Malaysian Hospitals

[rabiedabruce]

A neighbour recently had a PET scan carried out in a Malaysian hospital. He said the prices quoted by Thai hospitals were far too high. The scan came in at half the price of Thailand and had he not had Thai insurance he would have had his operation there.

 

Has anyone else had experience with Malasia? I've seen a few Indian hospital posts but not Malaysian which I'd've thought an obvious option to the rip off merchants here. He also said the facility was very good and the staff all spoke English. Even an English speaking nurse in Bangkok Hospital is rare. Bit necessary, but when I asked why not, some little upstart doctor called 'We Thai peopun, this Thailan' we speak THAI!' 'This international hospital with international prices I replied'. That shut the little twerp up.

[Celsius]

I have been saying this for years. Thai hospitals are too expensive and every time I say this there is always some most likely American who doesn't know anything about healthcare outside USA sending me abusive messages. 

 

As a matter of fact the prices in private hospitals in Canada are on par with Thailand. The difference is in Canada things come with a warranty. One reason I will not do anything half serious in Thailand is because of a face saving culture. Another good choice not to get obsoletely ripped off would be Europe. 

 

This is not Farang vs Thai price issue. My wife's parents also pay exuberant prices in Thai private hospitals. 

Edited May 11, 2023 by Celsius

[RayWright]

Was in KL over Christmas / New Year's and caught short in a thunderstorm just by Gleneagles Hospital, so ducked in until it passed. Passed the time by  enquiring into costs, Basic private rooms were 250 Ringits per day (including food), or £40 / US$ 50 / AUD$75 or THB1700. Initial Consultation was 350 Ringits, follow ups was 250.

Everyone I spoke to spoke excellent English. 

Don't know about Thai private Hospitals, but compared to BUPA in the UK, an absolute steel.

[rabiedabruce]

On 5/11/2023 at 10:19 AM, Celsius said:

I have been saying this for years. Thai hospitals are too expensive and every time I say this there is always some most likely American who doesn't know anything about healthcare outside USA sending me abusive messages. 

 

As a matter of fact the prices in private hospitals in Canada are on par with Thailand. The difference is in Canada things come with a warranty. One reason I will not do anything half serious in Thailand is because of a face saving culture. Another good choice not to get obsoletely ripped off would be Europe. 

 

This is not Farang vs Thai price issue. My wife's parents also pay exuberant prices in Thai private hospitals. 

Agree with everything you say. I get tired of the 'well everything's cheaper here', no it's NOT. I was quoted the exact same price for the same op at both a government and a private hospital .

 

However, have decided to put up with the pain rather than have a blood transfusion. I'd had a consult at a subsidiary and the option was another op. I asked about all the tainted plasma now floating about and the surgeon said 'Hmm yes. Well you can always use a TENS machine'. So if I can't find a facility providing 'blood management', looks like I'm stuck with it. In Europe I could sue, but here?

Edited May 13, 2023 by rabiedabruce
spl

[nigelforbes]

"Even an English speaking nurse in Bangkok Hospital is rare". To be fair and also truthful, many nurses in Bangkok Hospitals speak English, in fact, many nurses in every hospital do.

[marin]

On 5/11/2023 at 8:57 AM, rabiedabruce said:

Even an English speaking nurse in Bangkok Hospital is rare. Bit necessary, but when I asked why not, some little upstart doctor called 'We Thai peopun, this Thailan' we speak THAI!' 'This international hospital with international prices I replied'. That shut the little twerp up.

Going to call you out on this. At Bangkok hospital Bangkok all the staff even orderlies speak English well. Its part of the job description. Yes private hospitals are now way overpriced but you do get a quality service.

 

For me its been in patient with a couple of colonoscopies', for the wife she has seen both the ICU and regular in care rooms. