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Objective: We investigated the factors affecting physician attitudes toward communicating with foreign patients among 274 Japanese physicians. Methods: A survey assessed physician attitudes toward communication with foreign patients using 4 Likert-type scales. Results: Mul-tiple regression analysis showed that physicians who were positive about communication with Japanese patients (ß = 0.447), and used more patient-centered communication, also were more considerate of foreign patients, and communicated more effectively with foreign patients (ß = 0.326). Conclusions: Patient-centered and culturally competent communication would be use-ful to improve communication skills not only with foreign patients but also with Japanese pa-tients. Moreover, the strategy might establish better patient-physician relationships, and there-fore, improve perceived quality of medical care and patient satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]