Patient Resources

Tips for Your Visit

Some things to keep in mind during your stay:

Patients/parents are encouraged to ask doctors and nurses about their treatment plan. If in the Yokosuka area, your case manager will visit within one to two business days for updates on your plan. If outside the Yokosuka Area TRICARE ISOS will receive daily updates from the Host Nation facility.

Visiting hours are set per the hospital and adhered to as most rooms are shared with other patients. If you are in the Intensive Care Unit, visiting hours are strict and are meant for family members only. They understand that in most instances you are here without family and will sometimes allow a limited few visitors and may ask you to step off the ward to visit if able.
Most Japanese hospitals serve Japanese style meals. If you are unable to tolerate these foods, ask your Japanese physician or a nurse if a family member or a friend may bring in more familiar dishes.

Bring, or have your visitor bring, some Yen to purchase snacks, drinks, and for parking fees as you should not expect to be served American food during your hospitalization.
Very few of the staff may understand English or speak English. Although you may not speak Japanese, a Ohayo gozaimasu (good morning), Konnichiwa (hello/good day), Kudasai (please), Arigatou gozaimasu (thank you) go a long way!

Should TRICARE beneficiaries disagree with their treatment plan, they may sign an Against Medical Advice (AMA) form. However, the patient should be advised that the Host Nation facility cannot be held responsible for medical problems/conditions complicated by the refusal of medical treatment. Active Duty Service Members are not allowed to sign an AMA form. Please keep in mind that you were transferred to the HN Hospital as the care you need is beyond USNH capabilities.

Japanese pay for a lifetime of health care via their taxes. We continue to work hard to build and maintain our excellent relationship with our host nation medical facilities. Without their support, we will not be able to continue obtaining necessary medical services for our beneficiaries when services are not available within our facility. Therefore, we ask that you serve as our ambassador.

Subjects

  • What to Bring With You
  • Cultural Tips
  • Transportation / Getting Around
  • Accommodations for Visiting Family

What to Bring With You

Pajamas / Robe
Slippers
Underwear
Cup / Mug
Fork / Spoon
Toothbrush / Toothpaste
Soap
Shampoo
Sanitary Pads / Diapers
Box of Tissues
Razor
Wash cloths
Yen (1000-2000)
Memo pad and pen
Personal electronics and reading materials (e.g., laptop, iPad). (Please use ear-phones at all times when using these devises. Don't forget charging cords)
Pillow (small firm pillow provided)
Mobile phone (please note there will be specific rules about cell phone use)

A refrigerator and TV set are often available in your room for you to use for an additional fee. You may need to purchase a 1000 Yen card at the vending machine located on the ward in order to use the television. The duration of the card is dependent upon usage. If you have credit remaining on the card at the time of your discharge, a refund is available.

Please note: Wi-Fi is typically not offered in most facilities.
Cellular phones must be turned off in Japanese hospitals.

The hospital provides in-patients a lounge (day-room) where you can use your cell phone. Additionally, there are pay phones available for use with Yen or phone card. If the hospital allows use of your cell phone, keep calls to a minimum.

Each hospital has a store that sells food (Japanese style meals, sandwiches, snacks, etc.), drinks (water, coffee, tea, etc.), and other items such as underwear, sanitary pads, towels, slippers, facial tissue, etc. Be sure to check with the nursing staff prior to leaving the ward.

Hospital restaurant: For visiting family members. Large Japanese hospitals often have a restaurant where not only Japanese style meals but also Western style meals are available for purchase. Patients will be provided meals based on doctor's orders. Please discuss dietary concerns with provider.

 

Cultural Tips:

While we have faith in the quality of care provided by the Japanese hospitals, you may get confused or frustrated by the language barrier and cultural differences. Here are some communication and culture tips:
The Japanese hospital may not have English-speaking personnel. The next section of this patient guide provides you with many useful phrases with Japanese translation. If you cannot find the phrase you need, and if you are not successfully communicating verbally, try writing down your questions for the staff and allowing them time to answer. Written English is generally better understood than spoken English. Most Japanese physicians can read English, so this may be an effective way to communicate to your provider. Case Management has English-Japanese quick reference cards available for use upon request.

