Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Ukon]

So I'm changing my job to a new position that will likely require much more concentration and self study, which is why I think it's better for me to go back to treating my ADD with some Ritalin(Adderall isn't available here so I' told). I've tried to get it before, but they require you to visit every week to a psychologist to get 7 pills per week(can be extended to two weeks per visit though)...the insurance covers the doctor visits, but not the pills. So I only did it once...

Since I'm changing to a private job, I'm curious if the fact that I would be visiting a psychologist every 1-2 weeks under the national insurance policy would inform my employer in any way? Even if the visit is just for 5 minutes to get the subscription. Do employers receive info on what medical services their employees are receiving?


Lastly, does anyone know a pill-friendly doctor in Seoul? Last doctor I met told me it's very restrictive and would only give me a week's worth costing me many visits and constantly paying co-pay. I'd like a guy who'd let me get a month's supply or at east something stronger than 10 mg.

[blade]

Go to the international clinic in Itaewon where doctor Mike should be able to prescribe you enough medicine for at least month at a time.

[Milwaukiedave]

As long as the employer doesn't see your medical card after you get it, it should be fine. Sometimes a doctor's office will write stuff about your visit in the card if you give it to them. However, I've found if you bring your card on the first visit, you don't need it again to go to the same office as they have your information in the computer.

I would find an doctor a decent distance from your school (at min a few km) and don't tell anyone else that knows who you are about it.

[mm]

There is doctor near sangdo subway station (line 7) that is very open to prescribing medication that you received in your home country. He should just ask you what you were prescribed before and give you the equivalent. I am sure that if you ask him if you can pay fully in cash instead of using your insurance, he would let you.

I am not sure of the exit number but it is on the same side of the street as Sangdo Tunnel going towards Soongsil University and Seoul National University. As you exit the subway you should see a big electronics store, I think it is Samsung Plaza (If you are on the side of the street as a mart called Gag Store, you are on the wrong side), just keep walking straight for five minutes and you should see it. It is called Dongjak Clinic.

[Troglodyte]

If you're boss suspects that you went to a clinic (for anything) they can (will) call and ask what it was about. The doctor will tell them. Koreans don't see learning disabilities that same way that we do. For them, there is sane and crazy, and there's no grey area in between. If they find out that you went to a psychologists, then by default you're insane and probably a danger to those around you (at least a source of shame). Like another poster said, find a doctor who will give you a monthly prescription and let you pay in cash.

Alternatively, find some Korean university students (who are in no way connected to your school) and ask them about ritalin. Considering how much pressure students are on here, and how competitive university and the job market are, I would be highly surprised if there aren't a lot of university students (who don't have ADHD) who are already taking ritalin or something similar. You might have to describe it. There are likely several different medications available here. Some may be the same as back home, but marketed with different names.

[lifeinkorea]

[Milwaukiedave]

[Ukon]

I worked for a public school and I had an insurance card, but never used it...I just gave them my ARC card and that was it.