Nephrology in Taiwan

Nephrology is a branch of medicine that deals with the kidneys, specifically normal kidney function, the preservation of kidney health, kidney disease, and the treatment of kidney disease. A physician who specializes in the care and treatment of kidney disease is called a nephrologist. 

Some of the most common conditions nephrologist treat are as follows:

• Advanced or chronic kidney disease
• Tubulointerstitial kidney diseases
• Tubular defects
• Glomerular conditions, such as nephrotic syndrome and glomerulonephritis
• Kidney infections
• Kidney vascular conditions
• Kidney neoplasms
• High blood pressure
• Structural or functional abnormalities of the kidney, urine collection system, or bladder
• Vasculitis
• Electrolyte, fluid, and acid-base imbalances or disturbances
• Autoimmune conditions that involve the kidneys

Nephrologists can perform a wide range of tests, procedures, and treatments. These include:

• Blood tests, including serum creatinine, glomerular filtration rate, and blood urea nitrogen.
• Urine tests, including urinalysis, 24-hour urine test, creatinine clearance, and microalbuminuria.
• Imaging tests of the kidneys, such as CT scans, ultrasounds, or X-rays.
• Dialysis, including placement of the dialysis catheter.
• Kidney biopsy.
• Kidney transplants.

How Long Should I Stay in Taiwan?

After laboratory tests (blood and urine tests) and imaging tests, you should be able to leave the hospital right away, while with biopsy, you may need to stay overnight. However, you may need to stay in Taiwan for a few more days to wait for the results. Once the results are ready, your nephrologist will explain them during a follow-up appointment. After kidney transplants, you usually need to stay in the hospital for 5 to 10 days and stay for 7 to 14 more days in Taiwan. During your stay, ensure to attend all of the scheduled follow-up checkups with your nephrologist. 

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Recovery time depends on the type of procedure you underwent. For laboratory and imaging tests, you should be able to resume your normal daily activities immediately, though your nephrologist may advise you to rest for the remainder of the day. After a biopsy, avoid strenuous activity for 2 to 3 days. Since a kidney transplant is a major surgery, the recovery time until you can return to work and other normal activities may take around 8 weeks.

What Aftercare is Required?

Your nephrologist will give you aftercare instructions that you will need to follow and you will also need to make healthy lifestyle changes to maintain the health of your kidney after treatment. You will need to attend regular checkups to check how well your new kidney is working and also will be taking medication for the rest of your life, including drugs called immunosuppressant’s to help keep your immune system from rejecting and attacking your new kidney.

What's the Success Rate?

As the field of nephrology continues to advance, the outcomes of tests and treatments are constantly improving. This means that patients now have more chances to be diagnosed early and receive successful treatments. The success rate for nephrology procedures is proven to be generally high. For example, 93% of kidney transplants are working at the end of the 1st year. However, every procedure always comes with risks, such as infection, excessive bleeding, and damage to other organs.  

Are there Alternatives?

There is no alternative to seeing a nephrologist if you have kidney problems. If your condition is found to be caused by problems in other organs, your nephrologist may work with or refer you to the relevant specialist.

Nephrology in and around Taiwan

About Taiwan

Whilst still a part of the Republic of China, the small island of Taiwan maintains a wealth of ancient Chinese culture and traditions mixed with modern-day Western inspirations. With its food-loving locals and award-winning whiskeys, Taiwan is a land of surprises. With 14 JCI accredited facilities in Taiwan, Taipei, the capital, is home to most, many of which are part of the University Hospitals and offer a range of specialist tertiary care. The country welcomes an ever-increasing number of medical tourists each year, many of which travel for Nephrology procedures. Medical Tourists mostly travel from the mainland or from within the region.

Popular parts of Taiwan

Taiwan is one of the most densely populated countries in the world with 23.5 million inhabitants. The country has amazed tourists with its dynamic cities, vibrant culture, interesting history, and incredible natural scenery.

