Physician for Remicade in Japan

[bozotros]

We anticipate a year long posting in Japan next year, not sure exactly where yet. We will need to get established with a GI specialist there to continue/monitor Remicade infusions.

Any suggestions/pointers/etc. about how to find/indetify the right doc(s) will be much appreciate.

Thanks,

Boz

 

[whistler]

Crohn's in Japan

Hey, I lived in Japan for a year 4 years ago. At the time i was on immuran so there were no difficulties in geting and administering it. I know that the medical system in Japan can handle Crohn's patients. I am currently trying to go back on a permanent basis. I am on Remicade now. So if you figure something out let me know and visa versa.

 

[davidr]

If you join the national health insurance or an employer-based plan, you can get remicade at most major hospitals in Japan. These insurance programs only cover 70% of the costs, so you will have to pay around 90,000 yen (~$1,100) per injection, but there is a government program that subsidizes the costs of treating chronic illnesses based on your annual income. I currently pay around $60 per injection after the subsidy, and my meds are all free. You will need to see a doctor and have your Crohn's confirmed before you can apply to the program, so you should make sure you get a dose in Canada right before you come here.

One thing: I developed Crohn's after I was already in Japan, so I don't know if having a chronic illness will affect your ability to get a visa.

 

[whistler]

davidr, Thank you so much for the information. I'm going to do some more research but this is more than anything I could dream for.

 

[davidr]

Here's a website with some limited English information on how chronic diseases are handled and which ones are eligible for the subsidy program. The Japanese page has a lot more specific information.
http://www.nanbyou.or.jp/english/index.htm

Unfortunately there's not a whole lot available in English. The subsidy itself is run on the prefectural level, so you might want to check the web page of the prefecture you plan on living in.