I know it sounds easy but for the first time the hospital can be a bit confusing. Here's a quick step by step guide to how the Taiwan hospital system works.

Supplies: remember to bring your medical card, some money and a book, because you may be waiting for a long time.


Step 1: find the emergency room entrance

       You can of course use the regular entrance but the emergency room is much faster and easier to get through. The regualr hospital could take you all aftrenoon to get through, while the emergency room won't take more than an hour.



Step 2: go to the check in nurse

       There will be a counter inside the room with a nurse at it. It my have a check in sign or it may not. Walk up to this desk and the nurse will take your medical insurance card and ask you what is wrong and she will take your temperature and blood pressure. If you don't speak Chinese just show them where you are hurt and they will figure it out or find someone who speaks English.

Step 3: pay for your visit

       At the emergency room you pay for your visit before you get treatment. It always costs the same amount no matter what is wrong woth you or what tests you need done. It will be around 340nt depending on the hospital. You will also need your medical insurance card when you pay, otherwise it will cost a lot more.



Step 4: find the treatment room and wait

       The nurse will lead you to some chairs outside the treatment room and will have to wait for a doctor to see you. This is when your book will come in handy. Usually you wont wait too long but sometimes are busier than others.



Step 5: see the doctor

       The nurse will come find you and lead you to the doctor. Usually the doctor will speak at least a little English. The doctor will look at your problem and may assign some tests and/or perscriptions.





Step 6: get your tests done

       The doctor will give you a piece of paperfor each of the tests you will need to have done. For example: x-rays, blood tests, vision tests, etc. The nurse will lead you to the different rooms where you will get your tests done. After you finish your tests return to the room with the doctor.


Step 7: get your drugs

       The doctor will give you a piece of paper with your perscriptions. Take this piece of paper to the couter marked emergency pharmacy. If you have trouble finding the counter simply wave your peice of paper at a passing nurse and they will show you where to go. At the counter give your paper to the attendant and she will give you your pills. The bag should have a brief description in English of what the pills look like and what they do.
       
Step 8: check out

       You are now ready to go. If you want to return to the hospital for a check up visit, return to the doctor and explain that you want to come back in few days. The doctor will give you a piece of paper with your return date on it and a number. Don't forget to say good bye to all the nice nurses before you leave.


Step 9: return visit

       For your check up visit you will go to the main section of the hospital, not the emergency area. You will have to go to one of many different doors to wait for your doctor (i.e. internal medicine, vision, orthopedics). Ask at the information desk to find out where your special doctor is.
       Your check up will not be scheduled for a specific time but for a number on the waiting list. This is the number listed at the top of your paper. When the hospital opens they will admit the number one person and then move down the list. You can try to anticipate the time you should arrive by this number. If you arrive after your number has been called then knock on the door whenever you can squeeze in and show the nurse your piece of paper.
                          


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