This month, I had an adult health checkup at a hospital near my house. For me, this was my first regular health checkup since settling in Japan. Through this experience, I learned a lot about healthcare in Japan.
I made a reservation by phone in advance and went to the hospital. I handed my MyNumber card and patient registration card to the receptionist, and after my information was confirmed, I received a consultation slip and a medical questionnaire.
The consultation slip mainly required filling in health insurance and address information, and the medical questionnaire contained several questions regarding my physical condition and lifestyle habits. However, since I used my MyNumber card instead of a health insurance card, and the health insurance symbol and number are not written on it, I had to open the MynaPortal app to look them up.
After filling out the necessary information, I returned to the reception desk and handed the consultation slip and medical questionnaire back to the staff. Then, I underwent tests including a urinalysis, X-ray, height and weight measurement, and an electrocardiogram. The staff members were very kind, and we even talked about the appeal of Japanese food.
After completing the tests, I spoke with a doctor who asked me about my daily eating and drinking habits. Following that, I returned to the waiting room and waited to be called by the reception desk. Since I am a resident of this area, the checkup fee was only 500 yen; unbelievably, it was cheaper than in China.
Finally, as instructed by the doctor, I returned to the hospital a week later to receive my examination results. A different doctor explained the test results to me this time, and I felt they were a very kind and highly responsible doctor.