Physical Checkup question

I need to have a doctor fill out a form validating my health. It's a very general one-page thing that says I have healthy lungs and am capable of living abroad without not dying (which I already am).

It's for another ESL position in Europe next year and the form is in English. I have not been to the doctor here except for my entry-check up when I went with my manager who interpreted for me. I don't want to ask my manager or any coworkers to come with me for this.

My question is: can i just go to any hospital (by myself) and get this done or would I be better off going to a foreigner clinic or something at a University?


Re: Physical Checkup question

A regular MD can do that by setting up an appointment for a medical form through an English speaking receptionist at hospitals.  The doctor may give you a shot if necessary for immunization in case of first visit with no previous record.  Or, you may testify what shots you already had.  

Tuberculin test might be mandatory with an X-ray screening to reconfirm your lung healthy.  The full list of hospitals is given at http://koreabridge.net/discussion/looking-my-mother-law.  Please call directly their office not ER.   If you had a primary doctor combined with your medical insurance, that's OK you change whoever you want for your health form.  It might be not covered by it.  Ask them.

Otherwise, the national med insurance may send you a notice of regular checkup annually to your mailing address with a list of appointed hospitals.  Not sure if they will be included for English speaking ones.  Wishing this help.

Re: Physical Checkup question

Yeah, you can go to any decent sized hospital you like. Personally, I would recommend the 백병원 (Paek Hospital) if you are in a big city because I did my first one there, and the form was very detailed (still one page), less than 80,000won, and everything on the paper was bilingual. If you are in Busan, there is one here. I didn't go to that one, but I will for my next physical because they did so much better than PNUH. I thought PNUH would be good, but everybody was too embarracced to speak English, and it was very uncomfortable for me. It made me feel like I am not a patient, but a guest. I am a guest to the country, but not at a hospital. I pay the same as everyone else does.

Anyways, you can get this done is a whole variety of places, but I think a big hospital is generally best. Good luck!

PS- If your Korean isn't great, just bring a copy of your previous medical exam and also a paper that says in English what the next job requires. All doctors should be able to read English. If he/she can't read English, get out of there ASAP!

GOOD LUCK AGAIN!

Re: Physical Checkup question

Depending on your location, Good Gwangan hospital has a great foreigner help desk.  A lady name named Kathy is great with English and helping people. 

Re: Physical Checkup question

I went to Dong Eui hospital in Yang Jeong and they were fast, cheap and easy to get to. Its a large hospital that has an excellent English clinic so if you live in central busan you don't have to go all the way to haeundae for an english speaking nurse or doctor.  Exit 4 of Yang Jeong subway, walk straight (about 100m) turn right and walk up the steep hill. The hospital is at the top.