TRICARE & Other Health Insurance (OHI)

If you have OHI, you must follow all rules pertained to that plan. Your OHI is considered your primary insurance and pays before TRICARE. You or your provider must file health care claims with your OHI before filing with TRICARE. After your OHI determines the amount it will pay, submit a copy of the payment determination and the itemized bill with your TRICARE claims. If you are covered under the Japanese Health System and want to utilize this benefit, please make sure this is known to the RMC Staff; they can provide information on how to utilize this program.

Proof of payment is required for all overseas health care and pharmacy claims, including claims for care received while traveling overseas. Proof of payment is necessary for TRICARE to validate claims and safeguards benefit dollars. Our Health Benefits Advisor (HBA) can offer further assistance for all claims issues.

Health Benefits Advisor (HBA)/ Beneficiary Counseling Assistance Coordinator (BCAC)/Debt Collections Assistance Coordinator (DCAO)

DSN: 315-243-8992
Comm: 011-81-46-816-8992
Email: usn.yokosuka.navhospyokosukaja.list.medical-management@mail.mil

Tricare Operations Program Manager

DSN: 315-243-9795
Comm: 011-81-46-816-9795
Cell: 080-4667-2881 (Japanese) or 559-287-3881 (USA)
Email: usn.yokosuka.navhospyokosukaja.list.medical-management@mail.mil

Transportation / Getting Around:

Car Rental:

DSN: 315-243-4456
An International Driver's License is required if you do not have a US Forces Japan Driver's License. International Driver's License can be obtained through your local AAA.

Taxi:

Radio Taxi: 045-226-3161
Radio Ashhi Taxi: 045-641-9875
CFAY Security Office will assist you if you are not sure how to call a taxi in Japanese. Please call 045-281-4111/4112 or DSN 242-411/4112 for assistance.

Base Shuttle:

On Base Bus: There are two busses that run on base, a clockwise and counter clockwise. Each bus makes multiple stops and will get you to your destination on base. A bus schedule is located at every bus stop and at the front desk of your billeting.

Japanese Public Transportation System

Visit www.hyperdia.com for most up to date schedule. Google maps also works and will give you the train route, cost, and next departing train time

Accommodations for Visiting Family:

Navy Lodge:

DSN: 315-243-6708
Comm: 046-816-6708
Check-in: 1500
Check-out: 1200

The Navy Lodge is open 24 hours (guest services provides reservations after office hours.) the lodge has a total of 166 rooms - all 166 rooms are adjoining rooms with queen beds. Kitchens are available in select rooms they are complete with cooking and dining utensils. There is complementary breakfast in the lobby from 0600 to 0900. Free Wifi available in the lobby and in every room.

NOTE: When making reservations be sure to specify if you are on Medical TAD orders

Navy Lodge:

DSN: 315-243-7317
Comm: 046-816-7317
Check-in: 1500
Check-out: 1200

The Navy Gateway Inn and Suites is open 24 hours (guest service's provides reservations after office hours.) The Gateway has a total of 100 rooms - 50 rooms have queen size beds and 50 rooms have full beds. Kitchens are available in every room they are complete with cooking and dining utensils. Video rentals are free. Free Wifi available in the lobby and free internet connection in every room (hard connection).

NOTE: When making reservations be sure to specify if you are on Medical TAD orders

What You Can Expect

The first thing to remember is that you are in an excellent medical system under the care of a credentialed physician. If the host nation facility and the military treatment facility (MTF) agree your care can be completed at the MTF, transfer arrangements will be made. Japanese health care is in many ways the same as the American system you are accustomed to and in other ways it can be vastly different.

Unlike most hospitals in the United States, the number of Japanese facilities that provide private rooms is very limited and are saved for medical indication. Most rooms do not possess the same modern cosmetic appeal as a private hospital but they contain modern medical technology and provide the same medical treatment capabilities that would be afforded in similar size American hospitals or the military treatment facility.