Where to check your health issues

[Cristiancjb]

Hi, as a foreigner I had been thinking where to go and check myself if I have pain or some other health problems.

What do you recommend? Government hospital, private hospital, clinic...? What differences are there? Don't know how everything works for foreigners here. I would of course need somewhere where they speak English (although I have a Thai girlfriend). I live right now in the San Sai area so I don't know

[FolkGuitar]

Chiang Mai Ram Hospital if you have the money and want luxury treatment. No waiting for treatment.

Rajavege (?) Hospital if you have it, but don't want to waste it on luxury treatment.  20-min wait.

Sri Phat Hospital if you don't have money, but want top-level medical care. Bring a sleeping bag...

[Cristiancjb]

1 hour ago, FolkGuitar said:

Chiang Mai Ram Hospital if you have the money and want luxury treatment. No waiting for treatment.

Rajavege (?) Hospital if you have it, but don't want to waste it on luxury treatment.  20-min wait.

Sri Phat Hospital if you don't have money, but want top-level medical care. Bring a sleeping bag...

Haha, nice answer! One option for every level! ????

 

yeah, I don't have much money but want good medical care so I might go for Sri phat then. 

is it a lot of difference in how much you pay between the options you gave?

[baansgr]

Sometimes a pharmacy will suffice, I have a great one near me that Skype's a Dr if she is unsure...no extra charge and perfect English, 

[bkk6060]

1 hour ago, FolkGuitar said:

Chiang Mai Ram Hospital if you have the money and want luxury treatment. No waiting for treatment.

Rajavege (?) Hospital if you have it, but don't want to waste it on luxury treatment.  20-min wait.

Sri Phat Hospital if you don't have money, but want top-level medical care. Bring a sleeping bag...

For luxury I found the main hospital of Chiang Mai ram to be kind of a dump.  Seemed old and dirty with many people who looked poor waiting.  Do they take overflow from government hospitals?  Just sayin.

A much better option that I chose was Bangkok CM hospital.  More updated, cleaner and professional I thought.

Either way, it will cost more.  But, how much is a persons health worth to them? Always amazes me how many just want the cheapest alternative.

[lexilis]

Initially for assessment and diagnosis as an outpatient (not admitted) I would go to the highest quality option. Outpatient fees are cheap here. Even at Bangkok Hospital (which is top quality, good English, etc, better than Ram) the outpatient fees, even with seeing a specialist, are reasonable. X-rays and the like are are bit more expensive but still reasonable. If the examination, tests, and diagnosis reveals that the person has a serious problem that will require admission (possible surgery, etc.) but it is not an immediate emergency, then maybe look around for a cheaper hospital. Prices for surgery can differ by large factors between hospitals.  That's my 2 cents anyway. 

[Sheryl]

For simple problems I would suggest this GP clinic, used by many expats.

 

http://www.healthcaremedicalclinic.com/index.php

[Cristiancjb]

1 hour ago, bkk6060 said:

For luxury I found the main hospital of Chiang Mai ram to be kind of a dump.  Seemed old and dirty with many people who looked poor waiting.  Do they take overflow from government hospitals?  Just sayin.

A much better option that I chose was Bangkok CM hospital.  More updated, cleaner and professional I thought.

Either way, it will cost more.  But, how much is a persons health worth to them? Always amazes me how many just want the cheapest alternative.

I don't think it's always about the cheapest alternative but not many people want to pay more than they need too. Of what I have read, many people feel that private hospitals overcharge much more than what they actually give. Well, of course, if you don't have much money then you don't want the most expensive option, not everyone have the resources to pay a lot, specially if it is something small they need to check

[FolkGuitar]

2 hours ago, Cristiancjb said:

Haha, nice answer! One option for every level! ????

 

yeah, I don't have much money but want good medical care so I might go for Sri phat then. 

is it a lot of difference in how much you pay between the options you gave?

 

In some cases, the costs could be double!  But a 7,000 baht visit to Chiang Mai Ram or Bangkok Hospital will cost about 4000 at SriPhat.  SriPhat is CMU Medical Center's hospital, and often staffed with the teaching faculty of the various medical specialties. VERY up-to-date medical care, and certainly more diagnostic machinery than any of the others. But you do have to wait your turn.

