MRI and Hospital costs

[spornb]

It may be of interest to some MRI costs at Chulalongkorn, for foreigners remain constant from eighteen months ago

 

I am scheduled in Dec, for monitoring,  Two MRI s each 8000 Bht, Contrast 2500 Bht, upper abdomen, and separate lower abdomen

 

These will also be at the new facility, the state of the art and most up to date in Thailand

 

Personally I believe Chulalongkorn is a world class facility, at very affordable costs (queues and waiting time ignored)

[Lumbini]

So you are saying prices have remained the same even after the order for government hospitals to increase fees for foreigners went into place a few days ago ? I had bloodwork and scans done there last year and will do the same tests next month so are you saying that prices will be the same for me next month as they were a year ago ?

 

 

 

[Sheryl]

As has been mentioned in the relevant threads the prices in that order are well below prices currently charged to both Thais and foreigners.

 

there seems to be a complete disconnect between prices in these MoPH issuances and actual prices.

 

To conform with what the MoPH put out the hospitals would have to lower their prices and that isn't going to happen.

 

 

[spornb]

I max out the time between routine tests, MRIs, to reduce costs, also if and when either cancer return likely to do nothing, so do I really want to know

 

I have already opted for no more chemo, and turned down last colonoscopy,  but keep up to date on routine blood tests,(again at very good prices) and am registered with local palliative care, and guaranteed no pain, my body donated to Chula, and paper work on that, in order

 

Chulalongkorn probably the top, and most up to date facility, they have spent billions on the new particle radiation facility

 

 

[spornb]

19 hours ago, Lumbini said:

I had bloodwork and scans done there last year and will do the same tests next month so are you saying that prices will be the same for me next month as they were a year ago ?

 

When you say "there" are you referring to Chulalongkorn, because I have seen no significant price increases there, BUT i do not check the detail, I am under four specialists Chula, still only around 350/600 Bhat for consultations with the very tops, except Cuba probably no where else in the world will give these prices

 

Same man at Bumrungrad a very different story, but even there initial consultations not so expensive

 

If you can not get to doctor at Chula go to say Bumrungrad, for consultation, be nice to the doctor, and say you have little money, and he may switch you to Chula, thats how I got onto the books at Chula, I have dinner with all my consultants from time to time

 

I see no reason why you should experience significant price increases, but you will find out in a month, good luck, BUT in all honesty I do not know, if worried ask in advance, I always do

 

A small irritation is some times waiting up to 4/5 hrs for scheduled appointment, but with experience can often beat the queues with the right moves, knowing the nurses also helps

 

The Cafeteria at Chula also very good

[atyclb]

let me say a neck mri at bkk christian hospital was about 300 usd and the same mri at chula was also 300 usd a couple of years ago whereas you would have thought chula would be cheaper.  i think the prices for some technology are the same in several hospitals be they private or public. some fancy decorated private hospitals likely up the prices.

[spornb]

On 10/25/2019 at 12:48 PM, atyclb said:

let me say a neck mri at bkk christian hospital was about 300 usd and the same mri at chula was also 300 usd a couple of years ago whereas you would have thought chula would be cheaper.  i think the prices for some technology are the same in several hospitals be they private or public. some fancy decorated private hospitals likely up the prices.

An observation there are several generations of MRI equipment, now out there over the last several years, I know Chulalongkorn is using the latest, there can be a big difference in the quality of the scan, meaning what might show on the latest might not show on earlier ones

 

Some of the freestanding scan centres are buying secondhand older equipment

[atyclb]

1 hour ago, spornb said:

An observation there are several generations of MRI equipment, now out there over the last several years, I know Chulalongkorn is using the latest, there can be a big difference in the quality of the scan, meaning what might show on the latest might not show on earlier ones

 

Some of the freestanding scan centres are buying secondhand older equipment

 

wonder if some place do the same in purchasing second hand legacy excimer lasers for lasik surgery?

[HeijoshinCool]

What is the waiting time for a consult at Chula?

[atyclb]

21 minutes ago, HeijoshinCool said:

What is the waiting time for a consult at Chula?

 depends on service and queue. sometimes it is better to return another day. nurse will inform you. should arrive early am.  sometime same day available. they are fairly organized as far as queu # and exam rooms. not fast but quality good and cost effective.  if new pricing is very high and similar to private hospital suggest private hospital sice you will be in and out faster including speed of tests.

[HeijoshinCool]

29 minutes ago, atyclb said:

 depends on service and queue. sometimes it is better to return another day. nurse will inform you. should arrive early am.  sometime same day available. they are fairly organized as far as queu # and exam rooms. not fast but quality good and cost effective.  if new pricing is very high and similar to private hospital suggest private hospital sice you will be in and out faster including speed of tests.

