How to request a second opinion
Getting a second opinion
If you wish to obtain a second opinion from our hospital, we ask that you first inform your physician at the institution where you are currently receiving treatment.
After that, please request that your physician’s office send NCCH a referral form* as well as other materials, such as records of blood tests and pathological examination/diagnosis, and results of imaging tests, such as CT and MRI (saved on DVD or CD-R). We cannot provide a second opinion without these materials because they are essential for the NCCH physician from whom you are seeking a second opinion to objectively evaluate the patient’s condition and give you appropriate advice.
* Information needs to be included in the referral form:
- Name of medical institution and physician from whom patient is seeking a second opinion; name of medical institution and physician providing patient’s medical information; and patient’s name, sex, date of birth, age, address, telephone number, and occupation.
- Patient’s diagnosis, purpose of referral, past medical history and family history, course of symptoms and test results, course of treatment, current prescriptions, etc.
Once you have prepared these materials, please submit a request for a second opinion through a medical coordinator.
https://www.ncc.go.jp/en/ncch/d001/foreign_patients/index.html
Your medical coordinator will handle all procedures leading up to the second opinion. NCCH will not communicate with you directly.
Please follow your medical coordinator’s instructions with regard to how to send the prepared materials, pay the second opinion fee, and arrange interpreting services for your second opinion appointment. Your medical coordinator will also be the one who contacts you to schedule the second opinion.
Medical coordinators also provide services, such as making arrangements for your trip to Japan from arrival to departure, interpreting/translation services, and assistance for obtaining a Visa for Medical Stay. Please ask your medical coordinator for more information.
If you are unable to come to NCCH in person, a family member can receive a second opinion on your behalf. We also offer virtual second opinions if neither you nor a family member can come in person. Please ask your medical coordinator for more information.