 

[FolkGuitar]

2 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

For luxury I found the main hospital of Chiang Mai ram to be kind of a dump.  Seemed old and dirty with many people who looked poor waiting.  Do they take overflow from government hospitals?  Just sayin.

A much better option that I chose was Bangkok CM hospital. 

 

I don't wish to pay for a full-time piano player in the reception area. I'd rather spend my money on medical care.

[ramrod711]

I like Lanna hospital, costs are equal to Rajavej which is also good. I went to Lanna today for the required health check for insurance. They have "packages" but not one that included all the tests that I needed. They're close to town and I've used them for Xrays and other minor stuff.

[dingdongrb]

17 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

For luxury I found the main hospital of Chiang Mai ram to be kind of a dump.  Seemed old and dirty with many people who looked poor waiting.   

 

A much better option that I chose was Bangkok CM hospital.  More updated, cleaner and professional I thought.

 

I totally agree with these opinions.

[jonwilly]

Find yourself a GP, general practitioner as we British say. 

Dr T at Lho Kroi clinic is often quoted as best in town, Dr Morgan on Hang Dong Rd has a strong following I have used both and no complaints about the Medical side of the job.

I have used the Ram since 2001 when I came here and have had about 6 operations there no complains on medical side but as folk say not the cheapest. Bangkok hospital is new and so more modern, I have only used it once and was not Happy nothing I can put my finger on.

Suan Dok the main government hospital is good, very quick ER and efficient service when I got bit by a dog and not expensive.

Haven't tried the other public hospitals but as people say much cheaper then Private.

 

john

[ThaiPauly]

19 hours ago, FolkGuitar said:

 

I don't wish to pay for a full-time piano player in the reception area. I'd rather spend my money on medical care.

Not full time...only on Fridays.....and they throw in a violinist as well!!!

[elektrified]

On 1/26/2020 at 11:04 AM, FolkGuitar said:

Chiang Mai Ram Hospital if you have the money and want luxury treatment. No waiting for treatment.

Rajavege (?) Hospital if you have it, but don't want to waste it on luxury treatment.  20-min wait.

Sri Phat Hospital if you don't have money, but want top-level medical care. Bring a sleeping bag...

I would not call Sriphat cheap by any means. The last two procedures that I needed done, C.M. Ram beat the price by a long shot (by more than 7K THB).

 

Of course I like Sriphat but their prices are up on average of 100-150% over the last 10 years. For a health check then they may offer promotions from time to time.

[elektrified]

On 1/26/2020 at 12:09 PM, Cristiancjb said:

Haha, nice answer! One option for every level! ????

 

yeah, I don't have much money but want good medical care so I might go for Sri phat then. 

is it a lot of difference in how much you pay between the options you gave?

Rajavej and McCormick are both less expensive than Sriphat - for absolute certain.

 

Since you live in Sansai and are on a budget, there is Sansai Hospital which recently tripled in size and added a lot of new technology. They would be less expensive than any of the others mentioned.

[FolkGuitar]

1 hour ago, elektrified said:

I would not call Sriphat cheap by any means. The last two procedures that I needed done, C.M. Ram beat the price by a long shot (by more than 7K THB).

 

Of course I like Sriphat but their prices are up on average of 100-150% over the last 10 years. For a health check then they may offer promotions from time to time.

 

I guess it varies from procedure to procedure.

I just had double cornea transplants done at Sriphat. It was less than two thirds the price a Chiang Mai Ram.

[EricTh]

On 1/26/2020 at 11:04 AM, FolkGuitar said:

Chiang Mai Ram Hospital if you have the money and want luxury treatment. No waiting for treatment.

Rajavege (?) Hospital if you have it, but don't want to waste it on luxury treatment.  20-min wait.

Sri Phat Hospital if you don't have money, but want top-level medical care. Bring a sleeping bag...

You mean CMU hospital?

 

It's not cheap anymore, they shoved all the foreigners to another building that charge higher foreigner fees.

