Mri Scan

[cigar7]

I was hoping somebody can recommend some reliable insititution in Thailand where one get a full body MRI scan done along with a full analysis of the scan, perhaps even downloaded to a DVD. Can anyone recommend an institution? How long does it take? What would be the cost? Are there any places to avoid?

Thanks!

[jcgodber]

http://www.bangkokhospital.com/english/service/ims.asp

[leisurely]

I have to ask why you would want to? the cost would be astronomical and the time taken to perform the MRI would be rather lenghty. If you suspect you have a problem I think you would be better seeing a physician for a diagnosis.

Just my 25 satangs worth (not much and useless!)

[THAILIBAN]

the Bumrungrad Hospital has excellent equipment. I had to undergo such screening less than a year ago in two different cases and can highly recommend it (though I know they sometimes get mixed reviews, but for the SCAN I think they are by far the best option in Thailand).

Not cheap, though.....

[Ijustwannateach]

Can anyone give us a ballpark in terms of price/volume of body?

[Nordlys]

I've done MRI scan on brain (to check the pituitary gland and hypothalamus) at Bumrungrad and it cost me no more than 6 - 7,000 Baht if I remember correctly but that was about 7 years ago (it might have included doctor's fee). The price might depend on whether or not they have to inject contrast agent. You need to make a reservation weeks in advance for MRI (about two weeks for me).

[Prakanong]

I thought Bumrungrad had a centre they sent you too up at Mor Chit if there place was full - up there and back in a car with the results back before you.

My pal is a senior radiologist here in Singapore - I will ask him the cost here and see if he knows at Bumrungrad as he has done some work there too.

He has just been texted.

Edited May 14, 2007 by Prakanong

[Prakanong]

Just spoke to my pal who is an American Dr and is now a Consultant Neuro-Radiologist in Singapore

He is basically saying what do you need a full body MRI for?

MRI's are usually when dealing with a problem and they are better for some body parts than others

If its health screening CT's are better

He reckons 8-10k per body part at Bumrungrad but they do not do all body parts - they are not good for lungs for example so 50K for total body (the bits they should do)

He says you also have to look at the strength of the machine and quality of the software.

You can have a 3000 Tesla (sp?) machine which is best for brain work but can give crap esults due to crap software.

He says they only have 1500 tesla machines where he is but good software - they are getting 3000 tesla's soon

Basically if you have a little more info on why you need it he is good at answering ;-)

[cigar7]

I just got a quote Bumrungrad hospital:

Regarding your inquiry, kindly be informed that the estimated price of Full body MRI scan is approximately 43,000 Baht**.

Initial consultation cost around 600 - 1,500 Baht**/doctor/visit.

Generally, the patient can request the staff to download the image into normal CD with addtional 200 Baht**. DVD service is not available here.

REMARK **These prices are for planning purposes only to assist the patient in understanding the possible range of costs. Actual estimates for care cannot be accurately provided until the patient has been examined by the BH physician. The cost ranges provided are based upon our best understanding of the patient's condition at the time of contact and do not represent a minimum or maximum potential cost.

Note: Price is subject to change without notice.

[Prakanong]

My pals estimate was in the ballpark then - he said 8-10K per body part up to 50k

Funny thing was he knew the price at Bumrungrad better than his own place. He thought it was for me at first and said he would ask about "Friends and Family" discount

I might go for the 64 slice CT scan this year with my health screening allowance from work

[Sheryl]

So Bummer's is actually offering "full body scans" !!! I thought that was only a joke, they even had an episode on "Scrubs" about it.

Seriously it makes no sense whatsoever to have.

About the only time that multiple body parts need to be scanned are to check for metastasis in someone who has been diagnosed with cancer, and even then it is not a "full body" scan but a scan of those parts of the body where the cancer in question commonly spreads to...and I think (not sure) that A CT rather than MRI scan is usual.

Quite frankly I think this is a money-making rip off, exploiting the lure that high tech tests have for many people.

Bear in mind that a scan is only as good as the person who interprets it and I somehow doubt that too much time and scrutiny is going to go into reading an elective total body scans. As it is, in my expereince even the review of standard tests in a routine health check up are way too rapid and cursory at Bummers. They wow the clients with the technology and plush furnishings but often fail to deliver what is most important, i.e. a well thought out medical assessment.

For that matter, even a thoroughly consciencious clinician would be at a disadvantage reading a scan done for no particulalr reason (I am assuming the OP has no particular ailment because if he did, it wouldn't be a question of scanning the entire body). Scans are best interpreted in the context of the patient's medical history and symptoms.

[sbk]

Sheryl, my mother has a PET scan every 3 months to scan for any recurrence of cancer, not CT and not MRI.

[Prakanong]

So Bummer's is actually offering "full body scans" !!! I thought that was only a joke, they even had an episode on "Scrubs" about it.

Seriously it makes no sense whatsoever to have.

