Medical Institutions(2005.08)
This is a collection of our articles published in the monthly column “Living in Miyazaki” on Miyanichinichi Newspaper, providing useful tips and information for foreigners about daily life in Miyazaki.
Medical Institutions
| Have you ever been to a hospital or clinic in Miyazaki? I suppose it is complicated to receive medical treatment here because of the differences in language and medical systems with that of your home country. So, this month we'd like to offer you some information about medical institutions and services in Miyazaki. |
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Q:How do I choose a hospital or clinic?
Usually, we go to a clinic that has a good reputation in the neighborhood. It is a good idea to ask your neighbors which one is reliable and to visit a regular doctor. In addition, there is a useful website, "The Himuka Emergency Network" ("ひむか救急ネット") , which you can access from the links on our website(www.mif.or.jp). It can help you find specific information about medical facilities （Fields of specialty, regional services, and foreign language speaking staff). Japanese clinics are usually categorized according to their field of specialty. It is good idea to remember at least these following terms of specialty in Kanji Characters.
内科 Naika （Internal Medicine）皮膚科 Hifuka (Dermatology)
外科 Geka （Surgery) 眼科 Ganka (Ophthalmology)
産婦人科 Sanfujinka (Obstetrics and Gynecology)
耳鼻科 Jibika (Ear and Nose) 歯科 Shika (Dentistry)
Q:How can I receive medical treatment in hospitals and clinics?
・ Regarding treatment for outpatients, most hospitals and clinics operate on a "first come, first served" basis, but there are some which require appointments. Please also check the consultation times in advance.
・ For those who are insured by the Employees' Health Insurance and National Health Insurance schemes, be sure to take your health insurance card with you when receiving medical treatment.
・ Depending on the medical treatment required, some treatments are not covered by the insurance schemes, so please consult your doctor for more information.
・ After receiving medical treatment, you will need to pay cash at the reception. National Health Insurance members pay only 30%(Employee's Health Insurance members pay 20% and their dependants pay 30%). Patients not covered by insurance must pay the whole fee by themselves.
・ If you are not proficient in Japanese, it is recommended that you go with someone who can interpret for you or visit a hospital where there is a doctor who can understand foreign language. In addition, a dictionary will be useful.
・ In the case of an emergency on a public holiday or outside normal service hours, please call the nearest Holiday and Night Emergency Center or an on-call doctor (listed in "The Himuka Emergency Network" and daily newspaper.)
＊For more detailed information in foreign language about general communication of symptoms and other medical information, we offer you the "Medical Handbook". Please feel free to come to the International Center to pick up a free copy.
Q:What is the Employees' Health Insurance and National Health Insurance?
The Employees' Health Insurance covers not only the insured member, but also their spouses and children. All procedures concerning this insurance are to
be handled by the employer.
Foreign residents living in Japan for more than one year and not yet enrolled in a public health insurance scheme must be
enrolled in the National Health Insurance. For more details, please contact your local government office.
As always, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please contact the Miyazaki Prefecture International Foundation at
(Tel) 0985-32-8457, (Fax) 0985-32-8512, or (email) miyainfo@mif.or.jp. Thank you.
