Doc's Visit

As it turns out, it sucks being sick no matter what country you live in. But, maybe it sucks a little less in Japan. I fought hard but eventually lost and ended up with the bug the family was passing around. My boss sent me off the the doctor - something I probably would not have done in the US. He assured me it was the right thing to do.


In the US, we often avoid going to the doctor for seemingly minor things for a couple of reasons - 1) It is expensive! Even with great insurance there are often co-pays and deductibles to be met. 2) It takes too long. Doctors offices are backed up with appointments so that even if you can get an appointment, you are often left sitting in the waiting room for an hour beyond your appointment time. 3) Medicine is pricey. Again, insurance...


So, I went. I was a little worried being that I speak no Japanese. This doctor is a former student of our school and has some English, so that was a win. My other worry was finding the building. With all the writing being in Kanji and Hiragana, I had to look up the name of the clinic before I left and memorize the way that it looked. Everything aligned and I found it. Yay! However, the clinic was closed when I got there at 2 PM. Here’s the thing about Japan - businesses keep weird hours. Our local grocery stores don’t open until 9:30 and they often close at 9PM. The doctors hours were M-F 9-12 and 3-6. Rather than ride my little bike home only to turn around and come back, I waited.


Here is where Japanese hospitality is so great. The doctor saw me sitting out there and let me in at 2:30. He had a quick meeting, but otherwise I was seen right away, and on my way home by 3:10, meds in hand. The doctor sees you, gives you your meds, explains how to use them, and bills you, all on the spot. And, with our government issued insurance that everyone gets, all this only cost me $20USD. Take note America, it was pretty awesome!


Now, I know there are downsides to this socialist type insurance, but I am enjoying the high right now so let me live it. When (if) I am grumbling about it later you can call me out!


Just a few notes - there were some minor differences about seeing the doc here. For starters, there are no little patient rooms, but rather cots with curtains between. The doctor started my appointment in the waiting area, a hall lined with chairs. It was there that we discussed symptoms and he took my temperature. When he did call me back into the clinic, we sat at his desk (on the same side of it) which was located in the same room with the patient cots. As a patient I was able to see the doctor at all times. He didn’t disappear for 20 minutes. Meds on hand! No extra stop at the pharmacy! Love it!

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