Iin, Shinryojo, Kurinikku (Clinic)

Sogo Byoin (General Hospital)

Sogo Byoin are healthcare facilities that cover multiple specialty areas and are equipped to conduct various examinations and care for inpatients. You should go to the general hospital when you are seriously ill or injured and need an operation or hospital treatment.

To see a doctor at the sogo byoin, patients are often required to obtain a referral from a clinic or another smaller healthcare facility. Therefore, when you have a medical concern, you should first go to a local clinic or doctor’s office and ask for a referral if the doctor believes you need to receive more specialized care at a larger medical institute. It is important that you find a doctor in the community who you can trust and consult with your question and concerns.

Support by phone is available in foreign languages. In addition to information about medical facilities with foreign language speaking staff, advisors can also answer your questions regarding the health care system in Japan.

University Hospital Medical Information Network

※In case emergency illness during nighttime or holidays

Most medical facilities in Japan take patients on a first-come, first-served basis. Some institutes may require an appointment. Make sure to call the hospital/clinic you are visiting in advance to inquire about their office schedule, as some general hospitals are often open only in the morning.

What to bring to a hospital/clinic

• Health insurance card: You will be responsible for all the cost of treatment if you cannot present it upon your visit.
• ID: You may be asked to show your ID such as your alien registration card or passport.
• Medications you are currently taking: You may bring a document describing the medications instead.
• Cash: Payment can be made only in cash at most medical facilities.

When you see a doctor

How to obtain medications

• How doctors examine and treat their patients vary among different countries and cultures. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to ask your doctor.
• If you have special conditions, such as food and/or drug allergies or religious beliefs that require certain limits in your daily life and/or choice of medical treatment, you should make the receptionist or nurses aware of it before the examination.
• Having good communication with the doctor is the key to receiving an accurate examination and diagnosis. If you are not confident in your Japanese, it is always better to have someone who speaks Japanese come with you.