Best Coloscopy Price and Value for 2018

[scoutman360]

I have researched the forum and I understand this topic has been covered everywhere. Just want to get an update before I make an appointment. I understand Chulaborn Hospital is hands-down the cheapest, but do I need a translator to book an appointment? Is there good value with any other hospital in the Bangkok area? Any promotions? Thanks in advance.

[Sheryl]

If you mean book an appointment by phone, yes, a Thai speaker is likely necessary and even with one, not sure you can -- not possible with most government hospitals (no one answers, or the main switchboard puts you on hold forever etc). But no harm in trying.

 

If you mean making an appointment in person, while a Thai speaker is helpful you can manage without one.

 

Note that it is not just a matter of making an appointment, you need to get detailed instructions from them on the desired bowel prep and depending on what their protocol is they might need to provide you with a laxative to take before hand (some hospitals do, others do it all on site after you arrive). I

 

n addition, most hospitals require that the test be ordered by one of their GI specialists and that you first have a consultation with one (definitely the case with other govt hospitals, I am nto sure re the cancer hospital).

 

The only other places of similiar cost are other government hospitals where all the me limitations apply plus more crowded.

 

Private hospitals do from time to time have promotions but even a private promotion price will be at least double the cost of govt hospital.

 

Be aware prices do not include pathology charges should they remove anything for biopsy. Some private hospitals also  charge per removal (which is greedy IMO), others don't, but everyplace charges more for the pathology and they pretty well have to as it is a separate fee paid to a separate department and no way to know in advance if it will be necessary or if so, how many specimens.

 

 

[CarlBkk]

Hi Sheryl, I have just moved near to Samitivej Srinakarin hospital and would like to see a doctor there for a colonoscopy (using employment medical insurance). Would you have any recommendations which one? And would there be a reason why I should opt for a different hospital to have it done?

 

thanks

[Oxx]

48 minutes ago, CarlBkk said:

I have just moved near to Samitivej Srinakarin hospital and would like to see a doctor there for a colonoscopy

 

I've twice had a colonoscopy there with Dr. Pusadee Rojpalakorn and was very happy with the experience both times.  (I'd previously had an unpleasant experience at Vejthani.)

[Sheryl]

Hi Sheryl, I have just moved near to Samitivej Srinakarin hospital and would like to see a doctor there for a colonoscopy (using employment medical insurance). Would you have any recommendations which one? And would there be a reason why I should opt for a different hospital to have it done?
 
thanks

Why is it being done, routine screening or other?

Sent from my SM-J701F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[peterpop]

On 03/01/2018 at 6:35 PM, Sheryl said:

If you mean book an appointment by phone, yes, a Thai speaker is likely necessary and even with one, not sure you can -- not possible with most government hospitals (no one answers, or the main switchboard puts you on hold forever etc). But no harm in trying.

 

If you mean making an appointment in person, while a Thai speaker is helpful you can manage without one.

 

Note that it is not just a matter of making an appointment, you need to get detailed instructions from them on the desired bowel prep and depending on what their protocol is they might need to provide you with a laxative to take before hand (some hospitals do, others do it all on site after you arrive). I

 

n addition, most hospitals require that the test be ordered by one of their GI specialists and that you first have a consultation with one (definitely the case with other govt hospitals, I am nto sure re the cancer hospital).

 

The only other places of similiar cost are other government hospitals where all the me limitations apply plus more crowded.

 

Private hospitals do from time to time have promotions but even a private promotion price will be at least double the cost of govt hospital.

 

Be aware prices do not include pathology charges should they remove anything for biopsy. Some private hospitals also  charge per removal (which is greedy IMO), others don't, but everyplace charges more for the pathology and they pretty well have to as it is a separate fee paid to a separate department and no way to know in advance if it will be necessary or if so, how many specimens.

 

 

Good information but no actual price mentioned.  I will most likely have to pay for colonoscopy at the Government hospital in Chiang Mai soon and also I expect to need an MRI scan.  I would be grateful for an estimate of both costs although I believe the latter is about 10,000 bht

[CarlBkk]

Hi Oxx, i went to see her today. Only a chat but she was very engaging. Good recommendation thank you.

[CarlBkk]

Hi Sheryl (and others). I am exploring the need for it as a result of pain and irregular bowel habits over the last year or so (intermittently), and checking if a CT scan or normal colonoscopy is appropriate.

 

I've been to Thainakarin, Vibharam and Bangkok Christian but that Samitivej was fantastic. Seen quickly and easily and much less busy than the others.

 

pricewise the colonoscopy is 22,000, sedation 11,000 and 3000 for something else which I can't remember.

[Sheryl]

Good information but no actual price mentioned.  I will most likely have to pay for colonoscopy at the Government hospital in Chiang Mai soon and also I expect to need an MRI scan.  I would be grateful for an estimate of both costs although I believe the latter is about 10,000 bht

Colonoscopy in govt hosp about 6000 baht not including charge for any biopsies if needed.

MRI depends on part of the body and whether with contrast or not and where done. For an abdominal problem contrast likely needed and will add 3000 - 5000 to the cost.

Very hard to arrange MRI at government hospitals (though perhaps will be easier at the Cancer Hospital, I don't know) -- long wait lists etc so most people end up going private. There are stand alone imaging centers which cost considerably less than private hospitals but I do not recommend having test with contrast media outside of a hospital as some people have serious adverse reactions. MRI without contrast is fine in imaging center.

Sent from my SM-J701F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[Oxx]

1 hour ago, CarlBkk said:

I am exploring the need for it as a result of pain and irregular bowel habits over the last year or so (intermittently), and checking if a CT scan or normal colonoscopy is appropriate.

 

That sounds a lot like IBS, which is pretty common.  Has that already been ruled out?

 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360016

[CarlBkk]

Oxx, that was indeed suggested. It makes me hesitate to get a full colonoscopy done when only an x ray might suffice to identify IBS.

[Oxx]

38 minutes ago, CarlBkk said:

Oxx, that was indeed suggested. It makes me hesitate to get a full colonoscopy done when only an x ray might suffice to identify IBS.

 

An X-ray won't diagnose IBS.  Neither will a colonoscopy.

 

And it sounds like, with asking for a colonoscopy, you're trying to diagnose yourself.  Not a good idea.

 

You need to place yourselves in the hands of a competent gastroenterologist who will methodically go through the possibilities - testing for most of which is cheaper than a colonoscopy.

 

Have a look at the following link which goes through one path to diagnosis:

 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20360064