Which pediatricians in Inzai City offer English services? .

It takes a lot of courage for anyone to move to an unfamiliar place. If it's in a foreign country where you don't speak the language, you may feel even more anxious.　However,　ｔhere are times　you have to communicate even if you are anxious while raising a child.

This is especially true when your child is sick.　You may have to find a nearby pediatrician and call them for “inquiries” or “appointments”.　Don't you always feel anxious, wondering if they can understand your English, or if you can correctly describe the symptoms?

This time, we would like to show you the results of our research under the theme of “Are there any pediatricians in Inzai City who can speak English? Let's learn about the medical system!”

By knowing the structure of medical systems in Japan correctly, you will be able to receive medical care smoothly when your child is sick.

Instead of going to a big hospital, go to a neighborhood clinic first.

When you feel sick, don't you think that "going to a big hospital is better"? A big hospital seems very convenient because it has a lot of clinical departments and a lot of equipment for examinations. However, when you actually go to the hospital, you may find yourself in a situation where you have to pay a lot of money.

Why does it cost more than usual just to have a regular checkup? Also, what should you do when your child is sick?

Large hospitals require an examination fee plus additional cost.

In Inzai City, there is a large hospital called Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, which is famous for its “medical helicopter”. It has many doctors and treats various diseases. It is a convenient and reliable hospital, but in order to see a doctor at this hospital, a letter of reference is required.

In large hospitals, patients with life-threatening diseases are treated. It is said that one of the reasons for this is that if many patients with minor illnesses come to the hospital just because it is large and convenient, the hospital will not be able to take care of the patients who can only be treated in large hospitals.

However, it does not mean that you cannot see a doctor. If you do not have a letter of reference, you will have to pay 5,500 yen as a " Medical Expenses Combined with Treatment Outside Insurance Coverage", but you can still visit the hospital.

First, see your "family doctor''.

When going to the hospital in Japan, the order is as follows

1. Visit your "family doctor".

2. Ask your family doctor to write a letter of reference if you need an examination, etc.

3. Take the letter of reference to a large hospital.

A "family doctor" is a small clinic. If you decide which clinic you go to, you will be able to see your medical history soon, so you can receive appropriate treatment.

In case of an emergency, don't hesitate to go to a big hospital.

If you go to a large hospital for a minor illness, you will have to pay extra, but it doesn't cost in case of emergency.

If your child is not feeling well and you don't know where to go, call the "Children's Emergency Telephone Consultation". A nurse will give you advice.

Home phone, cell phone, etc.: #8000

IP phones, etc.: 043-242-9939

In case of emergency or serious illness, don't hesitate to call 119 for an ambulance.

Worry about getting it right on the phone？Which pediatricians in Inzai City offer English services?

I often hear people say, “I want to make an appointment or inquire at the hospital when my child is sick, but I'm afraid to call because I'm not confident in my Japanese”. With a phone call, the only way to communicate is through words, so it is easy to become anxious about whether the information is being conveyed correctly.

So, which clinics offer English services? You may be able to find a family doctor if you are not confident in Japanese.

We have contacted every pediatrician in Inzai City.

We asked the pediatrics department in Inzai City, "Do you have staff who can help foreigners if they make an appointment by phone in English?" The answer is that every clinic is willing to help but not in English.

As a result, unfortunately, most of the clinics replied that they are not able to provide English services at this time.

At present, it seems that many people who are not confident in their Japanese skills bring along someone they know who can act as an "interpreter" for them.

Not entirely impossible.

The pediatricians in Inzai City replied that they could not handle English, but all the clinics also said that they were not totally unable to do so. In other words, "the office staff who answer the phone can't speak English, but the doctors can”. However, it is not possible to ask the doctor to take over the phone during examination, so the answer seems to be "no".

Some clinics responded by using pictures and gestures. Or they said they may be able to help if you bring the patient to them.

There is an English-speaking clinic.

I found one pediatrician who said "yes", although most of them said "no English over the phone". It's “Uchino Clinic” in Uchino. On Thursdays and Sundays, there is a doctor who can speak English.　Depending on the doctor's availability, he may not be able to respond to phone calls, so in that case, please bring the patient directly to the clinic.

Children's physical condition can change suddenly. If you are in a hurry to find a hospital when your child becomes ill, you may not be able to get the treatment you need smoothly. It is a good idea to have a "family doctor" to contact in case of emergency.

It takes courage to call a clinic, but the staff at clinics in the city are willing to do their best to help you.

If you are unable to do so, ask someone you know who might be able to help you in advance.

writer：Scarlet

Translated by Fusamaru