FIRST VISIT
For New Patients
The steps from making an appointment to your first visit, and answers to frequently asked questions.
CONSULTATION
Choose how you would like to consult us.
If you'd like to talk first
Free Phone Consultation
The medical director asks about your condition and explains the treatment options that may be available to you.
Request a Free Phone ConsultationIf you'd like an examination and tests
In-Person Visit
The doctor decides on a treatment plan based on your symptoms, images and any tests needed. A first visit takes about 30 minutes.
Request an In-Person VisitRequest Online
Choose a phone consultation or an in-person visit, and enter your preferred dates and times.
A Call from Our Staff
We contact you within two clinic days (not counting days the clinic is closed).
Date Set, Appointment Confirmed
We ask about your preferences and confirm the date and time.
Phone Consultation or Visit
Your consultation or examination takes place on the confirmed date.
A first visit takes about 30 minutes.
We ask about your condition and the treatment you have had so far. As needed, we do X-rays, ultrasound, blood tests and other tests, and consider a treatment plan. The time required may vary depending on the tests and how busy the clinic is.
What to bring
- Proof of health insurance, such as your My Number health insurance card or a health insurance eligibility certificate (shikaku kakuninsho)
- Your medication handbook (okusuri techo) or anything showing the medications you take
- If you have them: MRI, X-ray or other images, test results and a referral letter
Bringing MRI images is optional. The doctor decides which tests are needed.
Some treatments may need preparation time.
For stem cell therapy, culturing the cells takes about a month. For PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and other treatments, the time until treatment begins and the visit schedule depend on the treatment you choose. Whether treatment is possible on the day of your visit is confirmed at your examination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see the doctor without MRI images?
Yes. You don't have to bring MRI images, but if you have images or test results, please bring them. Not having to bring images doesn't mean an MRI is unnecessary for diagnosis. The doctor decides which tests you need.
What is the difference between a free phone consultation and an in-person visit?
In a free phone consultation, the medical director asks about your condition and explains the treatment options that may be available. At an in-person visit, we do X-rays, ultrasound, blood tests and other tests as needed, and the doctor decides on a treatment plan. A phone consultation alone cannot confirm whether a treatment is suitable for you.
Is my appointment confirmed when I send a request online?
No. The online form sends us your request and preferred times. Our staff will then call you within two clinic days (not counting days the clinic is closed) to arrange the date and time, and your appointment is confirmed after that.
Can I discuss options other than joint replacement?
Yes. We listen to your wishes and explain the options based on your examination and test results. Depending on your condition, joint replacement surgery or another treatment may be appropriate, and we refer you to a partner hospital when needed.
Can I still consult you if a hospital stay would be hard for me?
Yes. We offer same-day surgery (you go home the same day). However, whether it suits you, and what follow-up visits and limits on daily life to expect after surgery, depend on your condition and the treatment. Please tell us about your work and family situation, too.
How far in advance do I need to send a request?
There is no deadline for sending a request. After an online request, we call you back within two clinic days (not counting days the clinic is closed). If you would like to come in very soon, please call us.
Can I see the doctor on Sundays?
Yes, the clinic sees patients on Sundays. However, it may be closed on some Sundays or for part of the day, so please ask when you make your appointment.
Start by telling us about your concerns.
We will call you within two clinic days (not counting days the clinic is closed).
Your appointment is confirmed once we agree on a date and time by phone.