1. Prepare your medical information
Medical records, imaging, pathology and laboratory reports, or a summary of your diagnosis and treatment history. A referral letter is helpful but not required for an initial inquiry.
Please contact IMCC, not our department. Our department is unable to respond to treatment inquiries sent directly by patients or their families. The International Medical Care Center coordinates every step for international patients and will involve us when your case is referred. Go to IMCC →
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What we treat
Our department provides comprehensive care for ear, nose, throat, and head and neck disorders through nine specialty clinics. Surgery is performed at Kobe University Hospital and at the Kobe International Cancer Center for Clinical Research (ICCRC).
| Clinic | Main conditions and treatments |
|---|---|
| Ear and hearing | Cochlear implants, middle-ear and bone-conduction implants, genetic testing and counseling for hearing loss, chronic otitis media and cholesteatoma, otosclerosis, perilymphatic fistula, tumors of the ear including external auditory canal cancer, vestibular schwannoma |
| Head and neck oncology | Malignant and benign tumors of the throat, mouth, nose, ear, and neck; surgery including transoral robotic surgery, radiotherapy and drug therapy with related departments, photoimmunotherapy for eligible cases |
| Thyroid and salivary glands | Thyroid tumors, parotid and submandibular gland tumors, parathyroid disease; surgery with nerve monitoring |
| Rhinology and olfaction | Chronic rhinosinusitis, allergic rhinitis, sinonasal tumors, smell disorders |
| Laryngology and voice | Hoarseness, vocal fold paralysis; voice evaluation, voice therapy, phonosurgery |
| Swallowing | Dysphagia and aspiration; multidisciplinary evaluation and surgery to improve swallowing or prevent aspiration |
| Vertigo and balance | Recurrent vertigo, unsteadiness, Meniere's disease; comprehensive vestibular testing |
| Facial nerve | Facial palsy: assessment, early treatment, rehabilitation |
| Sleep | Surgical options for obstructive sleep apnea when CPAP is not tolerated |
Detailed descriptions of each clinic are available on our Japanese pages.
02
How to apply: the International Medical Care Center (IMCC)
The IMCC is the hospital's single point of contact for patients from abroad. It reviews your medical information, consults the appropriate department (including ours), and coordinates appointments and travel. In outline:
2. Contact a medical coordinator
Inquiries are made through a designated medical coordinator. If you do not have one, IMCC can introduce one. If you already work with a coordination company, contact IMCC first to discuss the process.
3. IMCC coordinates with our department
IMCC forwards your records to us, recommends a suitable service, and arranges appointments and logistics. Treatment then takes place at the hospital.
IMCC offers fee-based services such as a Treatment Eligibility Assessment, an Online Second Opinion, and Direct Consultation. Fees depend on the department and services required; payment for an assessment or second opinion does not guarantee acceptance for treatment.
International Medical Care Center (IMCC), Kobe University Hospital
Website: www.hosp.kobe-u.ac.jp/imcc/
The IMCC website has pages for patients (how to apply) and for coordinators and referring physicians.
E-mail: imcc [at] med.kobe-u.ac.jp
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Languages and accreditation
IMCC provides medical interpretation and multilingual support in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Bengali, and its website is available in these languages. Kobe University Hospital holds JMIP and JIH accreditation, Japan's certification programs for international medical services.
Kobe University Hospital, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan. Access information is on the IMCC website →