Outpatient costs - Bangkok Hospital

[lordblackader]

I'm moving Saturday to one of the new developments in the Chiang Mai Business Park (Nongpakrang) and wondering if anyone can give me an idea on outpatient costs at Bangkok Hospital, seemingly being the closest hospital?

 

I had a health issue last year that saw me spend 4 days in Rajavej and I have had occasional checkups since (great hospital in my opinion) plus occasional visits for things like sleeping tablets, but while I have top level inpatient coverage with Bupa I don't have outpatient coverage.

 

It might ultimately be cheaper for me to travel to Rajavej but wondering people's thoughts on costs?

 

Thanks

[1FinickyOne]

It is brand spanking new and quite convenient as far as availability of doctors and wait time... not sure what your condition is but it is not likely the cheapest hospital in town, but probably competitive. Buying meds in any hospital always goes at a premium to pharmacies, though I found them fair on this. I would not mind it if they were my closest hospital. 

[lordblackader]

1 hour ago, kenk24 said:

It is brand spanking new and quite convenient as far as availability of doctors and wait time... not sure what your condition is but it is not likely the cheapest hospital in town, but probably competitive. Buying meds in any hospital always goes at a premium to pharmacies, though I found them fair on this. I would not mind it if they were my closest hospital. 

As far as I know I can't get Lorazepam in a pharmacy - if you know one, please share :)

 

What's the English level like at Bangkok Hospital? I'm going to presume excellent (it is at Rajavej) but like to hear from someone who has been. 

[stament]

English very good, no queues but you are paying a premium over other hospitals in CM, but if you can afford that then no worries.

 

I had a very bad experience with admin staff ar Rajavej and waiting times. Once bitten twice shy.

[davehowden]

Visited Bangkok Hospital last week for a consultation about a urological issue.  Car parking good, reception excellent, consultation costs OK, indicated operation cost OK and at a time of my own choosing (within reason and availability of the surgeon). Place is like a 5 star hotel, most staff have good English. Estimated costs for operation given in writing, but only valid for 60 days.

[1FinickyOne]

9 hours ago, lordblackader said:

As far as I know I can't get Lorazepam in a pharmacy - if you know one, please share :)

 

What's the English level like at Bangkok Hospital? I'm going to presume excellent (it is at Rajavej) but like to hear from someone who has been. 

English will not be a problem for you - -  English competency is a mixed bag amongst the docs, but you can surely have one that does speak well....

 

My first heart doctor was a lovely lovely guy, but had near no English... we would struggle through consultations together as I really liked him. Though I did eventually switch to a doctor w/excellent English which was always available to me... my Thai is pretty good but lacks in medical terminology. 

 

If you need an English speaker, I am sure they will be able to oblige. I was told that 40% of the customers are foreigners and likely not many speak Thai. At reception, the English language skills are pretty good. 

 

I am pretty sure they have Lorazepam at BKK hospital - I think that was what they gave me to help relax me before a procedure... just ask at reception or the pharmacy. 

[NancyL]

I've found the outpatient costs at Bangkok Hospital to be very reasonable and the wait times minimal.  The pharmacy doesn't overcharge the way they do at CM Ram, but of course, you only want to use them for meds like the one mentioned that you can't buy at retail pharmacies, they still charge more, but at least not the astronomical prices that CM Ram does.  English language skills throughout the staff are excellent, the best of any hospital in Chiang Mai, all the way down to the cleaning staff and cafeteria people.  Well, those folks aren't fluent in English, but they know enough to do their jobs when interacting with English speakers, provided you're speaking simple, unaccented English if asking them a question.

[jeffandgop]

I’ve had about 4 outpatient visits in the last 3 months for my heart and ended up having an angiogram performed (no stents) with an overnight stay in a private room for less than 100k baht. I was quite pleased with the outpatient charges as well as the angiogram costs and the treatment in general was excellent. 

