Two Days at a Thai Hospital: A TotallyOz Special Report

[TotallyOz]

Hospitals in Thailand are much different than they are in the United States. First of all the hospitals here are much cleaner and better organized than they are in the USA. I had some problems with my legs and so I made an appointment to see a doctor at Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok. http://www.bumrungrad.com

The main difference between the hospitals in Thailand and the hospitals in America probably comes down to customer service that is presented at the hospitals in Thailand. When you walk into the hospital, you can go to pretty much any doctor that you want to see and you are treated with kindness and respect from everyone from nurses to doctors to technicians.

You do not have to go to the emergency room in order to see see a physician. You check in at the information desk on the first floor and tell them what is wrong and they will point you in the right direction. You can go for any ailment or issue and not have to pay the high emergency room fees.

For me they sent me to see a cardiologist. The cardiologist was on the 15th floor of the hospital. Once they determine what kind of a doctor I need to see, I went up to the floor and gave my information to the nurse at the front desk. Once she had my information they do a blood pressure test and check your weight and then you are asked to sit back down and wait for the doctor to see you. The wait is never long. Or, I should say, not as long as the wait in USA. Once the doctor sees you he makes a plan of what he wants you to do in order to find the problems. For me this was a Doppler x-ray of my legs, a urine sample, blood work, a chest x-ray and some other odds and ends.

For me every time I would go to a different part of the hospital a nurse would walk with me and direct me to the next reception area in order to check in. Once I finished in that area, another nurse would take me to the next area. And so on and so forth until I got back to my main doctor.

I have had some problems with my legs swelling and my feet swelling since I was in the USA for about 3 to 4 weeks. The doctor in the USA gave me a pharmacy for Lasix for 20 mg. For the last few months I've seen three different doctors in the USA. None of them seem to help at all.

None of them also did any test except for some blood work to check to see if there was a problem with the kidney, liver, or the heart.

This doctor however prescribed for me to see a radiologist and have a Doppler scan of my legs to be sure that there was no blockage of the arteries that was causing the problem. He also had a chest x-ray and several other x-rays done. All of them actually turned out normal and I had no blockage and I had no problems with any of the x-rays.

He prescribed for me 80 mg of Lasix twice per day as opposed to one dosage of 20mg per day. Today was the first day that I've actually seen the size of my legs decrease and the swelling on my ankles decrease. All in all I spent two days at the hospital, I saw a cardiologist, radiologist, a regular doctor, several nurses I had time to test done I was there about six hours each day for two days. The total cost for the two days was right around $1100.

Not only is the cost much less than what is in the US, you also get much better service in a Thai hospital then you would get a hospital in the USA. That said, this hospital is a pay hospital is a for-profit hospital. This is not a typical hospital that many Thai people would go to. This is something that is very expensive for their culture.

The hospital's clientele consist mostly of foreigners. The majority of those foreigners come from the Middle East. The reason for this is many Middle Eastern countries send their citizens to Bangkok in order to be treated at the hospital. They have an agreement with the hospital to wear any of their medical needs the baby is covered by that country.

My Blue Cross Blue Shield policy covers me while I'm overseas but I have to pay out-of-pocket and then get reimbursed from Blue Cross Blue Shield in the USA.

I had a very good friend that did a got stamps from the hospital last year. He received three stents was in the hospital for one week and the cost of the entire surgery including follow up visits and consultations and meds was less than US$10,000.

For me, the doctors appointment with the cardiologist each day was less than US$25. The cost for the radiologist was a bit more rounded to be about US$100. The radiologist actually did the Doppler of my legs and spent the entire hour with me and didn't outsource this to a technician.

The price that I gave you for the cost of the entire two days also included all medicines that they prescribed for me on both days as well as a pair of socks that I that were prescription that would go on my legs. The socks were over 80 USD, which is insane. LOL They cost more than seeing my doctor. I did get a break down of the bill which was fascinating as the costs were so low compared to anything I could get done in the USA.

The biggest problem that I have with the hospital is the area that it is located. The area is not a bad area for violence. However the area is a very bad area for traffic. It took me an hour go from my hotel to the hospital which is less than 5 miles. There is a sky train in Bangkok that is available for anyone to use, however it is not really convenient for this particular hospital.

I have told my sister for many years that if I ever have a major medical problem but I wanted to be in Thailand to be treated. The main reason for this is the friendliness of the people that work in the hospitals, and the cleanliness of the hospitals. Hospitals in Bangkok Thailand in general that expats use really do look and feel more like a hotel that they do a hospital.

My one night that I stayed at a hospital in Thailand had a balcony, a mini bar, and a huge well decorated room. As someone who likes to be treated in a certain way, the hospitals and Thailand certainly do not disappoint.

