealt with by a youngish doctor who'd spent several years in the US, spoke faultless English and, most importantly, clearly understood the difference in medical culture. When he'd finished he looked at the paper used for medical prescriptions, then looked at me, grinned and said, "do you need any painkillers or anything?" in a tone of voice which clearly showed he knew the answer was going to be 'no'. Instead, he just gave me a slip of paper with the times and dates I'd definitely be able to see him at the hospital if I came back. I didn't need to, but there are a few doctors out there like this guy, who you can do ok out of. |
If only I were so lucky  |
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ironopolis
Joined: 01 Apr 2004
Posts: 379
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| Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 10:48 am Post subject: |
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| japan_01 wrote: |
If only I were so lucky |
Yeah, I know - on reflection, when I think about it, pretty much all my other doctor visit experiences in Japan were more like what you described.
And my present attitude is also 'avoid going if at all possible'.
I know I was lucky, but I'm sure there must be at least a chance of finding similar doctors elsewhere in Japan; a chance, which, if you really have to go, could probably be improved by a bit of asking around. |
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mtheta
Joined: 21 Jun 2006
Posts: 76
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| Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 11:38 am Post subject: |
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Luckily I have a prescription already filled and just need a doctor to administer a shot. Shouldn't be too expensive, but I will also look into NHI just in case.
I only ever visit the doctor if I feel like I am literally going to die, which is never, so I am mostly concerened with coverage for major accidents. |
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japan_01
Joined: 04 Mar 2006
Posts: 89
Location: Gifu Ken
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| Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 11:48 am Post subject: |
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| mtheta wrote: |
Luckily I have a prescription already filled and just need a doctor to administer a shot. Shouldn't be too expensive, but I will also look into NHI just in case.
I only ever visit the doctor if I feel like I am literally going to die, which is never, so I am mostly concerened with coverage for major accidents. |
I thought I was dying... 40 something degree temperature. I was throwing all sorts of cold things on myself to keep cool and all the nurses were freaking out seeing a foreigner without a t-shirt on. |
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ironopolis
Joined: 01 Apr 2004
Posts: 379
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| Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 11:53 am Post subject: |
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| japan_01 wrote: |
I thought I was dying... 40 something degree temperature. I was throwing all sorts of cold things on myself to keep cool and all the nurses were freaking out seeing a foreigner without a t-shirt on. |
Did they ask if you were a druggie? I was a bit blown away to be asked that question, especially given that my problem was a busted ankle!!  |
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fion
Joined: 03 Feb 2003
Posts: 69
Location: tokyo
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| Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 6:23 pm Post subject: |
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And I hear stories about foreigners with a normal temperature who are treated for fever, all the time the foreigner is trying to shout 'no no it''s ok! this is my normal temperature!'
I agree with the comments, except for the one about borrowing a friend's health insurance. I don't think that's a sensible idea.
You need health insurance. I am on the city hall version and I am happy with it. I have used it twice, once for major dental work which worked out astonishingly cheap, and once for an overdue gynae checkup which, far as I can remember, was free.
If I don't use the health insurance for a year, the city hall sends me beer vouchers which I can spend in local beer shops, so it's not a complete waste of money even if I don't get sick.
The few doctors/dentists I have dealt with in Japan have spoken good English. No problems there. However if you have some skin complaint, in a visible and non-embarrassing part of the body, you would be much quicker and almost certainly cheaper just going into the local Tomod's and asking advice from the pharmacist, in my opinion. |
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shuize
Joined: 04 Sep 2004
Posts: 1270
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| Posted: Mon Oct 23, 2006 12:44 am Post subject: |
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I have mixed reviews on socialized medicine as it's practiced in Japan. For minor stuff, it's great. Doctor visits ran me about 500 yen -- completely unheard of in the States. On the other hand, on the few occasions when something more serious came up here, I've found it's left a lot to be desired.
Along the lines of "No, Doctor, I really am sick ... No, really ... No, really ... No, I'm not a doctor, that's why I came to see you ... No, I'm not kidding, please check ... Yes, I'm very sorry, it's definitely my fault for not making myself clear ... Yes, I can see that a 40 degree (104 F) tempature really isn't something you feel warrants your attention, I'll just wait here for hours ... No, I don't think an aspirin is going to do the trick ... Yes, I know, it's very rude of me to suggest that I might go to another hospital ... Yes, it's also my fault that it took your nurse eight trys to find a vein. I apologize ... Yes, I know it's very presumptious to ask what you think is wrong with me ... Yes, I'll just go home and sleep as you suggest ... No, I won't come back in the morning." |
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