[totally thaied up]

 

18 hours ago, lordblackader said:

As far as I know I can't get Lorazepam in a pharmacy - if you know one, please share :)

You can get these from just about any hospital or Clinic for psychological issues very cheap. Like 150-300 baht for a doctors appointment and 200 baht for the drugs themselves.  It's a Benzo so it should be prescribed by a professional as it is a drug used by many for abuse with the use of alcohol.  Many of my Thai friends use Lorazepam for agitation or panic issues, so it is a pretty common drug here. My wife was having sleep problems and she was given it for a weeks usage.

 

I have used it before for Bipolar Disorder but for me, too addictive and will not use. My doctor tells me I do not have an addictive nature and would prescribe me 50 at a time in Australia! 

 

Hope that helps.

[BarnicaleBob]

I have been using the Chiang Mai Bangkok Hospital since they opened in 2014.  During that time I have spent a night in ICU and was giving a large discount for paying cash.  All my other visits were as an outpatient and I found the prices to be no more and for somethings less than what they are at CM Ram. 

I have also done volunteer work there in roll playing training for the hospital staff and found them to be efficient and generally proficient enough in English.  I have also been told that before being hired by Bangkok Hospital all employees are tested for their English abilities, including security, maintenance and office staff.  So all of the staff should have at least some basic understanding of English.  

 

[Mapguy]

The hospital has a huge staff. Some important medical personnel do NOT speak adequate English, but this does not appear to be a general problem. I personally have received some good service and some bad service. Recent anniversary special prices are certainly reasonable for many procedures.


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[elektrified]

On 11/17/2017 at 8:18 AM, kenk24 said:

 

 

If you need an English speaker, I am sure they will be able to oblige. I was told that 40% of the customers are foreigners and likely not many speak Thai. 

You certainly don't believe that do you? That is complete rubbish! 40% of the patients are foreign? Try 5-10% and that is more accurate. The only places in Thailand with 40% foreign patronage are pubs and greasy spoon restaurants serving foreign food.

[sfokevin]

Has anyone tried to make an appointment via BKK Hospitals website?... I made an appointment via its website and no confirming email or call?... I really don’t like the idea of just going there without an appointment?... Can you call and make an appointment?...

[NancyL]

29 minutes ago, sfokevin said:

Has anyone tried to make an appointment via BKK Hospitals website?... I made an appointment via its website and no confirming email or call?... I really don’t like the idea of just going there without an appointment?... Can you call and make an appointment?...

Yes, you can call and make an appointment.  That's what I normally do.  

[Jeffkp]

I've used BBK Hospital for over a year. Service and English is very good. One thing I advise, they really like to sell you tests and refer you to specialists. I see my doctor for diabetes every three months and they try to insist I see a cardiologist at the same time. No purpose I can see.

That said, an excellent hospital if you can afford it.

[NancyL]

2 hours ago, Jeffkp said:

I've used BBK Hospital for over a year. Service and English is very good. One thing I advise, they really like to sell you tests and refer you to specialists. I see my doctor for diabetes every three months and they try to insist I see a cardiologist at the same time. No purpose I can see.

That said, an excellent hospital if you can afford it.

Congratulations for managing your diabetes and seeing a doctor every three months about your condition.

 

Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai has some excellent cardiologists on staff.  When was the last time you had a cardiology work-up?  Often people with Type 2 (adult onset) diabetes also have issues that can best be addressed by a cardiologist such as high cholestrol or high blood pressure, even blockages of their cardiac arteries.  Certainly, some cardiac screening tests could be in order if you haven't had them yet.  

[Jeffkp]

Thanks. BBK Hospital has an excellent wellness checkup. I thing 20 items are checked. This includes the heat. It was the most complete physical I ever has and recommend it to everyone.

[Antonymous]

20 minutes ago, Jeffkp said:

Thanks. BBK Hospital has an excellent wellness checkup. I thing 20 items are checked. This includes the heat. It was the most complete physical I ever has and recommend it to everyone.

I'll second that. I've had full physical check ups at several CM hospitals over the years and Bangkok Hospital was by far the most complete and efficient. But I also agree with your observation that they will use the results of the test to push you to see various specialists even when they may not be really required. I think they use the check-up as a sort of loss leader. That said, it is entirely up to you whether or not you follow up with the specialists.

