I went into Rajaveg this morning, without an appointment, and asked for a complete health check and also a consult with their eye doctor.  I made sure not to eat anything the night before, as is standard with any full physical exam. I walked into the hospital a 8:40, walked up to the front desk and made my wishes known. I handed them my patient's card, waited about 20 seconds, and was told to go to Desk 3. By the time I reached the desk, they already had my paperwork in hand. They showed me a menu of options for tests, I picked the one I wanted, and after blood pressure, height, and weight, was moved along to the first of the series of rooms for drawing blood, X-ray, EKG, urine test, etc.  At no point did I have to wait more than a minute or two before being seen in each clinic. I was finished and eating breakfast in the hospital cafeteria by 9:30. The Ophthalmologist  didn't arrive until 10:30 so I had some time to eat and relax. At 10:30 I went down to the clinic, had to wait almost 4 minutes before seeing the eye doctor. I spent almost 20 minutes with him, then went back to await the test results and a consult with the physician to interpret the tests. She spent 15-20 minutes going over each test with me, told me that I was going to live forever, and I was home again by 12:30.  Total cost for both Health Check and Ophthalmology... 4,200 baht.  Kudos to Rajaveg Hospital. Fast, comprehensive, professional, and inexpensive. Oh... yes... The Ophthalmologist was unsure of his English skills so he had an interpreter standing by whose English ability rivals my own!  So let me add 'comfortable' to the list of accolades.

Nice. Do you always get the magic carpet ride?


Sent from my iPod touch using Thaivisa Connect

2 hours ago, Bill97 said:

Nice. Do you always get the magic carpet ride?

 

If this is some sort of legitimate query, I have no idea what it is that you're asking.

Sorry, but I'm unable to answer your question. Can you be more explicit?

I'm no longer a fan of Rajavej, their dual pricing system is just too obvious in some areas plus the lack of English language skills amongst doctors there is very worrying. OK so they do have a couple of translators to help smooth the way but that doesn't seem to be enough for me. The other aspect I don't care for is that their doctors always seem to be late and the nursing staff keep patients in the dark about when they're going to be seen. I was there for a routine scan a few weeks ago (radiology is very good at Rajavej) and this was done and dusted by 09:30 but I was told I'd have to wait until 11:00 to get the (GP) doctor to read the (simple English) results which was something I didn't even want anyway. But I'm glad the health exam worked out well for you and that you were pleased, that's what counts.

The problem about some  doctors are late or not show up I heared this myself a few times. There are a few good cheap hospitals, but some of the doctors are really lazy and others work very good. 

It is as always. It's not the good or bad hospital it is almost always depend on which doctor/nurse you have.

This also count for Hotels, government places and everything else … 

If you want a full blown health check at a sensible price I can recommend the CMU Outreach centre, it includes all the blood works you normally see in high priced packages along with a urine and stool exam and a chest x-ray - about 3,800 baht, an upper and lower abdomen unltrasound exam is a further 1,500 - the lab is certified.

 

I tend not to want my eyes and heart tested as part of a health check, instead I prefer to do those things separately by seeing an ophthalmic surgeon (800 baht at RAM) and a cardiologist for whatever tests he recommends.

There are many good options for routine health screening here in Chiang Mai and good to see some people taking advantage of them.  The package that Folk Guitar outlined is basic and probably good for a routine annual screening, especially for a younger person, but once someone gets over age 50 they should have a full cardiac work-up every few years, which would include a cardiac ultrasound and stress test on a treadmill.  Hubby had his first stress test at age 68 at and was shocked when they shut him down after just 4 minutes.  But, I can go longer, he said and besides my chubby wife is capable of 10 - 11 minutes with this same test.  Turns out his blood pressure went through the roof with just a little bit of exertion.  Time for bp meds and an exercise routine that includes more than just walking.

 

Also, once past age 50 someone should have a colonoscopy at least every 10 years.  Not the most fun test, but well worth it for preventing a very treatable cancer.  And, while there is some controversy, some say that men should receive routine PSA testing and the idea of woman having routine mammograms and cervical cancer testing is less controversial.  

 

Chiang Mai Ram and Rajavej are popular hospitals for routine screening test. Sripat less so, because you bounce between several buildings for all the tests.  Bangkok Hospital has "specials" from time-to-time that make their prices very competitive while delivering a five star experience.  Other hospitals, like Lanna and McCormick offer health screening packages, too.  One suggestion is to pick the hospital where you'd be most likely to go for emergency care and have your health screenings there.  That way the hospital has your data in their computers and will know what you "looked like" when you were healthy if you turn up in their E/R in distress.