By and large medical care at Thailand's private hospitals is pretty good. But one thing I've observed through the years of visiting doctors in big private hospitals here is that many/most are not very thorough in asking questions about the patient's medical history. They are often quick to arrive at a current diagnosis, write a prescription, and a return appointment again in 2 weeks. When I say 'not very thorough' - I mean they don't ask you (enough) about your medical past or any other medical issues you may have - which they should do at the beginning of the appointment - this is standard operating procedure in Western countries. Even in a Thai hospital you regularly go to - which has most of your records including the drugs you take - this is often the case. For example, they are quick to write a prescription without checking to see what other meds you are already taking. That can have very bad outcomes if the medicine is contraindicated with something else you are already taking. Now I insist to know what the doctor is prescribing before I agree to buy it. I check for contraindications sitting in the chair across from him/her. Still, one doctor at one of the biggest private hospitals outright refused to divulge what she was prescribing. So I paid for it, got home, and realized it was a med for vertigo. First, I don't have vertigo, second, upon a Web search, I found that the drug was struck off the US FDA some years back because it couldn't prove its claim to efficacy. At another private hospital, I was prescribed a very strong oral antibiotic for an ear infection that is ototoxic (harmful to your ears), and can have very serious side effects (achilles tendon rupture and pulsatile tinnitus). The drug was prescribed by an ENT specialist no less. Another Thai ENT specialist (years ago) gave me a standard audiology test (hearing test), then prescribed two meds. When I got home and looked them up, one was for alzheimers, the other was a 'pep pill' students take before exams. Neither drug has anything to do with mild hearing loss. Of course, I never returned to any of these three. In conclusion, I now do my own research before seeing the specialist (if I can), and check verified Web sites on drug interactions before leaving the doctor's office. The hospital might appear all new and shiny with lots of up-to-date equipment. But as with doctors anywhere in the world, it boils down to the knowledge and inquisitiveness of the doctor who is dealling with the patient before him/her.
Create an account or sign in to comment