Are general hospitals in Japan just that unskilled or did I go to a really bad one. So about 4 months ago I had some drink with my friends and after that I’m having this headache that won’t go away, on 2 months of headache I went to general hospital and the doctor took an MRI and told me there is nothing wrong pretty sure it’ll heal on its own…. and gave me one pill pirscription then told me to pay 1万３千. Obviously the pills did nothing for my headache and I’m afraid to go there again in fear of getting my wallet milked, I tried ibuprofen and bufferin and still no decent effect did anyone had similar problems like mine? what medicine did you guys take? Really at the end of my ropes here
by Baycon789
7 comments
What was the procedure of your visit, did you just walk into the ER or did you have an appt? I ask because if you just went in, there’s a chance you didn’t see a 脳神経科, just the doc on duty。Also it does depend on the hospital. If you want quality care, the University hospitals are probably better though you often need a referral from a clinic first. As for the fee, if you went straight to the hospital you prob paid the intro fee (~4k) on top of MRI (~5k) and consultation fee. I don’t think you’d be paying the intro fee again if you go back to the same place, since it’s an ongoing consultation. I hope you can get the proper care, I unfortunately know how overwhelming it can be.
Honestly actually getting an MRI and a prescription sounds like a decent outcome. Most bad doctors I’ve come across listen for 30 seconds, maybe look or poke at you for 10 seconds and then give you antibiotics. Anyways I think next appointment won’t be nearly as expensive without the MRI so I’d try again. Also, don’t be afraid to go and get a second opinion. Best of luck OP and I’m sorry you’re going through this.
I suffer from migraines and visit [this clinic](https://maps.app.goo.gl/zQ2UEj65X43674wX6?g_st=ic) near Nakano (if you are in Tokyo). They are very good and they also have an MRI in the clinic. I would definitely seek a second opinion with them.
Depending on your pain and what you have they will probably prescribe a powder medicine (stronger than bufferin and those stuff) or a triptan which is probably the strongest headache med.
Head MRI costs 6-7k. The other money y probably paid for a “big hospital service without a prescription from small clinic”. Not sure if you need to pay same next time.
This could be so many things. I would go back to the original hospital and tell them you want your data, which they will burn onto a DVD for you. Take that to another neurologist for a start.
I once had a crappy neurologist do an MRI, he looked at it, and then said I may/or may not have MS. He wasn’t sure and told me to go to a bigger hospital. I was feeling a lot of constant tingling in my left arm and leg.
Went to a ”big/famous” hospital. The doctor there laughed about the MS diagnosis. Turns out that sleeping on my left side was impinging nerves. That was all. But it was a fun few weeks—before the second doc could see me—as I became an expert on MS.
Whatever you do, don’t let them insert anything into your spine. Check out what happened to Ninjacatgirl it’s unbelievable and I’m so sorry for her, I already donated too.
In my experience they (clinics and hospitals alike in Japan) are all pretty much garbage for anything beyond a common cold or perhaps gastroenteritis.
I’ve never wasted so much money on so much absolute nonsense medical “care” in my life.
Luckily the problem I was having (respiratory) went away by itself, but none of the doctors (I visited 5 in total) knew what it was. They all came up with different theories. In hindsight it feels like they were talking out of their arses.
I wouldn’t been happier if they just said “*Sorry but I don’t know what this is*”, but there seems to be a desire/need (financial incentive rather) to prescribe *something* even if they have no idea if it’s related to the issue at all.