MRI scan options for Pattaya resident

[aussienam]

Hello, 

I saw an orthopaedic specialist today at Bangkok-Pattaya hospital for a problem knee.  He suspected possibly an ACL tear or possibly a medial meniscus tear.  He recommended an MRI scan.  

Consultation was almost 1500 Baht.  They wanted to charge me 21,000 Baht for the MRI.  I nearly fell over backwards.  Is this Thailand?  I could get a return ticket back to Australia and get it done for free on Medicare and fly back with change in my pocket!  

I have heard of imaging centres such as a previous post for http://www.mrithailand.com/index.php .  All location maps there are all in Thai and the closest appear to be in Bangkok.  There are no prices listed (other than some promotions).  

I am prepared to travel to Bangkok if I am going to save several hundred dollars.  Preferably somewhere near a good transport hub (i.e. convenient).  

I have searched Thai Visa forum posts but most are quite old so hoping there is updated information from readers who have recently been somewhere and paid a much more reasonable price.  

 

Appreciate comments.  

[NanLaew]

1 hour ago, aussienam said:

I could get a return ticket back to Australia and get it done for free on Medicare and fly back with change in my pocket!  

There you go... sorted!

 

While you're down there, get some insurance too.

[watcharacters]

 

 

 

 

21K       vs.     100K

 

Return flight in order,    IMHO

[theguyfromanotherforum]

You're either a "Pattaya resident" or Australian resident. You can't be both and you would be committing Medicare fraud if you are indeed "Pattaya resident".

[dddave]

I suggest contacting St. Louis Hospital, Bangkok Christian Hospital and Sukhumvit Hospital.  all are moderately priced and in convenient locations in Bangkok.

[Sheryl]

7,200 baht per this page  http://www.mrithailand.com/index.php?lang=en

 

It is located not far from Chatuchak market in Bangkok (Morchit BTS or MRT station but you'll need a cab from there. A little hard to fine but it is in Google maps so if you have that on your phone, you're set -- type in "Prachachuen Imaging Center Bangkok").

 

But be aware that doing an MRI for suspected ACL or meniscus tear requires some special techniques in terms of angle the knee is in etc. These ought not to have any cost implication but if the technicians do not do it properly in terms of what the doctor needs to see, you risk having wasted the money and needing a repeat scan. So if you can, get written instructions from the doctor for the MRI tech.

 

Once in Bangkok I suggest you take the scan to this doctor who is the top knee specialist in Thailand:

 

https://www.bumrungrad.com/doctors/Panya-Wongpatimachai

 

Even if you prefer to stick with the doctor you have already seen in Pattaya for actual surgery (if indicated) it is well worth an additional consultation fee to get a second opinion from Dr. Panya.  More than one TV member has avoided unnecessary and costly surgery by doing so. Others have avoided having a the wrong procedure or a procedure less optimal to their condition done. 

 

I assume you have already had regular Xrays done, bring the films along with you to void unnecessary repeat tests.

 

If you think the private hospital charge for MRI was bad, be ready for serious sticker shock when you hear the cost of arthroscopy if it turns out to be needed. Costs in private hospitals in Thailand have skyrocketed over the past 10 years and it is not at all unusual for things to now cost more than in western countries.  Government hospitals are 1/3 - 1/5 the price of private but entail long waits and red tape, and are not very user friendly if you don't speak Thai. Still, can be worth putting up with all that in the event of a costly surgery.

[siam2007]

if choosing mrithailand.com (Prachachuen imaging center) as mentioned by Sheryl, ask to speak to Khun MARUT, who is an incredibly helpful and friendly young man with excellent command of English. He will help you through the entire process. BTW, all those technicians at Prachachuen are actually MD's and qualified, just do not expect glitzy 5-star facilities as you would find it at Bumrungrad or Samitivej