My company asked me to get a consult because my health check report came with some abnormal values. So I did. Went to the clinic and had a more thorough examination. The results will be available in a week. The nurse told me that either I or the doctor can write the examination results and diagnosis on the designated paper provided by my company. I said I'd prefer that the doctor write it down and she told that in that case there are some fee and it's 3500 JPY (more than the consult itself). My answer was 😳, and I said something like "it's expensive just for writing down a result". She had an embarrassed laugh that seemed to mean "I know but that's unfortunately how it works".
I explained that I would like to avoid having to write it myself as even though I can speak Japanese, it's not my native language and medical stuff is usually hard to understand (even in my native language for that matter…). But, I don't want to pay that much either just so I can get it written down. We seemed to be in a dead-end so I finally said I'll write it but there are good chances that it will be inaccurate. She replied by saying she'll try to negotiate and we'll talk again when I'll come to take the results.
It's the first time my company asks me to double check so maybe there is something I don't get. I stayed calm since I know it's not the nurse's fault. But I mean, shouldn't writing down the diagnosis be part of the consult? Isn't it the doctor's job? Why do I have to pay that much extra for it? Makes no sense to me. Can someone enlighten me on this?
by S1lent_Thre4t
11 comments
It sounds like they were talking about writing an official letter you can give to your company – usually you would get one in order to take sick leave. 3500 yen is right around the price I’ve been charged in the past.
3500 is a large extra?
3500 yen is the standard price for a doctor’s note, shindansho in Japanese. It’s typically what you will be asked for to be approved for sick leave, and the cost comes separate from your standard diagnosis.
Lost in translation I think. But I hope you’re ok OP. Are you worried?.
Get your results, make a photocopy of said results and then give those results to your company.
If your company wants it to be written in some special format (which isn’t necessary at all, just sounds like some HR policy they made up), you tell them “I was quoted 3,500 yen for that, if you let me expense it I will go get it”.
DIagnostic reports aren’t covered by insurance here.
You fill in as much information as you can on the form provided by your firm. Take an extra pice of paper with you to the doctor’s consult. Write down what you think you understand and ask the doctor if this is correct. If yes, copy into the original form, ask for a stamp and hand it in to your company.
when I had to ask for this document I was shocked with the price too, too expensive for a letter lol
3500 yen is no where near expensive my friend.
Every year I am just one tiny bit over the normal levels for my liver functions.
Every year I am told to have my liver functions checked further at a medical institiution and submit the details on a form.
Every year I write on the form in my own words “Doctor said there is nothing serious and I don’t need any medicine at this point but I apparently should drink less alcohol”.
I also never add any medical reports whatsoever.
So, if you understood the gist of what doctor told you, write the report yourself in your own words and it should be fine.
I never took the additional visit in the few cases my results suggested it.
The main reason is I do not trust those annual check ups and small clinics in general.
annual visit is compulsory and the clinic has all the incentive to do it at the lowest cost possible. And to make you came again to take additional (at your cost) visit.Â
Like many small clinics do if you do not realize the “doctor” has just as many clues as you about your problems. Better go to some university hospital, in my experience they are better and have less “reverse incentives” unlike private clinics.