.

If I got an ortho consult outside of Chula and he ordered an MRI, can I still get it done at Chula? Is there a long wait list for an appointment for the scan?

[atyclb]

36 minutes ago, HeijoshinCool said:

1 hour ago, atyclb said:

 depends on service and queue. sometimes it is better to return another day. nurse will inform you. should arrive early am.  sometime same day available. they are fairly organized as far as queu # and exam rooms. not fast but quality good and cost effective.  if new pricing is very high and similar to private hospital suggest private hospital sice you will be in and out faster including speed of tests.

.

If I got an ortho consult outside of Chula and he ordered an MRI, can I still get it done at Chula? Is there a long wait list for an appointment for the scan?

 

honestly dont know

 

my mr was done at bangkok christian and very expediently but maybe it was a slow day

Edited November 14, 2019 by atyclb

[HeijoshinCool]

Thanks.

 

How much at Bangkok Christian?

[Sheryl]

13 hours ago, atyclb said:

 depends on service and queue. sometimes it is better to return another day. nurse will inform you. should arrive early am.  sometime same day available. they are fairly organized as far as queu # and exam rooms. not fast but quality good and cost effective.  if new pricing is very high and similar to private hospital suggest private hospital sice you will be in and out faster including speed of tests.

 

the supposed "new pricing" contained in MoPH brochure is lower than current pricing even for Thais. These guidelines have been widely ignored for years as they do not reflect actual costs.

 

Chula or any other govt hospital might certainly increase their private pay rates but it won't be because of the MoPH list that has been widely fussed over on expat forums. To align with that, they would have to lower prices and that isn't going to happen.

[Sheryl]

8 hours ago, HeijoshinCool said:

Thanks.

 

How much at Bangkok Christian?

Post #6

 

The top end (price wise) private hospitals charge significantly more but aside from them there is not much cost difference between private and government hospitals for CTs and MRIs. Stand alone imaging centers are less by a few thousand baht. Their equipment may be older, which may or may not matter. Best to discuss with the doctor who advises the scan both where to have it done and what parameters.

[spornb]

On 11/14/2019 at 10:12 PM, HeijoshinCool said:

What is the waiting time for a consult at Chula?

Can be several months, but then some consultants can fast track this, but only a phone call to ascertain waiting time

 

I have two MRIs soon at Chula, and see various specialists there after

 

I will ask for further MRI in six months with the intention of deferring it to 12 if all stays ok, ( very easy to postpone or defer) but keeps me away from long waiting times, this will be my 5th lot of MRI s there

On 11/15/2019 at 12:30 PM, Sheryl said:

Their equipment may be older, which may or may not matter. Best to discuss with the doctor who advises the scan both where to have it done and what parameters.

S's comment is very true, but here in Thailand also very important to have competent person analyse the results

 

I  have an MRI from an independent , with conclusion from the centre all well, the consultant who requested it never reviewed the MRI just read the report,  I noticed this but stupid me did not challenge him not reviewing the detail,    but second opinion on the images  twelve months later correctly diagnosed significant problems, hence the saving of a few thousand bhatt was false economy, and in fact very dangerous

 

I have had MRI, CT scans in Thailand and India 20 plus in all and seen several examples of incompetence, Chulalongkorn I respect very highly and trust.

 

 I always keep copies of the scans and then second opinion easy, tell them later you think they made a mistake, and the original vanishes

 

JUST BE VERY CAREFUL THAT  YOUR CONSULTANT IS UP TO IT

 

A very close friend under a private hospital large chain, here, for many years and on a lot of medication, from that hospital, went home to Norway and his daughter called me  two months later to say he died full of cancer, no one here in thailand was aware he had cancer, maybe another horror story and negligence, who knows but very suspicious, God Bless

[HeijoshinCool]

Thanks, everyone.

 

I found a hospital with a newer machine, down south, that does the MRI for 5000 baht.

 

I'll let you know how it goes.

[spornb]

4 hours ago, HeijoshinCool said:

I found a hospital with a newer machine, down south, that does the MRI for 5000 baht.

For those no so informed many different prices for MRI, depending which part of the body being done

 

5000 sounds too good to be true, proceed with caution, read the small print, 

 

good luck

[lopburi3]

7 minutes ago, spornb said:

For those no so informed many different prices for MRI, depending which part of the body being done

 

5000 sounds too good to be true, proceed with caution, read the small print, 

 

good luck

Not only the small print but the competence of the operators can be vital.  Almost lost a family member having MRI w/contrast when only a passing nurse responded to his distress a few years ago - and that was at a recommended facility.  

[HeijoshinCool]

Thanks for the replies. I didn't want to be long-winded. Wife's aunt is a nurse for an ortho who did a laminectomy on wife's 68 y.o. father. That was three months ago. Whereas he used to walk in a manner that looked like someone on a surfboard halfway between kneeling and standing, he is now upright and the pain has greatly diminished.