About the only time that multiple body parts need to be scanned are to check for metastasis in someone who has been diagnosed with cancer, and even then it is not a "full body" scan but a scan of those parts of the body where the cancer in question commonly spreads to...and I think (not sure) that A CT rather than MRI scan is usual.

Quite frankly I think this is a money-making rip off, exploiting the lure that high tech tests have for many people.

Bear in mind that a scan is only as good as the person who interprets it and I somehow doubt that too much time and scrutiny is going to go into reading an elective total body scans. As it is, in my expereince even the review of standard tests in a routine health check up are way too rapid and cursory at Bummers. They wow the clients with the technology and plush furnishings but often fail to deliver what is most important, i.e. a well thought out medical assessment.

For that matter, even a thoroughly consciencious clinician would be at a disadvantage reading a scan done for no particulalr reason (I am assuming the OP has no particular ailment because if he did, it wouldn't be a question of scanning the entire body). Scans are best interpreted in the context of the patient's medical history and symptoms.

Much the same as what my pal said who is a Consultant Neuro-Radiologist

He also said last night the idea of getting the pictures copied to a CD is worthless without the data accompanying the images - must be a lot of data I reckon

[Prakanong]

"Bear in mind that a scan is only as good as the person who interprets it and I somehow doubt that too much time and scrutiny is going to go into reading an elective total body scans. As it is, in my expereince even the review of standard tests in a routine health check up are way too rapid and cursory at Bummers. They wow the clients with the technology and plush furnishings but often fail to deliver what is most important, i.e. a well thought out medical assessment."

Hmm I was thinking about changing my full yearly health screen to Bumrungrad this year from Raffles.

This was mostly to do with the way they rush you about at Raffles and all the kiasu shit there.

Nevertheless the review was quite thorough and I was very happy about this.

My own GP then did a thorough review of all the results too and made extensive notes and follow up actions and there was no charge other than my normal visit for something else.

I also had colleagues at work go over the results in area's in which they have specialist expertise - of course this is free too ;-)

Then I had my pal the radilogist have a shifty too

Belt braces and string ;-)

After your comments I am sticking to Raffles - I walk past it every day.

[cigar7]

"Bear in mind that a scan is only as good as the person who interprets it and I somehow doubt that too much time and scrutiny is going to go into reading an elective total body scans. As it is, in my expereince even the review of standard tests in a routine health check up are way too rapid and cursory at Bummers. They wow the clients with the technology and plush furnishings but often fail to deliver what is most important, i.e. a well thought out medical assessment."

Hmm I was thinking about changing my full yearly health screen to Bumrungrad this year from Raffles.

This was mostly to do with the way they rush you about at Raffles and all the kiasu shit there.

Nevertheless the review was quite thorough and I was very happy about this.

My own GP then did a thorough review of all the results too and made extensive notes and follow up actions and there was no charge other than my normal visit for something else.

I also had colleagues at work go over the results in area's in which they have specialist expertise - of course this is free too ;-)

Then I had my pal the radilogist have a shifty too

Belt braces and string ;-)

After your comments I am sticking to Raffles - I walk past it every day.

OK, you guys/gals have convinced me that a full body MRI scan may not be good use of my money, especially from Bumrungrad.

What type of scan would you recommend for the upper body, basically the neck and shoulders? What institutution would be best for such a scan?

[cigar7]

"Bear in mind that a scan is only as good as the person who interprets it and I somehow doubt that too much time and scrutiny is going to go into reading an elective total body scans. As it is, in my expereince even the review of standard tests in a routine health check up are way too rapid and cursory at Bummers. They wow the clients with the technology and plush furnishings but often fail to deliver what is most important, i.e. a well thought out medical assessment."

Hmm I was thinking about changing my full yearly health screen to Bumrungrad this year from Raffles.

This was mostly to do with the way they rush you about at Raffles and all the kiasu shit there.

Nevertheless the review was quite thorough and I was very happy about this.

My own GP then did a thorough review of all the results too and made extensive notes and follow up actions and there was no charge other than my normal visit for something else.

I also had colleagues at work go over the results in area's in which they have specialist expertise - of course this is free too ;-)

Then I had my pal the radilogist have a shifty too

Belt braces and string ;-)

After your comments I am sticking to Raffles - I walk past it every day.

OK, you guys/gals have convinced me that a full body MRI scan may not be good use of my money, especially from Bumrungrad.

What type of scan would you recommend for the upper body, basically the neck and head? What institutution would be best for such a scan?

[jackmuu]

"Bear in mind that a scan is only as good as the person who interprets it and I somehow doubt that too much time and scrutiny is going to go into reading an elective total body scans. As it is, in my expereince even the review of standard tests in a routine health check up are way too rapid and cursory at Bummers. They wow the clients with the technology and plush furnishings but often fail to deliver what is most important, i.e. a well thought out medical assessment."

Hmm I was thinking about changing my full yearly health screen to Bumrungrad this year from Raffles.