 

Not sure how the costs compare as I get all my annual check-ups free (courtesy of my bank) and never asked about the prices.

[Jeffkp]

Not sure how much mine cost (insurance covered it). I think it was 12,000TMB.

 

http://www.bangkokhospital-chiangmai.com/en/package/medical-checkup-packages-2018/

[NancyL]

I agree that their "wellness checks" are second-to-none"  after years of having his annual checkup at CM Ram (because it's within crawling distance of home), Hubby finally switched to Bangkok Hospital after I prodded him to take advantage of one of their annual special price deals.  For the first time in his 68 year life, a doctor suggested he get his out-of-shape body on a treadmill to check out his cardiac health.  He thought he was just fine because CM Ram said he was every year, based on blood tests, EEC, xrays, and the fact that he walks 4 - 10 km each day.  Walks.  

 

The pretty nurses at Bangkok Hospital shut down the cardiac treadmill after just 4 miles and told him to get off.  W-h-a-t?  He said.  My wife, who has a congenital cardiac condition and undergoes this test every year can do 9 or 10 minutes.  I can keep going!  Not with that blood pressure reading, he was told.  

 

Turns out that with the least little bit of exertion, his BP raises too high.  When he's resting and just strolling around, it's OK.  So, it was time for him to see the same cardiologist I do at Bangkok Hospital and learn about how to work your heart sensibly, monitoring and controlling BP, etc.  

[Antonymous]

13 minutes ago, NancyL said:

I agree that their "wellness checks" are second-to-none"  after years of having his annual checkup at CM Ram (because it's within crawling distance of home), Hubby finally switched to Bangkok Hospital after I prodded him to take advantage of one of their annual special price deals.  For the first time in his 68 year life, a doctor suggested he get his out-of-shape body on a treadmill to check out his cardiac health.  He thought he was just fine because CM Ram said he was every year, based on blood tests, EEC, xrays, and the fact that he walks 4 - 10 km each day.  Walks.  

 

The pretty nurses at Bangkok Hospital shut down the cardiac treadmill after just 4 miles and told him to get off.  W-h-a-t?  He said.  My wife, who has a congenital cardiac condition and undergoes this test every year can do 9 or 10 minutes.  I can keep going!  Not with that blood pressure reading, he was told.  

 

Turns out that with the least little bit of exertion, his BP raises too high.  When he's resting and just strolling around, it's OK.  So, it was time for him to see the same cardiologist I do at Bangkok Hospital and learn about how to work your heart sensibly, monitoring and controlling BP, etc.  

That's a great story Nancy and aworthy endorsement and again fits with my experience. I have the x-ray every year and previously at 'another major hospital', where it always seemed a bit of a waste of time, nothing untoward ever found. But at the Bangkok Hospital they spotted a condition that certainly would have been present for many years already, but had never before been detected. Hats off to the BH and I fully recommend them.

[Jeffkp]

2 minutes ago, Antonymous said:

That's a great story Nancy and aworthy endorsement and again fits with my experience. I have the x-ray every year and previously at 'another major hospital', where it always seemed a bit of a waste of time, nothing untoward ever found. But at the Bangkok Hospital they spotted a condition that certainly would have been present for many years already, but had never before been detected. Hats off to the BH and I fully recommend them.

I used CM Ram. I went in  one day to see my cardiologist and the young lady who took my vitals, put my arm in the blood pressure machine and when it read 276/18  write that down in the chart. I said nothing, thinking the cardiologist would catch it. He didn't. I had to ask him to check my blood pressure and it was 120/80.

That's when I knew I had to change hospitals....

[NancyL]

32 minutes ago, Jeffkp said:

I used CM Ram. I went in  one day to see my cardiologist and the young lady who took my vitals, put my arm in the blood pressure machine and when it read 276/18  write that down in the chart. I said nothing, thinking the cardiologist would catch it. He didn't. I had to ask him to check my blood pressure and it was 120/80.

That's when I knew I had to change hospitals....

