紹介状(しょうかいじょう)

A compound of 紹介(しょうかい) (introduction, referral) and 状(じょう) (document, letter). Most commonly encountered in the Japanese medical system.

Common collocations

• 紹介状(しょうかいじょう)を書(か)く: to write a referral letter
• 紹介状(しょうかいじょう)を持(も)っていく: to bring a referral letter
• 紹介状(しょうかいじょう)なしで受診(じゅしん)する: to see a doctor without a referral letter
• 紹介状(しょうかいじょう)が必要(ひつよう): a referral letter is needed

Usage

In Japan, large hospitals and university hospitals typically require a 紹介状(しょうかいじょう) from a smaller clinic or family doctor. Visiting without one results in an additional fee (選定療養費(せんていりょうようひ)), which can be several thousand yen. This system encourages patients to see their local doctor first and keeps large hospitals focused on serious cases.