[Guest EXPAT]

Interesting. I'm glad that you are getting the treatment you need. That certainly can be iffy around the world in various places. Nice report though.

[RA1]

Thailand and India (among others) are well known for "medical tourism" and your report shows some of the reasons why.

Please follow the doctor's orders, especially if he says, stay in bed and get well.

Best regards,

RA1

[wayout]

Very very very interesting....Glad you were able to get such great care and at such a very low cost. Thailand is looking better and better to me every day

[paulsf]

Will you be going to Hero for physical therapy on your legs?

[TotallyOz]

Thailand and India (among others) are well known for "medical tourism" and your report shows some of the reasons why.

Please follow the doctor's orders, especially if he says, stay in bed and get well.

Best regards,

RA1

RA1, people travel to Thailand for Medical Tourist for many reasons. But, for me, I forgot to mention that all my doctors were trained in the USA. One in NYC and one in Chicago. This is very common for the Thai hospitals. You are not relying on anything other than a real doctor with great training.

The cost is great and very effective for many issues. See their website for this as well. And, I did go to the most expensive hospital in Thailand. There are others that are half the price. I even have friends that get diagnosed at this hospital and ask the doctor if they can do surgery in another one for less money.

In other words, you have lots of options and top quality care.

As for the bed rest, he said, rest in the bed with 2 Thai boys. I am following his advice.

[TotallyOz]

Will you be going to Hero for physical therapy on your legs?

Actually, each day I went over to Hero after the hospital in order to let some of the traffic die down. I believe a massage is medicinal. (my fucked up mind you know)

[TotallyOz]

Very very very interesting....Glad you were able to get such great care and at such a very low cost. Thailand is looking better and better to me every day

If you have never been here, you must try. It is amazing!

[Suckrates]

Glad you are doing better and had such a good experience. Unfortunately. we cannot pick and choose WHERE sickness will strike us, and simply have to deal with consequences when and WHERE they occur. However, as for a retirement spot, sounds like it would be a great place, however agin, some of us are not that adventurous and want to pick up and start our golden Years anew, ALONE and in a strange New place. I know I'm not, although i am extremely envious of those that do. Stay well, and the Best to you !

[RA1]

RA1, people travel to Thailand for Medical Tourist for many reasons. But, for me, I forgot to mention that all my doctors were trained in the USA. One in NYC and one in Chicago. This is very common for the Thai hospitals. You are not relying on anything other than a real doctor with great training.

The cost is great and very effective for many issues. See their website for this as well. And, I did go to the most expensive hospital in Thailand. There are others that are half the price. I even have friends that get diagnosed at this hospital and ask the doctor if they can do surgery in another one for less money.

In other words, you have lots of options and top quality care.

As for the bed rest, he said, rest in the bed with 2 Thai boys. I am following his advice.

That is what I had heard and read (but not experienced). In other words, mostly US trained MD's as well as clean and very good care. A combination impossible to beat, especially when priced fairly.

Best regards,

RA1

[wayout]

It has been about 10 years or so since my last visit to Thailand and I've only been to Pattaya and Phuket, just passing through Bangkok. Both times were for vacations and I had a very enjoyable time. The info from Oz makes me think seriously about spending several months there a year during the cold winters in the midwest. Rather than going the traditional Florida snowbird route, Thailand sounds like a great place to at least give it a try. It will probably be a couple years before I start escaping for extended times during the winter but I will start seriously looking at Thailand as an option. Looking on the internet, average temperatures in Thailand from November through March seem quite comfortable for my liking.

[TotallyOz]

some of us are not that adventurous and want to pick up and start our golden Years anew, ALONE and in a strange New place.

Thanks for the good wishes!

BUT, you used the word Alone for being in Thailand. LOL That is not possible if you know how to smile!

[wayout]

Oz, you touched upon this somewhat but just to understand, in general, are prescription meds through a pharmacy also significantly cheaper there?

[TotallyOz]

Oz, you touched upon this somewhat but just to understand, in general, are prescription meds through a pharmacy also significantly cheaper there?

Yes, they are much cheaper here.

But, most drug stores sell meds over the counter unless they are controlled substances. Most items you can get this way. All my friends who are retired and on meds say it saves them a ton of money.

I don't know about many drugs but for example, I get Valium at 9 cents each.

[Guest hitoallusa]

Oh my OZ, I hope you feel better soon.

[Lucky]

See, Oz, you already have stories to tell! I asked a Thai friend to get me a copy of your medical report from the hospital, and what you left out of the story are the doctor's specific instructions that you cannot put your legs in the air for 6 weeks! Doogy-style only is what I read....