 

Did not ask for any favors, or if any were being given, that's just what she said the MRI would cost. 

 

Always proceed with caution, and I will probably take the MRI for second opinion(s), especially if surgery is recommended.

 

I appreciate your thoughts.

[spornb]

MRI costs, just booked lower and upper abdomen,( two MRIs) with contrast for December 2020, yes one year forward, and remains at 18500,   8000+8000+2500, was told once booked price is fixed

 

Had MRI at same costs two days ago

 

My Oncologist at Chula, (John Hopkins trained), told me to always keep an appointment with him, because if I fall off the list may be difficult to get back on it, so have appointment with him also one year forward, and if necessary I can phone and defer that one six months

 

So if one can get on Chula list, important to stay there, my body already donated there and paper work in place with Chula, at which stage I can come off the list !

 

Chulalongkorn is undergoing major building work, demolition and rebuilding as well as brand new Particle Radiation Facilities

[SheungWan]

For those about to book an MRI scan for the first time, please can I emphasize that there is a world of difference between using one of the older model machines and the newer models. The older model is claustrophobic and likened by me to being reversed into an old cigar tube. The newer model on the other hand is a walk in the park in comparison. I wouldn't like to go back into one of the older models whatever the price. So when booking, check what you are going to get.

[atyclb]

5 hours ago, SheungWan said:

For those about to book an MRI scan for the first time, please can I emphasize that there is a world of difference between using one of the older model machines and the newer models. The older model is claustrophobic and likened by me to being reversed into an old cigar tube. The newer model on the other hand is a walk in the park in comparison. I wouldn't like to go back into one of the older models whatever the price. So when booking, check what you are going to get.

 

so for those who are claustrophobic it is better to use a newer mr. for those not claustrophobic (me) given the choice expensive scan vs lower priced scan i'd choose the lower priced scan.

 

i was in the cigar tube and quite relaxed. no big deal since you know it's temporary.

Edited December 6, 2019 by atyclb

[Metropolitian]

Went to Vhibavadi which is private. Brain scan CT and MRI and chest/shoulder MRI.

Price for the MRI was 9000 and the doctor fee 500 and consults are 700.

So the cost isn't that much higher. 

 

It's a private hospital. You will pay some service charges (80) and midwifery charges (140), in return everything is fast and appointments are flexible.

It's the medicines they want to sell you, paid 2000 once and for the same I bought again at the pharmacy for 450. After that I just ask for the prescription and buy myself outside the hospital (in case of no insured).

 

R,

[spornb]

11 hours ago, SheungWan said:

For those about to book an MRI scan for the first time, please can I emphasize that there is a world of difference between using one of the older model machines and the newer models. The older model is claustrophobic and likened by me to being reversed into an old cigar tube. The newer model on the other hand is a walk in the park in comparison. I wouldn't like to go back into one of the older models whatever the price. So when booking, check what you are going to get.

I can confirm the difficulty and pain one can suffer on what should be a walk in the park

 

I have had too many MRIs and CT scans, maybe ten plus, I always keep copies and put onto memory stick, which is easy to do, and easy to give to another hospital or consultant

 

I am a big man 6ft 2ins and 140kilos

 

When having two MRIs lower and upper abdomen, and dye, my arms are fully stretched out above my head, this all takes about one and a half hours after about 40 mins I have cramps and pain in my left shoulder, and it becomes almost unbearable

 

Next time I need to request some breaks at convenient times

 

Generally they also have to have several goes to find a vein into which to inset the needle, I have very low pain thresholds and this also distresses me, I now take my own spray on anaesthetic, to numb my hand

[lopburi3]

5 minutes ago, spornb said:

I am a big man 6ft 2ins and 140kilos

That indeed must be tight - I was changed to CT one time because of size and I am only about 5/11 90 kilos.  Have been having MRI recently but with arms to side (they can do both ways) as could never keep above head - even for short CT scan it is uncomfortable.  But at 140 kilos that might not be an option as even for me it is a tight fit and have bruising on arm next day.  Also have same issue with blood access and it indeed can be painful, especially back of hand - often have to use arm. 

[Metropolitian]

I can understand that. I am 90 kilos but most of it is in my tummy 555.

Have wide chest and arms. And they need to scan my shoulder which needed to be close to the center.

Needless to say, the other arm was well pushed against the wall, and when moving I wished I powdered it before.

[SheungWan]

With the more modern MRI scanner, Siemens if I recall, my eyes were outside the machine and apart from the endless knock-knocking noise I felt at the end hey! this is no problem at all. In comparison I don't want to get back into one of the older machines ever again.