Pain & Symptom Management

Japanese medical staff do not usually order pain medications to be administered around the clock. It is best for you to communicate with the nursing staff and request medication regularly rather than wait for it to be brought to you. Similarly, you should communicate any concerning symptoms with the medical or nursing staff.

Medications

If you are currently taking medications, inform your physician immediately. If possible, bring them with you to the hospital for review by the physician, as there could be adverse reactions with other medications that may have been ordered. Some U.S. prescribed medications are not authorized in Japanese medical facilities and will need to be returned to your home.
On some occasions, you may be given medication to take throughout the day. If you are unsure of the medication that you are receiving, or how and when to take it, ask the hospital staff or the Case Manager. Be sure to inform the physician and/or staff about any allergies (i.e., medication, food, latex, environmental).

General Information

VISITORS: Children under 12 years of age are not allowed on most wards. Visiting children must be supervised at all times (i.e., no jumping on beds, tables or chairs, no running in the hallways). The patient should not have more than two visitors at a time. Visitors should not use the patient’s toilet. Each host nation facility has varied and restricted visiting hours. In some cases, visitors are restricted to family members only. The Case Manager can help you identify the specific visiting rules for the specific Host Nation facility.
If you have a child that is an inpatient, it is understandable that you will want to stay with your child, unfortunately in most hospitals, there are visiting hours for parents as well. Please remember your child is in good care. We have Japanese Fellows (Doctors) that work for USNH and are following the care of your child, if Tricare Prime or referred by our hospital. They keep Case Management updated daily. If your child was transferred on the weekend they will update the on-call duty provider. You can request an update from the Fellow or Case Manager and they will ensure the on-call duty provider will give you updates if there are any changes.

TELEPHONES: Some hospitals have telephones in the patient rooms; however, these phones only receive calls. Please take your personal cell phone to call your family and friends, along with a charger for 220 volts.

PARKING: Parking is challenging at the hospitals, however, most are within a short walk from USNH. If further, TRICARE family members may accompany Case Management during visits to the patient. Parking tickets are sold in increments of one hour, half-day, or full-day. Some hospitals do not have public parking.

SMOKING: There is no smoking.

PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY: Host Nation providers have strict confidentiality rules similar to U.S. privacy laws. Only physicians are allowed to give you medical information. They will allow your Patient Liaison to assist and translate, and understand they are bound by the same patient confidentiality rules. Please understand that the Case Managers or Patient Liaisons are not allowed to give any medical