 

the last time I was there....they charge 300 baht minimum for consultation excluding any medicine fees and the waiting time is long.

 

Might as well go to a private hospital or clinic for that price.

Edited January 27, 2020 by EricTh

[FolkGuitar]

1 hour ago, EricTh said:

You mean CMU hospital?

 

It's not cheap anymore, they shoved all the foreigners to another building that charge higher foreigner fees.

 

 

During the 8-9 times I've been to the Ophthalmology Clinic this past year, twice I saw another foreigner in the waiting room besides myself. Once there were two others. All the dozens of other patients looked Thai. The day of one of my surgeries, there was one other Farang and three Thais waiting for the same transplant. The second surgery, I was the only Farang, with one other Thai waiting.

[chingmai331]

Are you sick now?  Need some kind of check-up?  How old are you?

Lanna, Nakornping, San Sai = all good hospitals without going into city.  Only Lanna is private, public a bit cheaper but may be slower treatment.

 

[elektrified]

7 hours ago, FolkGuitar said:

 

I guess it varies from procedure to procedure.

I just had double cornea transplants done at Sriphat. It was less than two thirds the price a Chiang Mai Ram.

Yes, you are right. It does vary from procedure to procedure. I have heard eye procedures are expensive at Ram.

[FolkGuitar]

17 hours ago, FolkGuitar said:

 

I guess it varies from procedure to procedure.

I just had double cornea transplants done at Sriphat. It was less than two thirds the price a Chiang Mai Ram.

 

9 hours ago, elektrified said:

Yes, you are right. It does vary from procedure to procedure. I have heard eye procedures are expensive at Ram.

 

Not just a price difference, Sriphat, being a teaching hospital has far more diagnostic equipment than any of the other hospitals. Not being a fan of waiting rooms, I first went to Rajavej when I began having other eye problems besides the cornea problem. They suggested I see the doctor at Sriphat. I put that off and went to Bangkok Hospital instead, thinking them to be the newest and most up to date. They examined me and suggested I go to Sriphat.  So I went to Sriphat and got diagnosed and treated. Decided to have the rest of the work done there. Very satisfied with the outcome. After the first examination, I never had to wait very long in the waiting room for my next appointment. I was always one of the first few patients to be called.

[CMoldie]

Think about doctors rather than hospitals. I go to Sriphat for the specialist gastroenterology clinic, and RAM for dermatology (both of which I need to do more often than I would wish).

That's because I have found doctors that I trust.

A comment on Sriphat: it marks up medications by less than most hospitals. I can get one of the medications I need cheaper there than I can at Dara Pharmacy. (Another of the medications I take is only available through hospital pharmacies)

For someone who is new to Chiang Mai, Sheryls suggestion to go to Dr Morgan's clinic is best. You can either be treated there for small problems, or referred on to an appropriate specialist if needed.

[elektrified]

2 hours ago, FolkGuitar said:

 

 

Not just a price difference, Sriphat, being a teaching hospital has far more diagnostic equipment than any of the other hospitals. Not being a fan of waiting rooms, I first went to Rajavej when I began having other eye problems besides the cornea problem. They suggested I see the doctor at Sriphat. I put that off and went to Bangkok Hospital instead, thinking them to be the newest and most up to date. They examined me and suggested I go to Sriphat.  So I went to Sriphat and got diagnosed and treated. Decided to have the rest of the work done there. Very satisfied with the outcome. After the first examination, I never had to wait very long in the waiting room for my next appointment. I was always one of the first few patients to be called.

Sriphat is great - I agree. But some things they don't and can't offer there and Ram is the ONLY place in C.M. that does. For example: diagnostic radiological procedures that are so painful and unpleasant, that general anesthesia/sedation is commonly administered during the procedure, can't be done at Sriphat/Suan Dok because the radiology department is nowhere near the O.R. and is not equipped with emergency apparatus in the event something goes wrong with the anesthesia/sedation. Likewise with Rajavej, McCormick, etc. At Ram they have all the radiology equipment parked in the hallway and it can be wheeled into the O.R. where the anesthesiologist and his equipment are. The radiologist can then work in the O.R.

 

But I like Sriphat for most things and have overall had good results there.

