Purpose of the First Visit Consultation Fee

In accordance with the Health and Welfare Ministry Law enacted April 1, 1996, participants in the Japanese Health Insurance plan who visit a major hospital with over 200 beds for the first time without a referral from a clinic are required to pay an extra charge in addition to the regular consultation fees. The purpose of this extra charge is to encourage the use of local clinics and medical care physicians, who can best determine when a patient would require the specialized services of a large hospital. Patients with these referrals are not required to pay the extra first visit charge.

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When the First Visit Consultation Fee Applies

1. Any first time visit to St. Luke’s by an outpatient without a referral from a clinic or medical care physician, or as otherwise exempted as described under “Other Exemptions”
2. The first visit for examination or treatment of a new illness or injury, even if you have received treatment in the past for a different illness or injury from which you have fully recovered
3. When restarting treatment at St. Luke’s after having voluntarily discontinued consultation for an illness or injury for a period exceeding one month
4. Visiting the first of several departments required for treatment; the additional charge only applies to the first department visited
5. Each visit to the dental clinic for work on more than one tooth or disease

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Other Exemptions

1. Patients currently receiving treatment and require further treatment at additional departments for the same illness or injury.
2. Patients who possess special government medical treatment cards.
3. Patients who are brought to the hospital by ambulance for treatment at the Emergency Medical Care Center.

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How Much You Will Need to Pay

Effective May 1,1996, the consultation fee for all first visits is ¥5,250.

For more information, please speak to any staff member at Language Services or Outpatient Registration.

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