The King Clinic

I went to the King Clinic for vaccinations in preparation for travel to Europe. I saw Dr. Terai. He explained in English all about the different options as they applied to me, and gave me good and detailed advice for the future. His explanations and advice are very helpful. Really an excellent doctor. I had read elsewhere that NHI does not usually pay for vaccines, so I took cash to pay, and from what I have seen online, prices were typical. I highly recommend The King Clinic to anyone needing a vaccination.

I have been seeing Dr. King for about 15 years. He has delivered excellent care for a variety of issues. The best point is he is bilingual and can explain treatments from both a Western and Japanese point of view. The only downside is it is difficult to schedule appointments with him these days. Sometimes it takes a week.

This used to be my local clinic as I live just down the street, but the receptionist had said the clinic was busy / closed recently, and she suggested to switch doctors. It seems from reading other comments (See Jon Gupta's review) that maybe they are picking and choosing their non-NHI cash-pay clients over all others? Whatever the reason, it's unacceptable behavior from a Doctor's office to decline to give an appointment to a client who's been going for over a year without a valid reason. If the reception staff are doing this without the Doctor's knowledge, I would expect them to be severely reprimanded in the light of a report against their medical license. As a business owner, I've referred numerous colleagues who were visiting Japan on business to their services when they came down with any ailment when traveling. Colleagues who visited the clinic were always happy with the service, but not so happy with the exorbitant US-style price they said they were charged (that they would have to submit to their local insurance for reimbursement). When the doctor's office stopped wanting to make appointments for my existing medical concerns (I was a regular patient), it could be technically construed as a violation of the Medical Practitioners Act (医師法). A good friend of mine (who is a registered Japanese Lawyer) did tell me that filling an official compliant against the doctor would maybe help, since doctors aren't supposed to be allowed to dump patients. It's sad as I always enjoyed the advice and small talk from Dr. King. :( .

I wouldn't recommend this doctor. I tried to make an appointment for Tuesday and their website clearly states that it is open on Tuesdays and closed Wednesdays. However, the receptionist said that Tuesday is the holiday and that Wednesday it is open. Confused. I then tried to make an appointment for Wednesday and when asked about my symptoms, they turned me away recommending another specialist because it was better to see someone sooner rather than later. Um, my ailment is not that bad but the receptionist made it sound like it was urgent, making me worry more for nothing. The receptionist did not even make any recommendations or advise me on which doctor to see, just, go to a walk in. Yeah, thanks.

I went here this morning, already concerned with my condition. I arrived and politely asked if I could make an appointment. I was told there are too many reservations and was declined. The receptionist didn't bother to advice me on what to do and just wanted me to leave. I then asked if I wait here, how long will it take. She told me 30 minutes or so which is not bad at all (why didn't see tel me this earlier?). There was literally only 1 other guy in the entire clinic waiting. Then I was told its a 18,000yen fee ON TOP of the actual appointment and medicine if I don't have insurance in Japan. I've been to other clinics before in Tokyo and NEVER heard of paying a 18,000 "consultation fee" for a common cold. Absolutely horrendous experience, I advise foreigners to stay away.