Urology Consultations: Insurance Coverage and Costs in Taiwan

Inquiries about health insurance, out-of-pocket expenses, and various medical issues?

Q1.
Is there coverage for a full-body health check under the National Health Insurance? Is it fully covered or partially covered? If the health insurance card is locked and the check needs to be paid out of pocket, how much would it cost? What are the items included in the check?
Q2.
If I am concerned about having a certain illness, should I go to a large hospital for examination? How can I distinguish between a full health check and a partial check, and which department should I visit?
Q3.
Recently, I have experienced issues near the "mermaid line" (on both sides below the navel) and around the genital area, with sudden, intermittent pain that goes away after a while.
I would like to know what the problem might be.
Which department should I consult?
Q4.
Regarding the previous question, is there coverage under the National Health Insurance? Is it fully covered or partially covered? If the health insurance card is locked and the check needs to be paid out of pocket, how much would it cost? What are the possible examination items?
Q5.
Regardless of whether it is covered by health insurance or paid out of pocket, what should I do if I do not have enough funds to pay for the service? Is there an option for installment payments, or am I unable to visit the hospital for consultation?
Q6.
What large hospitals are available in Kaohsiung? I apologize for asking so many questions at once and thank you for your response.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/10/10

Dr. Li Yilun reply Urology

Regarding cost issues, it is difficult for non-medical professionals to respond.
Please consult the hospital service center or the health insurance cost center.
Q3.
Recently, I have been experiencing issues near the meridian line (on both sides below the navel) that seem related to my reproductive organs...
I have sudden, intermittent pain that lasts for a moment and then disappears.
I would like to get checked to understand what the problem is.
Which department should I see?
Your question is quite vague.
Please observe carefully what kind of condition you are experiencing.
If uncertain, you may start by consulting a family physician or a primary care doctor.
It is advisable to see a doctor in person for any bodily abnormalities.
The physician can conduct a detailed inquiry and physical examination based on your description, which is essential for accurate diagnosis.
It is important to note that a simple description cannot determine the condition; a thorough medical history, inquiry, visual inspection, palpation, and examinations are necessary to establish a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Therefore, I still recommend seeking professional medical advice and examination.

Reply Date: 2015/10/10

More Info

When it comes to understanding urology consultations, insurance coverage, and costs in Taiwan, there are several important aspects to consider. Below, I will address your questions in detail.

Q1: Health Checkups and Insurance Coverage
In Taiwan, the National Health Insurance (NHI) does cover certain health checkups, but it typically does not cover comprehensive health examinations in full. Instead, it may cover specific tests or screenings based on medical necessity. If your NHI card is locked, you would need to pay out-of-pocket for any health checkups, and the costs can vary widely depending on the tests performed. A basic health checkup might cost anywhere from NT$1,000 to NT$5,000 or more, depending on the facility and the specific tests included. Common tests in a health checkup may include blood tests, urine tests, chest X-rays, and physical examinations.

Q2: Concerns About Specific Health Issues
If you have specific health concerns, such as pain in the lower abdomen or near the reproductive organs, it is advisable to visit a urologist or a general practitioner first. They can evaluate your symptoms and determine if further testing is necessary. A full health checkup typically includes a broader range of tests, while a targeted examination would focus on specific symptoms or concerns.

Q3: Symptoms and Specialist Consultation
Given your symptoms of intermittent pain near the "mermaid line" (the area below the navel), it is essential to consult a urologist or a gastroenterologist. These specialists can help diagnose issues related to the urinary tract or gastrointestinal system, respectively. They may perform a physical examination and order imaging studies or lab tests to identify the cause of your pain.

Q4: Insurance Coverage for Specialist Visits
Consultations with specialists, including urologists, are generally covered by NHI, but the extent of coverage may depend on the specific services rendered. If your NHI card is locked, you will need to pay for the consultation and any tests out-of-pocket. The cost for a specialist visit can range from NT$300 to NT$1,500, depending on the hospital and the complexity of the consultation. Common tests that a urologist might order include urinalysis, ultrasound, or cystoscopy.

Q5: Payment Options for Medical Services
If you find yourself unable to afford the costs of medical services, many hospitals in Taiwan offer payment plans or financial assistance programs. It is advisable to speak directly with the hospital's billing department to inquire about installment payment options or any available financial aid. In some cases, hospitals may allow you to pay in installments if you explain your financial situation.

Q6: Major Hospitals in Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung is home to several major hospitals that provide comprehensive medical services, including urology consultations. Some of the prominent hospitals include:
- Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital
- Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital
- E-Da Hospital
- Cheng Hsin General Hospital
These facilities are well-equipped to handle a variety of medical concerns and have specialists in urology and other fields.

Conclusion
Navigating the healthcare system can be complex, especially when dealing with insurance coverage and costs. It is essential to understand what services are covered under the NHI and to seek medical advice promptly when experiencing concerning symptoms. Always feel free to ask questions during your consultations, as healthcare providers are there to help you understand your options and ensure you receive the care you need. If you have further questions or need clarification on any points, don't hesitate to reach out.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Health Insurance Costs for Urology Services in Taiwan

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if I need to check my male hormones and my sexual nerve issues. Besides the consultation fee, will I have to pay any additional costs? Are these covered by health insurance? Thank you.

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Jason: Hello, the National Health Insurance Bureau's coverage includes most items related to diseases, except for some specific tests. However, in certain special circumstances, such as infertility, patients may need to pay out of pocket. Note: Currently, the medical communi...

Understanding Urology Consultation Costs and HIV Testing in Taiwan

Hello Dr. Liu: I am a gay man. When I was in the first year of junior high school, I had unprotected anal intercourse once. Thinking back on it now, I feel very scared and want to go to the hospital to get tested for HIV. However, I am worried about not being able to tell my pare...

Dr. Liu Jianting reply Urology
Don't worry! Health insurance can be used.

Understanding Health Insurance Coverage for Urology Tests in Taiwan

Hello Dr. Hsu: Regarding the "Doppler ultrasound of the corpora cavernosa, cavernosography (venous leak), nocturnal penile tumescence test, and other examinations" you mentioned, are these covered by health insurance? If not, what would be the approximate out-of-pocket ...

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Hello, generally, health insurance does not cover these procedures, and they need to be paid out of pocket. A Doppler ultrasound typically costs around 1,000 to 2,000 NTD, while cavernosography is approximately 1,500 NTD. The nocturnal penile tumescence test consists of two parts...

Effective Communication Strategies for Urology Concerns in Taiwan

Hello, Director. I'm back again. 1. I visited a urologist in Taipei due to discomfort in my perineum and left testicle. I would like to undergo an ultrasound examination of the seminal vesicles and spermatic cord, but the doctor is only willing to prescribe medication. How...

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Health is the most important: It's good to see you again. Actually, you don't need to be so anxious; you may have already recovered. However, regardless, a urinalysis is just an auxiliary tool, and clinical symptoms should serve as the basis for diagnosis. As for whethe...