MRI and CT Scans in Japan: How to Bring Previous Imaging to a Japanese Doctor

Why previous MRI and CT scans in Japan help

A Japanese doctor seeing you for the first time does not have your history. Earlier scans can show what was found before, when, and how things have changed. That context can save time at the first appointment.

Your previous imaging is information for the doctor, not a substitute for their assessment. The Japanese doctor decides what the images mean for your care today and whether any further tests are needed. MedicTranslate does not read or interpret scans; we translate the written documents that go with them.

Getting your images in the right format

Hospitals store MRI and CT images in a standard format called DICOM. A Japanese hospital usually wants the DICOM files themselves, not screenshots or a PDF of selected pictures. Ask the hospital or imaging centre that did your scans for a copy before you leave, because it can take time to arrange.

For example, Dokkyo Medical University Hospital published a notice in 2011 asking for CD-R or X-ray film, declining DVD, Blu-ray and USB, and saying that discs are generally not returned. Keio University Hospital asks referred patients to send image CD-Rs in advance by registered mail so they arrive three clinic days before the appointment, and to bring film on the day. These are examples only. Each hospital sets its own rules, so check the one you are visiting.

The radiology report

The radiology report is the written summary of what the radiologist found. Images without a report leave the Japanese doctor to start from scratch, so bring the report for every scan you bring.

Japanese hospitals work in Japanese. Some doctors read English medical reports, but you cannot count on it, and other staff may also need the information. A Japanese translation of the report reduces the risk of misunderstanding. Our medical records translation guide explains which documents are worth translating.

Referral letters

A referral letter (紹介状, formally 診療情報提供書) passes your clinical information to the next doctor. In Japan it also matters for cost: at specified large hospitals, a first visit without a referral carries an extra charge of at least ¥7,000 for medical care, under a national framework in place since October 2022.

Whether an overseas referral letter counts for that charge is up to the hospital. Ask before you attend. Our guide to referral letters and the large-hospital fee explains how it works and how to get a referral from a Japanese clinic.

Repeat scans and charges

Bringing previous scans does not mean the hospital will not scan you again. The Japanese doctor decides whether new imaging is needed for your care. If you have questions about a repeat scan, ask the doctor directly; an interpreter can help with that conversation.

Charges also vary. A hospital may charge for handling or reviewing images taken elsewhere, and you usually pay for copies of any Japanese scans you want to take away. For example, one National Hospital Organization hospital in Osaka lists ¥1,100 including tax per CD-R for copies of X-ray images and similar records. Ask the hospital what applies before your visit.

Checklist before you go

1. Request your images early Ask your overseas hospital or imaging centre for DICOM copies on disc, with the reports.
2. Ask the Japanese hospital about media Check which media it accepts and whether images should be sent before the appointment.
3. Get a referral letter From your overseas doctor, or from a Japanese clinic if you are going to a large hospital.
4. Translate the written documents Radiology reports and referral letters are the priority. Keep originals and translations together.
5. Bring the rest ID, insurance card if you have one, your medication list and allergies. See what to bring to a doctor, clinic or hospital in Japan.

If you are worried about discussing results in Japanese, read why a hospital may ask you to bring an interpreter.