The information below is provided by past and current JETs who are sharing their positive or negative experience with medical facilities/practitioners within Oita Prefecture. Please take into account that a significant amount of time may have passed and that the information within the recommendations may have changed. We have put the reviews in date order, newest first, for your convenience. Please use your own best judgement when seeking medical treatment.
Would you recommend this facility to a person who CANNOT speak Japanese?: Yes
Would you recommend this facility to a person who CANNOT speak Japanese, but is accompanied by someone who CAN speak Japanese?: Yes
Were the office/intake staff, assistants and nurses able to communicate in English with you?: Most of the receptionists did not speak English. However, when I was admitted to the hospital two days before my surgery, I was assigned a very kind nurse, Michiko, who knew some English. She also had all relevant intake questions and procedural explanations prepared in advance in English. She usually checked in at least twice a day during the course of my hospitalization, so I tended to direct most questions to her or my doctor. The other nurses had varied English levels, but we were always able to communicate with a combination of their English, my little bit of Japanese, and gestures.
Was the Doctor/Practitioner able to communicate in English with you?: Yes! Dr. Furukawa speaks pretty good English. He had worked in Chicago (where I'm from) for a year, and made me feel at ease by reminiscing about Chicago spots he enjoyed. He effectively explained all procedural details both in my pre-surgery appointments and during my hospitalization. In my pre-surgery appointments, he even drew diagrams from time to time to make sure I understood what kind of incision I was getting, etc.
Care received: Gynecology; I had a large uterine fibroid removed via abdominal myomectomy - my first surgery ever! I went to Nakatsu Municipal Hospital for diagnostic ultrasounds, MRI, and ultimately the operation with 10 days hospitalization. There can be long wait times for appointments, but the overall experience was worth it. My doctor, Dr. Furukawa, spoke decent English and was very patient and helpful. I did bring my supervisor to translate just in case during the diagnostic stages, but I was fine on my own during the course of my hospitalization. I was assigned a nurse who prepared information in English in advance and helped me throughout the process. The facility was very clean and comfortable. My surgery went better than expected, and I feel I received wonderful care throughout. I've had no healing complications. I think my MRI cost about ¥6000. My operation, including 10 days hospitalization, cost just over ¥90,000. I've been told I may even receive some reimbursement later. If you don't speak any Japanese, it might be wise to bring a translator at first since many of the reception staff don't speak English. I should note that it's a large hospital, and I'm not sure how the English levels of other doctors compare to Dr. Furukawa. But overall, I had great hospital experience, perhaps better than the care I would have received in America!
Would you recommend this facility to a person who CANNOT speak Japanese?: Yes
Would you recommend this facility to a person who CANNOT speak Japanese, but is accompanied by someone who CAN speak Japanese?: Yes
Were the office/intake staff, assistants and nurses able to communicate in English with you?: The intake staff could not speak English, but were very helpful.
Was the Doctor/Practitioner able to communicate in English with you?: Yes he was! Very well!
Care received: Gynecology, Urology, STD Testing; I wanted to get tested for STDs, and through some friends discovered that this clinic (http://www.oitagunshi-ishikai.jp/iryokikan/kawanohinyo.htm) would get me all the tests I needed for about 50 bucks. Even though it is a urologist, they welcome women for treatment as well. I walked in and saw the doctor right away . He did a pelvic exam and tested me for the major 5 STDs. He explained that I would have to come back to the clinic a week later to get my results. Everything went smoothly and he was especially excited to work with a foreigner. It is also located right next to Kaku train station just outside of Oita so it is easy to get to.
Would you recommend this facility to a person who CANNOT speak Japanese?: Yes
Would you recommend this facility to a person who CANNOT speak Japanese, but is accompanied by someone who CAN speak Japanese?: Yes
Were the office/intake staff, assistants and nurses able to communicate in English with you?: Not really, but there was an English intake form that was really helpful.
Was the Doctor/Practitioner able to communicate in English with you?: Yes he was. Conversational level, but not fluent.
Care received: Gynecology; I walked in around 5pm and was able to fill out the intake form and see the doctor right away. I am not sure if it is customary to make an appointment or not, but they seemed totally okay with my walk in inquiry. They spoke enough English to get by with no Japanese. VERY NEW FACILITY. Quite gorgeous and comfortable. I was treated for an infection. The doctor did a pelvic examination and prescribed medicine that cleared everything up in a week. The total cost of the visit was 20 bucks with insurance. It was the only time I visited. If you are a woman with any gynecological issues, I would highly recommend this place! I was so stressed out and they completely eased my tension from the moment I walked in.