[marcanthony]

take care of yourself, Oz. xx

[firecat691614502759]

Yes Oz there is no doubt the USA medical system is screwed up. Last time I visited an emergency room was a few years ago and it cost me $1750. What you just had done in Bangkok would have cost $15-20,000 I am sure.

But that is what happens when the entire system is run by greedy corporations and drug companies. Time Magazine recently did an exhaustive Cover story on the ridiculous charges that some hospitals charge and how the same procedure can be 5 to 10x as much in the same city and many times the most respected Hospital had some of the lowest charges. Go Figure?

Why? Greed!!!

[TotallyOz]

See, Oz, you already have stories to tell! I asked a Thai friend to get me a copy of your medical report from the hospital, and what you left out of the story are the doctor's specific instructions that you cannot put your legs in the air for 6 weeks! Doogy-style only is what I read....

Is there any other position than doggy style?

[Guest FourAces]

For me every time I would go to a different part of the hospital a nurse would walk with me and direct me to the next reception area in order to check in. Once I finished in that area, another nurse would take me to the next area. And so on and so forth until I got back to my main doctor.

OZ this wasn't them being polite or caring much about you I am sorry to say. And those were no nurses ... they were security. They were scared out of their minds you would gather up all the hot looking Doctors for yourself

In all seriousness I too hope that you get past this problem quickly and continue to stay healthy.

The over all report was awesome, thanks for sharing it.

[axiom2001]

That is what I had heard and read (but not experienced). In other words, mostly US trained MD's as well as clean and very good care. A combination impossible to beat, especially when priced fairly.

Best regards,

RA1

I went to the site of this particular hospital a few nights ago to read about what surgery I've like to have done. Also, this particular hospital and the services provided was on "60 Minutes" a year or more ago! But, that's for the update/heads-up! GET WELL SOON, too!

[TampaYankee]

But that is what happens when the entire system is run by greedy corporations and drug companies. Time Magazine recently did an exhaustive Cover story on the ridiculous charges that some hospitals charge and how the same procedure can be 5 to 10x as much in the same city and many times the most respected Hospital had some of the lowest charges. Go Figure?

Why? Greed!!!

Many corporations are greedy and the drug companies definitely are and that aggravates the health care system cost but the main cause is the way the system is set up. But even not-for-profit hospitals have unbelievably high charges.

Hospitals have to cover their costs even though many people cannot pay. Hence the $14 dollar aspirin and $1500 ER charge for basic bumps and scratches.

Also hospitals unnecessarily compete with each other causing resources to go under utilized and therefore not paying their own freight. Other charges are inflated to carry that extra weight.

Add to that a lack of information sharing causing unnecessary duplication of tests and procedures. That is aggravated by doctors who cross the line between physicians and labs by owning their own test and lab facilities making it doubly convenient to get that new test.

Then there is the army of litigation lawyers that support a healthy malpractice insurance industry. Actually they support each other.

And yeah, a lot of American doctors drive fancier cars and live in bigger mansions that the Thai doctors do but Wall St makes them look like paupers. Doctors train longer and more arduously than Wall Streeters and provide a much more valuable and valued service on a day to day basis. So yes, some, maybe many doctors could reign in fees a little but so could CEOs and lawyers and investment bankers. That isn't the American Way though, and I doubt any doctor makes 200 times the salary of his average patient as many CEOs do relative to his workers.

I'm not saying that doctors don't add weight to the scale just that, by themselves, they are far from the elephant in the room when it comes to the overall cost of health care.

[firecat691614502759]

I agree Doctors are not the main problems. It is greedy health care providers, hospital owners, drug companies etc. There are no controls on any of them .

The US Government controls many other industries better then Health Care . Why should the President of a medium Hospital in NW Florida be getting a salary of 2.4 million. And of course this continues down the food chain and this hospital gets higher prices for procedures then any other hospital in FL.

Many times people don't have a choice which hospital they go to and have no idea how they may get screwed by greedy owners and management.

Same for Health Care providers. Blue Cross is famous in many states for ridiculous salaries to management in many states and nothing causes prices to rise more then this.

Health Care should be a right and the government should have rules to determine what a Hospital can charge for a certain procedure or for an aspirin. There has to be some variation based on locale . But there is no excuse for paying $14 aspirin and no excuse for paying 7x the price for 2 stents then the hospital 5 miles down the road.

Greed and incompetence is the only explanation.

[Guest FourAces]

So OZ how have you been feeling?

[TotallyOz]

So OZ how have you been feeling?

I am better. It is slow but I do see the swelling going down for the first time in 4 months so I am happy about that. I am glad I went to the hospital I did after trying several places in USA who did nothing for me.