Korean Job Discussion Forums

[pianowill]

I really wish the search function on this forum worked. It's impossible to find anything.

I need to go to a doctor. I probably need a colonoscopy because I've had two weeks of bloody, liquidy stools.

Should I just go to the hospital, take a number, and when it's called, go to the receptionist and say in Korean, "Does anyone here speak English?"

I can't speak Korean, but I have a phrase book with that phrase.

[tzechuk]

Take the train up to Seoul. You have 2 options: 1. International Clinic at Itaewon or 2. International Clinic at Yonsei's Severance Hospital.

Don't wait. Go now.

You will need reservation for the IC at Yonsei but not the IC at Itaewon.

[storysinger81]

Oh pianowill, I'm really sorry to hear. I got diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in Korea and it sounds kind of like you might have this. I'm hoping for you it's just a nasty bacteria. PM me if you have questions about the meds they prescribe 'cause I've probably had them all, and I did the research on them to figure out what the heck they are.

On the plus side, everything is cheaper here. Much cheaper.

[pianowill]

Before there were any responses in this thread, I googled and found an information hotline, 02-1330. They told me to call the medical hotline, 1339. The woman on that line told me about an office near my dong's subway station with a Dr. who speaks English. I'm going there after school. If this doesn't work out, I'll do the Seoul thing that tzechuk mentioned.

Things I need to know: Are hospitals open 24/7? Are those International Clinics open 24/7? I may not get a chance to go anywhere tonight until 8pm or so.

[storysinger81]

Hospitals are 24/7, but only emergency care outside of regular hours (the GI doc probably won't be there). If you're at a hagwon, go in the morning. If you're at a public school, ask to change your schedule so you can go in an afternoon. If you do need a colonoscopy, you're going to have to take a day off for the nasty, nasty prep.

The international clinic I used in Daegu is open 9-5, but they're basically just a translation/appointment service. They know which docs in the hospital work well with foreigners and which don't, so I like them for that. Plus you can cut in the paying lines. They were not necessary, but they were really helpful. When I did get diagnosed, they helped me apply for special insurance coverage for my condition (it's considered "rare" in Korea, so the gov't medical plan pays more for meds/treatments related to the disease). A good GI doc, though, will do the same.

[pianowill]

I went to the local doctor. He said I should go to a clinic a block away. I went there, but they had moved to a neighboring dong. I tried to get an appointment with Seoul University Hospital in Bundang (since it's close), but they can't see me till Wednesday. However, they did find out for me that the clinic that moved can't see me till Tuesday.

So then I scheduled an appointment for tomorrow afternoon with Yonsei Severance Hospital about an hour away by buses. It'll take some time to get there, but it's better than waiting 6 days.