1.
letter of introduction; referral letter
A formal letter written to introduce or refer someone, most commonly used in the medical system for specialist referrals and in business for introductions.
紹介状を書いてもらった。
I had a referral letter written for me.
大きな病院には紹介状が必要だ。
You need a referral letter for large hospitals.
かかりつけの医師に紹介状を書いてもらい、専門医を受診した。
I had my regular doctor write a referral letter and visited a specialist.
A compound of 紹介 (introduction, referral) and 状 (document, letter). Most commonly encountered in the Japanese medical system.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 紹介状を書く: to write a referral letter
- 紹介状を持っていく: to bring a referral letter
- 紹介状なしで受診する: to see a doctor without a referral letter
- 紹介状が必要: a referral letter is needed
USAGE:
In Japan, large hospitals and university hospitals typically require a 紹介状 from a smaller clinic or family doctor. Visiting without one results in an additional fee (選定療養費), which can be several thousand yen. This system encourages patients to see their local doctor first and keeps large hospitals focused on serious cases.