FAQ

About medical examination and treatment in Japan

The drug injected into the patient in PET-CT scan is radioactive. What is the degree of radiation exposure?

In PET-CT scan, positron nuclide labeled agent is introduced into the body by injection or inhalation and it causes radiation exposure, although it is slight.

The agent used for PET is ultra-short half-life (its life of radioactivity is very short = the half-life is about two hours), and the amount of it is also very small. The degree of radiation exposure is about half of it from barium study of the stomach. Moreover, the radiation exposure at the level is said to have almost no adverse effect on human body.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid PET-CT, however.

What's PET-CT
 

About the organization and others

What is Accredited Medical Travel Assistance Company (AMTAC)

Accredited Medical Travel Assistance Company (AMTAC) refers to companies certified as a Medical Travel Assistance Company, which meets certain standards and is able to offer high quality support services to attend to foreigners who visit Japan hoping to receive medical services, such as medical examinations, checkups and treatment, in Japan. Aiming to extend the medical business internationally,

Companies that meet the standards described below are certified as an AMTAC.

• It is a registered guarantor for Visa for Medical Stay.
• It is a certified travel agency (first, second, or third class).
• The number of foreigners it has invited to domestic medical institutions is 150 or more (including 120 or more foreigners who hoped to receive medical treatment) per year on average for the last two years.
• It is recommended by a medical institution.
• It has acquired PrivacyMark issued by JIPDEC.
• Consulting Doctor: It has a system in which foreign patients can consult a doctor who are employed under a consulting agreement to prepare for inquiries from foreigners.

There are ten stipulated standards including items above.

What is AMTAC