healthhokkaido: A Women's Experience

| "medical services are quite expensive here for tourists." |

What was the reason for your visit to the hospital?

My child needed to go to the hospital

Was there any reason you hadn't been to the hospital earlier?

Mostly the cost put me off at first. We have travel insurance, but have to pay an excess. Medical services are quite expensive here for tourists.

Before going to the hosital what had you expected it to be like?

Modern, efficient, clean, air-conditioned.

Did you have any fears or anxiety?

Yes. Mostly about my Japanese ability. They speak way too fast and I find it hard to understand them.

What were your first impressions?

Not good. It was hot (no a/c) and and I had to wait 3 hours to be seen.

Did feel that you were treated differently because you were not Japanese?

Not really. I was treated the same in terms of the waiting time, but I could tell they were frustrated that I couldn't understand alot of their questions.

What do you think are the main differences between hospitals in Japan and those in your own country?

There is alot of paperwork that gets shuffled around (keeping alot of people in jobs I guess???)here in Japan. Alot of pharmacy-only medicines are not sold over the counter here without a prescription. This has been frustrating for me because of the cost to see a Dr here.

How would you describe you relationship with the doctor?

He was friendly and empathetic to my discomfort

Do you have any advice for people about to visit the hospital?

If you can't speak Japanese seek out one that can understand you in your language.