Japanese Health care system

Joyce experienced the Japanese health care system when her feet and legs stayed swollen for over two weeks after arrival. It’s pay as you go for foreigners, but the cost is low by American standards. I received excellent care and attention, though waiting is inevitable. At the clinic, after about an hour wait, Dr. Sudo communicated with some English, but I was thankful for my ARI translator! I had a blood test, chest X-ray, a steroid IV and three talks with the doctor for ¥11,330 or about $113.00. After some discussion of auto immune disease, such as Rheumatoid arthritis, the diagnosis was “economy class disease,” and they sent me to the hospital to consult the specialist the check my veins.

At the hospital, I saw Dr. Morito after a two and three quarter hour wait. He also used a little English, but I still had my translator. I had a CT Scan, which showed okay veins. Recommendation – fly business class or wear elastic stockings! The hospital took VISA, which the clinic did not, and the bill was ¥ 39,190 or about $392.00. I kept thinking of the cost of a CT Scan back home! My feet and legs were back to normal within 24 hours of the steroid IV. But I have been told to slow down and not work so hard, and I will comply.