#Japan #Tokyo #Mediphone #remote service #medical interpretation

Introduction to mediPhone's Remote Medical Interpretation

mediPhone, a company dedicated to supporting the health management of enterprises and institutions, has unveiled the beta version of its innovative service, mediPhone for Inbound. This service is tailored specifically for inbound tourists in Japan, offering remote medical interpretation that enhances their healthcare experience.

Background of the Service

With the number of foreign visitors to Japan predicted to reach a record 36.8 million in 2024, according to a survey by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the need for accessible medical services has intensified. Many foreign tourists may experience health issues during their stay and require medical attention. However, various barriers come into play, making it challenging for them to seek care independently.

Challenges Faced by Medical Institutions

1. Inadequate support for foreign illnesses: Medical staff often lack the capability to effectively handle inquiries regarding illnesses from non-Japanese speaking patients.
2. Difficulty in finding suitable facilities: Foreign patients struggle to find medical institutions that can accommodate their language needs.
3. Communication barriers: Differences in language and culture can lead to misunderstandings and incidents.
4. Resource allocation: Establishing an efficient support system involves substantial time and cost.

Challenges Faced by Foreign Visitors

1. Inaccessible consultation points: In emergencies, tourists often do not know where to seek help.
2. Language barriers during appointments: Communicating symptoms effectively can be a significant hurdle due to language differences.
3. Lack of suitable medical facilities: Finding a medical provider that speaks their native language is challenging.
4. Unfamiliarity with Japanese healthcare processes: Tourists may feel overwhelmed by the peculiarities of local medical procedures, adding psychological stress.

Service Overview

The new mediPhone for Inbound service allows individuals to seamlessly access professional medical interpreters online. This is especially useful when unforeseen health issues arise or when planned consultations are needed during their stay in Japan. Users can complete the entire process—from registration and utilizing interpretation services to payment—using just their smartphones. This immediacy ensures that foreign patients can receive language support without delay, even in urgent situations.

Maintaining an exceptional response rate for years, mediPhone meets the interpretation demands of medical facilities nationwide. The company boasts extensive experience in serving national and local governments, leading to a reliable and trustworthy service.

Field Trials at Hiroshima Port

In response to the increase in foreign visitors, mediPhone is launching field trials of its multilingual medical support services aboard cruise ships docking at Hiroshima Port. This initiative aims to establish and validate a system where international travelers can easily access medical care when experiencing health issues—especially in diverse tourist and transport hubs. Specialized interpreters will be on hand to facilitate real-time conversations with medical staff, ensuring timely assistance in critical situations. The trial begins in Hiroshima, with plans to expand to other tourist destinations and port regions soon.

Seeking Partners for Continued Development

Currently, mediPhone is calling for organizations and companies willing to participate in beta testing of this service. This is an opportunity to test the practical applications and effectiveness of the service across various scenarios. We especially invite collaboration from sectors such as:

• - Hospitality (Hotels)
• - Travel agencies (Tour operators, maritime representatives)
• - Japanese language education institutions (Language schools)

These partners can build systems that allow foreign visitors to consult healthcare professionals with confidence during their stay. Hospitals can also integrate the service as a supplemental resource for foreign patients.

Organizations interested in participating can request tailored support for service integration. For inquiries, please reach out via the contact form here.

About mediPhone

Founded in June 2018 and based in Minato, Tokyo, mediPhone specializes in remote medical interpretation services and other related ventures. MediPhone has significantly contributed to enhancing foreign patient reception in medical establishments across Japan. The company prides itself on aiding healthcare access for diverse populations, reinforcing their mission to support the well-being of individuals regardless of language barriers.

For more information about their services and future developments, please visit the mediPhone website.