Partnering with Kobe University Hospital
Kobe University Hospital is one of Japan’s leading academic medical centers, providing advanced medical care across a wide range of specialties. Through the International Medical Communication Center (IMCC), we support international patients and work closely with medical coordination companies around the world.
We welcome collaboration with professional medical coordination companies seeking high-quality medical care for their clients in Japan
Role of Medical Coordination Companies
Medical coordination companies play an important role in supporting patients throughout their medical journey.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Initial consultation with patients and families
- Collection of medical records and imaging data
- Translation of medical documents
- Communication with IMCC
- Travel and accommodation arrangements
- Visa-related support when necessary
- Interpretation arrangements
- Assistance during hospital visits
- Financial coordination and payment support
- Follow-up communication after treatment
Initial Inquiry
All inquiries regarding international patients should be directed to IMCC.
The following services are available:
- Medical treatment at Kobe University Hospital
- Admission and surgical treatment consultation
- International second opinions
- Online medical consultations
- Acceptance assessment prior to travel to Japan
Each inquiry is reviewed individually in collaboration with the relevant clinical department.
Required Medical Information
To facilitate a timely assessment, please provide as much of the following information as possible:
- Medical summary
- Current diagnosis
- Treatment history
- Imaging studies and reports
- Pathology reports, if applicable
- Laboratory test results
- Referral letter, if available
- Patient’s specific request
- Preferred timeline for consultation or treatment
Additional information may be requested depending on the clinical situation.
Acceptance Assessment
Upon receipt of the necessary medical information, IMCC will coordinate with the appropriate clinical department to determine whether the patient can be accepted.
In many cases, an initial assessment can be provided on the same day or within a few business days. More complex cases may require additional review by specialists.
Acceptance decisions are based on medical appropriateness, availability of services, and the patient’s clinical condition.
Cost Estimate and Payment
Whenever possible, a preliminary cost estimate will be provided before the patient’s visit to Japan.
Actual costs may vary depending on examinations, procedures, hospitalization requirements, and the final treatment plan.
Kobe University Hospital generally accepts one of the following payment arrangements:
Option 1: Payment Through the Medical Coordination Company
The medical coordination company collects payment from the patient and makes payment directly to Kobe University Hospital on the patient’s behalf.
Option 2: Direct Payment by the Patient with Payment Guarantee
In this case, the medical coordination company is expected to provide a payment guarantee and assume responsibility for any unpaid medical expenses.
It is required to make a payment reservation for the estimated treatment amount using Kobe University Hospital’s credit card pre-payment system. (Please note that the credit card payment confirmation and reservation alone do not constitute actual execution of the payment.)
Specific payment procedures and financial arrangements should be discussed with IMCC before the patient’s visit.
Communication Before, During, and After Treatment
IMCC serves as the central contact point throughout the patient’s medical journey.
Support includes:
- Coordination before arrival in Japan
- Communication with clinical departments
- Scheduling of appointments and examinations
- Admission coordination
- Communication regarding treatment plans
- Follow-up communication after the patient returns home
Our goal is to ensure smooth and efficient communication between the hospital, the patient, and the medical coordination company.
Medical Stay Visa Support
For patients requiring a Medical Stay Visa, applications must be made through a registered guarantor organization authorized by the Japanese government.
Medical coordination companies that are not registered guarantor organizations may need to collaborate with an authorized guarantor during the application process.
IMCC can provide medical documentation necessary for visa applications and can offer guidance regarding the required procedures. If assistance is needed, please contact us for further information.
For assistance regarding Medical Stay Visa procedures and guarantor arrangements, please contact:
Japan International Medical Cooperation Association (JIMCA)
Mr. Sakagami
Email: sakagami@jimcajp.or.jp
JIMCA may be able to provide guidance regarding appropriate procedures and coordination for Medical Stay Visa applications.
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