Rajavej Hospital OPD fee enquiry.

[New beginnings]

I’ve been visiting the Rajavej Hospital in Chiangmai for the past few weeks with an ear infection. On each occasion I am charged, in addition to all other medical cost, a fee of 300 baht with the narrative ‘first opd visit. I assume opd refers to out patient department. Does anyone know if this fee should be charged each time someone visits the hospital with the same ailment which has not been fully treated?

[watgate]

I would go to the Loi Kroh Clinic. The Dr there is excellent and has been treating patients for many years with all sorts of ailments. He is extremely knowledgeable and the office is always busy so you most likely will have to wait to be seen. It is well worth it because the prices there are very reasonable and there is no  price gouging.

[Sparkles]

Back to Rajavej's charges  you should be querying the charge at the time and if you have had multiple visits,without solving the problem, maybe time to seek alternative treatment.

 

Normally anti biotics are required if its a serious infection

 

All major hospitals have English speaking Specialists in E,N,T departments

[Greenside]

Go to the front desk with your collection of receipts and ask for the English speaking rep, khun Girlie (no, really).  She will sort it out for you - it sounds like a mistake to me.

 

It's a good hospital, but the billing at Rajavej is poorly managed although it falls a long way short of price gouging. For example the cost of a consultation  in the paediatric department (without medication, dressings or the other little items that always seem to inflate a bill) can vary from zero to about 300 baht, without any significant difference in the time spent with the doctor.

 

I was an out patient in the ENT department just a couple of weeks ago and thought the young lady doctor was good.

[New beginnings]

Many thanks for replies.  For information first went to hospital approx 8 weeks ago and was advised by male doctor was an infection and placed on antibiotics. Subsequent visits have been with female doctor and she is very pleasant.  Initially she advised it was a fungal infection and prescribed cream to be used twice daily and to wash out ear daily using syringe with a mixture of 50% water, 50% vinegar. Went back this morning and now advised fungal infection cleared but infection returned and now back on antibiotics. Fingers crossed that this will be the solution although will probably try guy at Loi Kroh clinic earlier suggested if doesn’t work. Popped into hospital and asked at cash desk for explanation of 300 baht fee. English speaking member of staff advised this fee is just for making an appointment irrespective of any treatment received. Do all hospitals charge this initial consultation fee?

Edited September 15, 2018 by New beginnings
Slight error

[moonseeker]

I assume no drum perforation as you were told to flush it. Try these dirt cheap eyedrops, yes also eardrop-suitable. Tilt your head, pull ear, few drops... Massage your ear and you might be surprised how well these drops work. Cured many ear and eye infections with this, when similar meds failed. Might have to shop around a bit as not always in stock. 45 Baht a piece...Don't let them sell you "identical" stuff. Good luck. M. 

 

https://goo.gl/images/vAdeRS

[sfokevin]

I would not take great stock in the English text translation on your bill - you may be misinterpreting it... It would be helpful to us to judge the bill in its entirety?... What are the other line items? doctor fees ear cleaning and such?

 

Also I had a reoccurring ear infection with fungus and after 3-4 visits to CM Ram a I tried adding Tea Tree Oil to the ear cleaning oil sold at Boots... resolved the issue and no reoccurrence in over a year...

[jmd8800]

Rajavej Hospital has a desk for foreigners much like the International Desk at Chiang Mai Ram. As you enter the building you can stop at information and ask where it is located. You may find resolve there.

[New beginnings]

Finally was given the all clear from Hospital after 6 weeks treatment for an outer ear infection receiving various treatment’s, antibiotics etc. As still experiencing problems popped into Chiangmai Ram Hospital this morning for a second opinion. After a thorough examination the doctor, who spoke perfect English and appeared very professional, diagnosed I am actually suffering from an inner ear infection and have a small hole in the ear drum. He has now prescribed 2 stronger antibiotics and a decongestant to clear the canal whilst awaiting the results of a biopsy from the laboratory. All of this despite repeated visits to Rajavev and being given the all clear on Monday. Not overly impressed.

 

[elektrified]

I would never consider popping into any hospital to be treated for anything. What matters is the doctor. Research or get a recommendation from someone you trust for the doctor and go to his/her clinic or see them at the hospitals where they practice. Many of them have privileges at 2-4 different hospitals. Unfortunately I can't recommend an ENT. The guy I have been seeing for many years and is very well respected has let me down twice now and I won't be going back.