How Does the "Japan Desk" at Amstelland Hospital Work?

For Japanese expats in Amstelveen, the Japan Desk at Amstelland Hospital is a vital resource designed to remove the stress of navigating the Dutch medical system. Because the Dutch approach to healthcare is significantly different from Japan’s, the Japan Desk acts as a cultural and linguistic bridge.

Here is a breakdown of how it works in 2026:

1. What Exactly is the Japan Desk?

It is an independent, non-profit foundation located within Amstelland Hospital (Amstelveen). It is staffed by Japanese nationals who provide free support to Japanese residents. It is not a clinic itself, but a support service to help you use the hospital’s facilities.

2. Core Services

• Appointment Assistance: They help you schedule appointments with specialists at Amstelland Hospital once you have a referral.

• Language Support: If you have an appointment, a Japan Desk staff member can accompany you to the consultation to interpret and ensure you understand the doctor’s advice.
• System Navigation: They explain how the Dutch “GP (Huisarts) system” works, which is often the biggest source of confusion for Japanese arrivals.
• General Guidance: They can provide information on how to find a local GP, how insurance works, and where to go for out-of-hours emergencies.

3. The Workflow: How to Use It

The Japan Desk follows the Dutch medical hierarchy. You cannot simply walk in for a specialist’s opinion.

• Step 1: Visit your GP (Huisarts): In the Netherlands, you must always see your GP first. If they determine you need a specialist, they will issue a Verwijsbrief (referral letter).

• Step 2: Contact the Japan Desk: Once you have the referral, you call the Japan Desk (at 020 755 7146). They will help you book the appointment at the hospital and arrange for a staff member to accompany you if needed.

• Step 3: The Consultation: You meet the specialist at Amstelland Hospital with the Japan Desk staff assisting with translation.

4. Important Rules to Remember

• No Medical Advice: The Japan Desk staff are not doctors; they are coordinators. They cannot give medical opinions or prescriptions.
• No Financial Involvement: They do not handle billing or insurance claims; you must settle these directly with the hospital or your insurer.
• Appointment Only: For interpretation services, you must book the Japan Desk’s help well in advance. They generally cannot assist with “walk-in” appointments.

• Closed on Weekends: The desk is typically open Monday to Thursday (with limited hours on Fridays). For emergencies at night or on weekends, you must call the Huisartsenpost (020 456 2000).

5. Japan Desk vs. Japan Expat Clinic (JEC)

A common point of confusion is the difference between these two:

• Japan Desk: A free support service inside the hospital to help with specialist referrals.

• Japan Expat Clinic (JEC): A private Japanese clinic (located on Amsterdamseweg) where you can see a Japanese doctor for a consultation or health checkup. The JEC is not a part of the hospital and does not take the place of a registered GP, but it is a popular choice for those wanting to discuss health concerns in Japanese without a referral.

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