Unexpected Medical Exam Experiences
Meggie
18 hours ago
I went to a popular Korean medical hospital location for comprehensive diagnostic testing and evaluation, so excited to experience K-med. While I thought I was prepared, many little things still surprised me. Here are some you may encounter if you buy a Creatrip package for testing as well!
First, I entered a skyscraper in Seoul, with emailed directions to visit a specific floor. Before I approached the elevator, a smiling man in a suit and tie greeted me. He directed me to a different escalator, going directly into the hospital area. It had wall to ceiling videos of cherry blossom trees in bloom, which immediately lowered my stress level.
I knew from watching videos from other tourists that we're given scrubs to wear during the exams, but it didn't occur to me that we wouldn't need to carry or hold a single thing! Purses, bags, shoes, all clothing and accessories were put in assigned locking lockers. You don't even need your phone for translation, payment or tracking data! So strange to be in a busy hospital and no one had water bottles, phones, snacks or bags with them.
Another outfit surprise was for ladies only- a skirt to wear during paper smears! There were black pleather and bright magenta spandex options that go down to knee-length. These are purely for modesty, not necessary, but it made an always uncomfortable medical exam a bit more delightful.
More importantly, that was the quickest andwast painful pap smear I've ever had. It's designed to be a completely silent experience, under 5 minutes from entering to exiting the exam room. No bleeding or pain relievers were needed afterwards!
For not the first nor last time, I wondered how people taller or wider than the average Korean person get clothing that fit them in this one-size fits all situation. I bet there's a system in place, but I never saw in medical, spa or sauna situation outfits designed for larger humans. If you are significantly taller or wider than the average Korean, I would suggest checking in about this in advance, even if just for expectation-setting.
Fun fact: your vision test involves animals! First time I've ever been asked to identity birds versus mammals to verify eyesight.
I had been fasting for blood draw labs, so I was looking forward to the healthy revitalizing snacks I was told I'd get at the end of my tests. I've never had healthy food given to me for nourishment after fasting by medical center before! Snacks always impress me 😆
I didn't know there'd be vending machines of food, at that! What a fun end to things.
Of note: all the info on Creatrip, online and in email before exams said I'd receive data and results within 5-7 days. When I left the hospital, I was told 2 weeks. For me, this was very important and significant, as i had planned time to be available for followup appointments and tests in Seoul based on 5-7 days. Not a big deal if you'll be gone out of South Korea or staying longterm regardless, but for me and anyone seeking additional care, please plan accordingly for double or triple the processing time.