• Taipei is the capital of Taiwan. It is the financial, political, and cultural center of the country. The city is influenced by Chinese culture as well as Japanese, Southeast Asian, and American. There are many things to enjoy in this city, such as delicious food in Rahoe Night Market, enjoy a bird’s eye view of Taipei from Taipei 101 Observatory, visit the incredible Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and be inspired by the city’s many museums.
• Kaohsiung is Taiwan’s largest port. It’s an urban city that embraces its cultural venues. The most popular tourist destination is the Lotus Pond, a beautiful artificial lake filled with lotus plants and surrounded by temples. Tourists can also visit Pier-2 Art Center, see the Dome of Light, explore Cijin Island, or visit the Fo Guang Shan Monastery.
• Tainan, as the oldest city in Taiwan, has a fascinating culture and history. For historical sights, tourists can visit the Anping Fort, Anping Tree House, or learn Taiwanese embroidery. The city is now filled with quaint cafes tucked within the alleys.
• Hualien has breathtaking natural beauty. It’s the perfect place for tourists who want to get away from busy cosmopolitan cities. Visit the Eternal Spring Shrine, check out the popular Taroko Gorge, fall in love with Qingshui Cliffs, hike the Shakadang trail, and eat the amazing food.
• Taichung is a lively city located in the west-central part of the island. Taichung offers many unique things to see and do. National Taichung Theater will leave tourists in awe by its beautiful architecture. National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, Rainbow Village, Gomei Wetlands, Miyahara, and Fengjia Night Market are among the most popular tourist attractions.

Weather and Climate in Taiwan

• Spring starts in March and lasts until May. The average temperature is between 18°C and 24°C. Early rain showers and thunderstorms begin in this season. Heavy rainfall hit the island around mid-May.
• Summer can get extremely hot and humid with an average temperature of 27°C to 30°C. The season starts from June to August. Summer is also the wet season and typhoons are a real possibility especially in July and August. This is the peak season for tourism.
• Autumn has pleasant weather conditions. The rains decrease and the heat will drop. The season starts from September to November with an average temperature of 21°C to 27°C.
• Wintertime is from December to February and it is the coolest and driest season of the country. The average temperature drops to 16°C - 18°C.  

Getting Around in Taiwan

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is the main airport in the country, located about 40km west of Taipei in the Dayuan District, Taoyuan. It is the hub for 6 airlines including two of Taiwan’s major airlines, China Airlines, and EVA Air. It has international connections with almost every country in the world. The airport serves major airlines as well as budget airlines such as Air Asia, Eastar Jet, Air Busan, and Tiger air Taiwan. There are other airports that serve international and domestic flights such as Taichung Airport, Tainan Airport, Siaogang Airport, and Taipei Songshan Airport.

Tourists arriving at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport have a variety of transport options such as buses, taxis, car rentals, and Taoyuan Airport MRT. Buses are the cheapest option to get to the city center. Tourists who head towards the Taipei 101 area should take Bus no. 1960, while bus no. 1819 and 1961 will take tourists near Taipei Main Train Station.

Taxis are available in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2’ arrivals lobby. The fare is based on a meter and will usually cost around 1,200 TWD (40.50 USD). A journey to the city center takes about 50 minutes and taxis operate for 24 hours.

Taoyuan Airport MRT is the fastest way to reach Taipei’s city center. It will take tourists to Taipei Main Station in 35 minutes and costs 160 TWD (5.40 USD). The MRT operates from 6.05 am to 11.35 pm.

Tourists can travel around Taiwan by normal train (TRA). It is an affordable option; a train ride from Taipei to Kaohsiung costs around 845 TWD. Tourists who need a quicker travel time can opt for Taiwan High-Speed Train (HSR). The train travels from Taipei to Kaohsiung in just 90 minutes.

The cheapest way to travel around Taiwan is by bus. Buses are readily available and will reach small villages and mountain resorts. The country provides Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus system that offers 42 routes to more than 100 tourist destinations.

Taxis and MRT is the best way to travel around big cities. In Kaohsiung, getting around in a bicycle is the best way to explore as it is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in Taiwan.

Tourist Visas in Taiwan

Citizens of 65 countries do not require a visa to visit Taiwan and can stay for up to 90 days. Nationals of Turkey can obtain a visa on arrival valid for 30 days. It is best to check to the nearest embassy or consulate for visa requirements. Since January 2016, Taiwan offers an eVisa program for 18 countries including Saudi Arabia, Peru, Oman, and United Arab Emirates.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The local currency is the New Taiwanese Dollar (TWD). 1 USD converts to 31.98 TWD.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available except in villages. They’re usually located in convenience stores and banks. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and top-end restaurants. Always carry cash because small stalls and night market joints only accept cash. Tipping is not mandatory but is still appreciated.
3. Local Language: The national language is Hakka, Mandarin, Taiwanese Hokkien, Matsu, Formosan languages, and sign language. English is common, especially in the tourism area. English is spoken more in Taipei.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Taiwan has diverse religious beliefs. Buddhism and Taoism are two of the biggest religion in the country followed by Christianity, Yiguandao, Tiandism, Miledadao, Zailiism, and Xuanyuanism.
5. Public Holidays: Taiwan celebrates Chinese New Year for a week in February. The country hosts several festivals such as Lantern Festival in February, Dragon Boat Festival in June, and Mid-Autumn Festival in September.