Healthcare Advice (Cambodia Citizen visiting Thailand for Healthcare)

[BrianBlancoSeattle]

Hi.... my wife (a US resident) is joining her mom in Thailand (who will be traveling from Cambodia) for a brief vacation later this month. While they are there, my wife (who speaks English) will take her mom to the hospital to check on her stomach. (Something not right for a long time, but up until now it's been tolerable. Healthcare situation in Cambodia not good as many here probably already know so she hasn't had the help she probably needs.) A family friend will also accompany them to the hospital because she speaks Thai. Based on my brief research on this board, Bangkok Christian Hospital appears to be a safe choice. Unfortunately, I have no other medical conditions to describe except that her "stomach is hot". Maybe years of untreated "heartburn" and/or acid reflux? Her diet is restricted to porridge at this point because that's the only food that apparently doesn't lead to discomfort. We'll be prepared to spend up to $1,000 out the gate which hopefully will be enough to cover some basic tests to figure out what the issue is. We're prepared to spend more, but I'm advising my wife to get a written estimate (if there is such a thing) if it turns out to be more costly so that we have a good understanding of the issue and proposed solution. Any other advice to share? Thanks so much, Brian. 

[Sheryl]

From what you describe the most likely diagnoses would be:

 

1. Peptic ulcer disease (gastritis with or without ulcers, usually due to h. pylori infection)

 

2. Gastric cancer, which is unfortunately common in Asia.

 

She will need an endoscopy to determine either of these.  At Bangkok Christian that will cost around 20-24,000 baht not including pathology exam of any tissue that might need to be removed, and nto including initial doctor consultation. So $1,000 is not going to go all that far but should get you as far as a diagnosis. If it turns out to be #1, diagnosis plus treatment which is 10-14 days  course of medications to erradicate h. pylori followed by a longer course of PPIs. Buying medications at an outside pharmacy rather than at the hospital will reduce their cost.

 

A much lower cost approach would be to go to nearby Chulalongkron Hospital, a government hospital which has an after hours clinic (4 pm onward weekdays plus Saturday mornings) where you can directly consult senior doctors. However, there is often a wait to see the best specialists and then further wait to schedule endoscopy etc, so might not be so suitable if you will be here only a short time. There is a Cambodian woman named Srey Own based in Bangkok who facilitates appointments and translation etc for Cambodian patients, I will send you her phone number by PM. As this avenue would both get you a better specialist and save considerable money (even with the facilutator's fee) it might be worth having your wife call her form the US to see if she can set up the needed appointments, including endoscopy appointment, in advance to coincide with your trip. (It is impossible to do thsi yourself, you otherwise have to go in person to make appointments). An advantage to this arrangement would be that your mother in law could then follow up if need be using the same expediter.on her own.

 

If you go that route (Chulalongkorn) try to get appointment with Prof. Rungsen Reknimitr

 

 

[BrianBlancoSeattle]

Hi Sheryl - great advice all around. Srey was worth every penny! Grandma will be fine. Thanks again,  

[Sheryl]

Thanks for the feedback! I'm glad all is well.