[opalred]

if you have a yellow book it is free at your local clinic for check up 

if they say need other attention will tell where to go /at Thai price

awhile back they told me to go to a new hospital near mai rim

a few people there /no wait/ with dr for 1hr /cost with 3lots tabs 300b 

the wife does a lot of community work/ says if have to stay at a  hospital 

pay minimal 30b a day/ have a healthy day cheers 

  

[Stubby]

This upcoming event may be a good place to go for advice:

 

 

[ThaiPauly]

On the subject of Doctor Pricing (off topic but some may find it interesting) we recently saw pain doctors at Ram, Sriphat and Bangkok

 

Ram was       700

Sriphat was   500

 

Bangkok, Chiang Mai was 4,000 (but the doctor did spend half an hour with us and gave an injection that was not included in her fee.

 

I have been charged just 500 baht to see the urologist at Bangkok Chiang Mai so it obviously varies doctor to doctor let alone hospital to hospital

[SammyJ]

On 1/26/2020 at 12:25 PM, bkk6060 said:

For luxury I found the main hospital of Chiang Mai ram to be kind of a dump.  Seemed old and dirty with many people who looked poor waiting.  Do they take overflow from government hospitals?  Just sayin.

A much better option that I chose was Bangkok CM hospital.  More updated, cleaner and professional I thought.

Either way, it will cost more.  But, how much is a persons health worth to them? Always amazes me how many just want the cheapest alternative.

I have been a regular at CM Ram for years, and yes, it is not as modern or clean as the newer Bkk CM hospital.  I see common fixes--paint scrapped, wall paper torn, that could easily and should be repaired to give a better appearance--surprises me that minor things are not more promptly addressed.  However, many of the hospital rooms\floors  have been renovated and are quite nice.

 

With all that said, it is what's inside--the doctors that make it--CM Ram, in the past, has had the best overall group of specialists, even if some only appear part time.  In most recent few years, I have seen less, overall, of the best doctors at CM Ram--some retiring, some moving to Bkk hospital, some other hospitals or their own clinics.  

 

Most cm hospitals have websites where you can read detailed bios of each dr in each dept--well worth the read and to see background, training and experience.  It may have changed recently, but when Bkk newly opened, I considered moving there, but when I took the time to read the bios of drs in depts i commonly used, i found that many did not have the level of experience or training that wanted.

 

For me, CMR is still the best, overall, but unlike medical systems in the US and others, here you go right away to a specialist, which is often more than needed--that's why some of the local clinics mentioned are great for minor matters.

[SammyJ]

On 1/28/2020 at 8:51 AM, CMoldie said:

Think about doctors rather than hospitals. I go to Sriphat for the specialist gastroenterology clinic, and RAM for dermatology (both of which I need to do more often than I would wish).

That's because I have found doctors that I trust.

A comment on Sriphat: it marks up medications by less than most hospitals. I can get one of the medications I need cheaper there than I can at Dara Pharmacy. (Another of the medications I take is only available through hospital pharmacies)

For someone who is new to Chiang Mai, Sheryls suggestion to go to Dr Morgan's clinic is best. You can either be treated there for small problems, or referred on to an appropriate specialist if needed.

i agree with your excellent advice--we have a pediatrician we see at CM Ram, and for the occasional visit for one of the children, the office visit might be 300-500 baht, and then i would see that medications could run an additional 1500-2000 baht--so, long ago, i quit buying the meds there--most doctors were cooperative and would write down the names of the prescriptions on a paper for me, understanding the markup (don't know if they get a cut of prescription fees, but wouldn't surprise me)--also, this process allows me to go online and research each prescription given for my children--even at ram, doctors here tend to very much OVER PRESCRIBE, and that can have long term negative impact on children--I have found one children's dr who seems to understand this and we now use.  It's not always this drastic a difference, but on occasion, the prices for meds at Ram might be several thousand baht, and i have been able to get the same exact meds outside a excellent pharmacy for only several hundred baht.

 

Yes, I like Ram for dermo, they have also have a part time excellent eye dr, who teaches at the university, and Dr. Morgan is great!!