Those automatic, stick-your-arm-in-the-hole machines are almost worthless.  My machines at home does a better job.  I love the way my cardiologist at Bangkok Hospital insists on using an old-school mercury blood pressure cuff and stethoscope.  He says that's the best way to get a BP reading -- by actually listening to it.  He says he has to be signed-out every day from special storage for hazardous materials because of the mercury content.  

 

Takes me back to my days as a toddler when the interns and residents would line up at Mayo Clinic to listen to my heart while the professor instructed them about the sounds they were hearing and my parents were encouraging me to sit still and be a good girl because I was "helping science". 

 

In modern times, I've had doctors listen to my heart (without my saying they'll hear anything abnormal and they don't blink an eye until they see the ECG readout).  Modern doctors "fly by numbers" instead of what they can learn by looking and listening to their patients.

[CharlieH]

2 posts removed.

 

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[Lizard2010]

You could also try McCormick Hospital it would be as good as Rajavej

I have been using them over 10 years now

I am happy with their service

They are not that far from Bangkok Hospital

[Lizard2010]

You could also try McCormick Hospital it would be as good as Rajavej

I have been using them over 10 years now

I am happy with their service

They are not that far from Bangkok Hospital

[NancyL]

14 hours ago, NancyL said:

I agree that their "wellness checks" are second-to-none"  after years of having his annual checkup at CM Ram (because it's within crawling distance of home), Hubby finally switched to Bangkok Hospital after I prodded him to take advantage of one of their annual special price deals.  For the first time in his 68 year life, a doctor suggested he get his out-of-shape body on a treadmill to check out his cardiac health.  He thought he was just fine because CM Ram said he was every year, based on blood tests, EEC, xrays, and the fact that he walks 4 - 10 km each day.  Walks.  

 

The pretty nurses at Bangkok Hospital shut down the cardiac treadmill after just 4 miles and told him to get off.  W-h-a-t?  He said.  My wife, who has a congenital cardiac condition and undergoes this test every year can do 9 or 10 minutes.  I can keep going!  Not with that blood pressure reading, he was told.  

 

Turns out that with the least little bit of exertion, his BP raises too high.  When he's resting and just strolling around, it's OK.  So, it was time for him to see the same cardiologist I do at Bangkok Hospital and learn about how to work your heart sensibly, monitoring and controlling BP, etc.  

Should have said that Hubby lasted four minutes, not four miles on the treadmill test.

[elektrified]

2 hours ago, Lizard2010 said:

You could also try McCormick Hospital it would be as good as Rajavej

I have been using them over 10 years now

I am happy with their service

They are not that far from Bangkok Hospital

I respectfully disagree with that statement. They are fine for very simple procedures, but anything too complicated they can't handle. Also, not a place to go for an emergency. Often the E.R. doctors are only a few months out of medical school! I showed up there late one night with a severe eye injury, in excruciating pain, and the kid in the E.R. told me that he had never treated an eye injury before and couldn't handle it!!! Rajavej has a few well-known and well-respected doctors who practice there regularly.

[ThaiPauly]

15 hours ago, NancyL said:

Those automatic, stick-your-arm-in-the-hole machines are almost worthless.  My machines at home does a better job.  I love the way my cardiologist at Bangkok Hospital insists on using an old-school mercury blood pressure cuff and stethoscope.  He says that's the best way to get a BP reading -- by actually listening to it.  He says he has to be signed-out every day from special storage for hazardous materials because of the mercury content.  

 

 

Ram has changed their blood pressure monitors now, no more sticking your arm through that darn hole.

 

Also you mentioned the price of medication at Ram...here's an example I Asprin 87 baht. Pharmacy price 1baht

[NancyL]

42 minutes ago, ThaiPauly said:

Ram has changed their blood pressure monitors now, no more sticking your arm through that darn hole.

 

Also you mentioned the price of medication at Ram...here's an example I Asprin 87 baht. Pharmacy price 1baht

I was at Ram last week for dental work.  They definitely are using one of those stick your arm down the hole machines for their checks in the dental clinic.  Amazingly, they did my dental work and then remembered they hadn't checked my BP or weight or had me sign the patient release form before the dental exam and so they did it afterwards.  A lot of good that does!