JAPANESE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
Japanese healthcare system
One Minute Video Clip
Different Types of Clinics in Japan
In Japan, a patient can visit any medical institutions (i.e. free access). So please choose one type of healthcare institution from the following four alternatives: Primary Care/General Practice, Physician, Specialists, and General Hospital.
Primary Care and General Practice
It offers primary care service/General practice. It is convenient especially when you find it difficult to decide which types of clinics or department in a hospital you should visit. A family doctor/GP consults you and then diagnoses and/or treats your condition at the clinic; if the doctor considers it necessary, s/he refers you to a specialist for a further consultation and treatment. Unlike other countries, a clinic has some medical devices and equipment, such as e-rays.
Examples
- Niseko International Clinic
- Niseko Clinic
- Kutosan Surgical Gastroenterologist Clinic
Primary Care: family doctor/general practitioner (GP)
A family doctor/GP examines your condition thoroughly, i.e. primary care or general medical services. Primary care service is especially convenient if you find it difficult to decide which specialist you should visit. A family doctor/GP consults you and then either diagnoses and treats your condition at the surgery or refers you to a specialist.
Examples
- Shirakaba Internal Medicine Clinic
- Sato Internal Medicine
Specialists
Without any referral or appointments, specialist consultations and treatments are available at such type of clinic. Each doctor has their specialty; unlike many other countries, a specialist clinic is equipped with various advanced medical devices and facilities such as CT.
Examples
- Niseko Neurosurgery Clinic
- Ueda Orthopedic Surgery
- Yotei Pediatrics and Allergy Clinic
- Kutosan Surgical Gastroentrologist Clinic
- Kutchan Azuma ophthalmology clinic
Hospital
A hospital consists of a number of medical departments and units that cover a range of specialties (including general medicine). It is equipped with various medical devices and facilities. A hospital normally offers outpatient and inpatient care.
Examples
- Kutchan Kosei General Hospital
