Going to the doctor in Japan?

[Nagoyankee]

Originally Posted by Nyororin

　
Never did I say it was a good idea to head to a large hospital - the opposite, in fact.

Thanks. I knew I was reading your post correctly!

I'm completely of the same opinion as well. The OP would no doubt be overwhelmed if s/he went to a large hospital.

[Nyororin]

Originally Posted by Nagoyankee

Thanks. I knew I was reading your post correctly!

I'm completely of the same opinion as well. The OP would no doubt be overwhelmed if s/he went to a large hospital.

I definitely agree - large hospitals are hectic and really not the place to go for something most likely just a cold.

I am wondering now if I`ve been in Japan too long and my English as suffered, as you and I seem to be the only ones who read what I wrote as being *against* going to a large hospital. Perhaps there is some new meaning to "advise against" these days!

[sakurasake41]

Thank you everyone for your help! The only thing is, how much do you think it would cost? I have the national health insurance, but I don't want to show up without enough money on me. But thank you very much for your advice, it was very useful.

[MMM]

Originally Posted by sakurasake41

Thank you everyone for your help! The only thing is, how much do you think it would cost? I have the national health insurance, but I don't want to show up without enough money on me. But thank you very much for your advice, it was very useful.

My major medical emergency cost me about 3000 yen in the end, so I think your pocket change should probably cover it...but that was a few years ago.

[Nyororin]

Originally Posted by sakurasake41

Thank you everyone for your help! The only thing is, how much do you think it would cost? I have the national health insurance, but I don't want to show up without enough money on me. But thank you very much for your advice, it was very useful.

A regular visit is usually about 2000 to 3000 yen (occasionally less, but hardly ever more), but as it will be your first visit there will be a "new patient" fee of somewhere between around 1000 and 2000. Prescription medication is included in the visit cost - If the doctor doesn`t hand over the medicine there on the spot (common at large clinics and hospitals, but not small clinics and independent doctors)... just present your prescription papers at a pharmacy and they`ll measure and prepare it for you. You`ll have the medications handed over without paying anything at the pharmacy.

I would say 5000 should more than cover even the fanciest visit with multiple x-rays and a bag of medication.

[ozkai]

Originally Posted by sakurasake41

Thank you everyone for your help! The only thing is, how much do you think it would cost? I have the national health insurance, but I don't want to show up without enough money on me. But thank you very much for your advice, it was very useful.

Mate, give the hospital a call.

I wouldn't take users comments for granted because you may do yourself an injustice.

Ask the medical establishment that you will attend. It's a "normal" question.