This was mostly to do with the way they rush you about at Raffles and all the kiasu shit there.

Nevertheless the review was quite thorough and I was very happy about this.

My own GP then did a thorough review of all the results too and made extensive notes and follow up actions and there was no charge other than my normal visit for something else.

I also had colleagues at work go over the results in area's in which they have specialist expertise - of course this is free too ;-)

Then I had my pal the radilogist have a shifty too

Belt braces and string ;-)

After your comments I am sticking to Raffles - I walk past it every day.

OK, you guys/gals have convinced me that a full body MRI scan may not be good use of my money, especially from Bumrungrad.

What type of scan would you recommend for the upper body, basically the neck and shoulders? What institutution would be best for such a scan?

I had one done for my spine here in Ladprao area near to Wiphavadhi hospital, cost me around 8000 baht, the scan took around 20 mins, the doc interpreted it and wrote a report and I took it back to my Doc. It was a good quality scan and helped find the problem. No waiting either, rang at 2pm and had the scan the next day.

I don't have the details to hand but pm me if you want further info and I will get it for you.

[Prakanong]

"Bear in mind that a scan is only as good as the person who interprets it and I somehow doubt that too much time and scrutiny is going to go into reading an elective total body scans. As it is, in my expereince even the review of standard tests in a routine health check up are way too rapid and cursory at Bummers. They wow the clients with the technology and plush furnishings but often fail to deliver what is most important, i.e. a well thought out medical assessment."

Hmm I was thinking about changing my full yearly health screen to Bumrungrad this year from Raffles.

This was mostly to do with the way they rush you about at Raffles and all the kiasu shit there.

Nevertheless the review was quite thorough and I was very happy about this.

My own GP then did a thorough review of all the results too and made extensive notes and follow up actions and there was no charge other than my normal visit for something else.

I also had colleagues at work go over the results in area's in which they have specialist expertise - of course this is free too ;-)

Then I had my pal the radilogist have a shifty too

Belt braces and string ;-)

After your comments I am sticking to Raffles - I walk past it every day.

OK, you guys/gals have convinced me that a full body MRI scan may not be good use of my money, especially from Bumrungrad.

What type of scan would you recommend for the upper body, basically the neck and head? What institutution would be best for such a scan?

I will text my pal the neuro-radiologist ;-)

He usually gets paid a lot for this type of work - LOL

Got an answer "What does he want it for and does he have any health issues"

I can see why my pal would ask but this might be personal for a public board!!!

I think the answer will be different if you are looking for a general health screening or for something specific and the answer wil be different for both and probably further efined for what you are looking for specifically if its that.

Edited May 22, 2007 by Prakanong

[cigar7]

"Bear in mind that a scan is only as good as the person who interprets it and I somehow doubt that too much time and scrutiny is going to go into reading an elective total body scans. As it is, in my expereince even the review of standard tests in a routine health check up are way too rapid and cursory at Bummers. They wow the clients with the technology and plush furnishings but often fail to deliver what is most important, i.e. a well thought out medical assessment."

Hmm I was thinking about changing my full yearly health screen to Bumrungrad this year from Raffles.

This was mostly to do with the way they rush you about at Raffles and all the kiasu shit there.

Nevertheless the review was quite thorough and I was very happy about this.

My own GP then did a thorough review of all the results too and made extensive notes and follow up actions and there was no charge other than my normal visit for something else.

I also had colleagues at work go over the results in area's in which they have specialist expertise - of course this is free too ;-)

Then I had my pal the radilogist have a shifty too

Belt braces and string ;-)

After your comments I am sticking to Raffles - I walk past it every day.

OK, you guys/gals have convinced me that a full body MRI scan may not be good use of my money, especially from Bumrungrad.

What type of scan would you recommend for the upper body, basically the neck and head? What institutution would be best for such a scan?

I will text my pal the neuro-radiologist ;-)

He usually gets paid a lot for this type of work - LOL

Got an answer "What does he want it for and does he have any health issues"

I can see why my pal would ask but this might be personal for a public board!!!

I think the answer will be different if you are looking for a general health screening or for something specific and the answer wil be different for both and probably further efined for what you are looking for specifically if its that.

I am not looking for anything specific. If I have to specify, I would say:

Checklist and Diagnosis

1. evaluate brain function as well as the structure of brain system. The detail makes MRI an invaluable tool in early diagnosis and evaluation of tumors, cerebral hemorrhage. Cerebral infarct or head injury, cyst,

parasite or other infection.

2. Spinal Nervous System, MRI can check spinal cord compression and myelitis.

3. Blood Circulation System.

4. Checking is compleated in 5 minutes for the whole body. MRI can evaluate tumor, gallstones (cholelitiasis), common bile duct and function disorder.

5. Joint, Bone and Muscular System checking of tumor, infection, inflammation or tear of tendon.

[paulfr]

What is Raffles ??