FAQ
1. Japanese language
| Q. I can handle daily conversation in Japanese, if spoken slowly. Is that enough to see a doctor on my own? A No. If your Japanese is at a conversational level, you will still have to be accompanied by someone (20 years of age or older) who can serve as your interpreter. This is in accordance with our policy to ensure responsible and effective medical care. If your interpreter turns out to be incapable of translating medical matters, your medical consultation can be assured only after another interpreter well versed in medical terminology both in Japanese and your language has been arranged. |
| Q. I don’t speak Japanese, but I can handle a medical consultation in English. Is that enough? A [Same as the reply above] |
| Q. If I cannot find an interpreter, what should I do to see a doctor? A We can provide you with information on medical interpretation service (fees required). Since it usually takes time to arrange for an interpreter, please contact us at least one week before your appointment. For Mandarin Chinese, we have in-house medical interpreters who can provide their service for a fee, even on the day of your consultation, depending on their availability. |
2. Consultations
| Q. When should I arrive for my first consultation? A For your first consultation, please come at least 30 minutes before your appointment. This is to register you as a patient and prepare your consultation card. |
| Q. I have an appointment at XXX Department today. May I also have a consultation at YYY Department today without appointment? A No. Please make another appointment. |
| Q. I only want to see a female doctor. Is this possible? A We cannot guarantee this, but we will do our best to comply with your request. Please inform your wish when making your appointment. However, please note that not all requests can be met because certain departments have no female doctors and female doctors may be unavailable for your consultation due to other duties. |
| Q. Does Mitsui Memorial Hospital have medical interpreters? A We have medical interpreters who work between Japanese and Mandarin Chinese. They can be hired for a fee. |
| Q. Can a patient’s family member see a doctor to get a prescription, advice or collect test results? A No. It is illegal to provide “medical care” without examining the patient. |
| Q. Will I still be able to see a doctor if I arrive late for my appointment? A When you know that you will be late, please call our International Office (Tel: 03-3862-9111, Japanese only) before your appointment time. Depending on the day’s schedule, your appointment may be rescheduled for another day. Please note that, even if you can see a doctor on the same day, it will usually be much later than your original appointment because priority is given to other patients arriving on time for their appointments. |
| Q. Can I change my appointment? A You can change your appointment by contacting the Appointment Center by the day before your appointment. However, please note that in some cases your appointment may be rescheduled to several months later. |
| Q. I feel unwell. May I see a doctor without the Japanese health insurance card? A Yes. However, without the Japanese health insurance card, patients are required to pay 100% of their medical bills. |
| Q. I am not ill and have no symptoms. May I still have a medical consultation (about my past checkup results, for example)? A No. You cannot see a doctor if you currently have no symptoms. |
3. Medical tests
| Q. May I request specific medical tests that I want to take? A No. Medical tests are conducted as judged necessary by doctors who have examined individual patients. |
4. Medication
| Q. I am a tourist. I am on medication, but I have lost my medicine. May I have the same medicine prescribed without seeing a doctor? A No. Our doctors do not prescribe medicines without examining patients. |
| Q. Do you prescribe emergency contraception (“morning after” pill)? A No. We do not prescribe emergency contraception at the moment. |
5. Overseas/travel medical insurance（Inpatient Only）
| Q. I am covered by an overseas (or travel) medical insurance plan. May I have a consultation without paying my medical bill at the hospital? A If you fulfill the conditions below, you are exempt from payment. Otherwise, you (or someone on your behalf) must pay 100% of your medical bill at the hospital and apply for reimbursement from your insurance company later by yourself. Conditions for exemption from payment: Your insurance company is contractually partnered with a Japanese medical assistance company at your request. The Japanese medical assistance company guarantees to pay Mitsui Memorial Hospital within one month from your consultation up to a certain amount to either fully or partially cover your medical bill. In this case, you will not be required to pay your medical bill to the extent that it does not surpass the amount guaranteed. |
6. Hospitalization
| Q. I have dietary restrictions because of my religion (or creed). Can you adjust my meals accordingly? A We will try to accommodate such requests as much as possible. If you are concerned, please pass your request to a doctor or nurse when your hospitalization is determined. * Please note that Mitsui Memorial Hospital is not equipped to serve halal meals. |
| Q. In my home country, when someone is hospitalized, other members of his or her family also stay and sleep in the hospital room to look after him/her. Is it possible to do so in Japan? A No. Hospitalized patients are fully taken care of by hospital personnel, and family members need not stay in the hospital room. However, in some rare cases, a hospitalized patient’s family member may stay in the room if the patient’s doctor permits. If you wish, please talk to a doctor or nurse. |
| Q. I want only female healthcare professionals, including nurses, doctors and medical technologists, to look after me, and want only women to be allowed into my room. Is this possible? A No. Many of Mitsui Memorial Hospital’s nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals, as well as facility maintenance and cleaning personnel, are male. These persons are assigned to their respective duties and workplaces to ensure the best possible environment for medical care and treatment. |
7. Visiting hospitalized patients
| Q. When are the visiting hours? A The visiting hours are from 15:00 to 20:00 from Monday to Saturday and from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 15:00 to 20:00 on Sundays and public holidays in the general care units. For the visiting hours in the other units, please refer to the information on hospitalization: [Guidance for Hospitalization & Visits] |
| Q. Can children visit hospitalized patients? A No. Children 15 years of age or younger are not allowed to visit hospitalized patients. |
8. Medical consultations for non-residents
| Q. May I see a doctor at Mitsui Memorial Hospital during my stay in Japan? A Yes, provided that you enter Japan with a medical visit visa. http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/medical_stay.html |
| Q. Whom should I contact to apply for a medical visit visa? A A. Please contact a guarantor organization for your medical visit in Japan. http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/medical_stay2.html http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/medical_stay3.html |
9. Facilities
| Q. Where can I smoke while in the hospital? A Smoking is strictly prohibited throughout the entire premises of the hospital, including the parking area. So, there are no designated areas for smoking in and around the hospital. Please also note that outdoor smoking is prohibited in Chiyoda-ku, where Mitsui Memorial Hospital is located. |
| Q. May I use my cell phone inside the hospital? A You can use your cell phone in the areas indicated for this purpose. While in the hospital, please set your cell phone to silent mode. All cell phones must be turned off in the following places: Consultation rooms, examination rooms, treatment rooms, operating rooms, ICU, CICU, HCU |
| Q. Are there any places where visitors can have meals in the hospital? A There is a restaurant on the first floor. Please check its opening hours beforehand since they occasionally change, due to events and other reasons. Box lunches and sandwiches are sold at the Kiosk on the first floor. To eat them, visitors are invited to use the Day Room. |