I often have to control or guide doctors what to do here, as there is no GP institution as such. Often ended up passing like a ball to different specialists until researched myself and asked “ give me referral there” , then solved. For big issues still go to Australia if not urgent . But care in Japan is good, important to get to the right specialist and clinic which is on you , mostly ( my experience only).
Thanks for adding your perspective. While I seemed to have lucked out in this particular case, which could have taken a turn for the worse without such good fortune, you are certainly correct about the reliance upon official referrals among Japanese hospitals. One does not simply show up on the doorstep of a hospital and expect to get quality care. Once into the system of a large, regional hospital like I found, it is, however, highly likely that it will be easier to find the right doctors in their network for whatever is the issue in the future. The key seems to be the initial entry point.
Glad to hear you are recovering! This is exactly the kind of thing I dread the most: being hit by a major health problem out of the blue. It makes you think how vulnerable we are.
PS Too bad you didn't let us see your putrefying leg.
Thanks for your feedback and best wishes for a speedy recovery. Thankfully, I am now almost back to normal. You're correct. Everything can be fine until it isn't! Yes, I figured that it would be best to not to shock my readers with a photo of the leg when most inflamed.
Thanks very much for your message. Thanks to the miracle of modern-day antibiotics, my leg is now pretty much back to normal. This is not something that I want to experience again, although it was reassuring to learn first-hand about the high level of effective care available in Japan.
What a harrowing experience, especially given your dad’s medical history. We, your family across the world, are so grateful to the medical team who treated your cellulitis so expertly, and who are bringing you back to good health. Be well, Mark!
Many thanks! While you were informed as the situation was playing out in real-time, thanks for reading the synopsis at the end of this ordeal and, of course, for your love and support.
Thanks for reading and for your concern. Yes, communication at the hospital would have been challenging without a degree of language proficiency. Now on the road to recovery.
Thanks for reading and for your concern. One week after being discharged from the hospital, I am happy to report that my doctor, who saw me at his out-patient clinic just a moment ago, was very pleased with the healing progress. While I still have some swelling in the afternoon, my leg is, essentially, now back to normal. Very pleased about that! BTW, the co-pay for today's out-patient visit came to a total of only 220 yen (US 1.59)! You've got to love national health insurance.
Thanks for reading and your feedback. Yes, I, too, was surprised to learn that a private room really was not all that much more. It was definitely worth it!
I often have to control or guide doctors what to do here, as there is no GP institution as such. Often ended up passing like a ball to different specialists until researched myself and asked “ give me referral there” , then solved. For big issues still go to Australia if not urgent . But care in Japan is good, important to get to the right specialist and clinic which is on you , mostly ( my experience only).
Thanks for adding your perspective. While I seemed to have lucked out in this particular case, which could have taken a turn for the worse without such good fortune, you are certainly correct about the reliance upon official referrals among Japanese hospitals. One does not simply show up on the doorstep of a hospital and expect to get quality care. Once into the system of a large, regional hospital like I found, it is, however, highly likely that it will be easier to find the right doctors in their network for whatever is the issue in the future. The key seems to be the initial entry point.
Glad to hear you are recovering! This is exactly the kind of thing I dread the most: being hit by a major health problem out of the blue. It makes you think how vulnerable we are.
PS Too bad you didn't let us see your putrefying leg.
Thanks for your feedback and best wishes for a speedy recovery. Thankfully, I am now almost back to normal. You're correct. Everything can be fine until it isn't! Yes, I figured that it would be best to not to shock my readers with a photo of the leg when most inflamed.
Yikes. Glad you are doing OK. お大事に！！
Thanks very much for your message. Thanks to the miracle of modern-day antibiotics, my leg is now pretty much back to normal. This is not something that I want to experience again, although it was reassuring to learn first-hand about the high level of effective care available in Japan.
What a harrowing experience, especially given your dad’s medical history. We, your family across the world, are so grateful to the medical team who treated your cellulitis so expertly, and who are bringing you back to good health. Be well, Mark!
Many thanks! While you were informed as the situation was playing out in real-time, thanks for reading the synopsis at the end of this ordeal and, of course, for your love and support.
What an ordeal Mark! Glad you’re on the mend. Imagine though if you weren’t a “native” speaker!!!!
Thanks for reading and for your concern. Yes, communication at the hospital would have been challenging without a degree of language proficiency. Now on the road to recovery.
Thanks for reading and for your concern. One week after being discharged from the hospital, I am happy to report that my doctor, who saw me at his out-patient clinic just a moment ago, was very pleased with the healing progress. While I still have some swelling in the afternoon, my leg is, essentially, now back to normal. Very pleased about that! BTW, the co-pay for today's out-patient visit came to a total of only 220 yen (US 1.59)! You've got to love national health insurance.
Thanks for reading and your feedback. Yes, I, too, was surprised to learn that a private room really was not all that much more. It was definitely worth it!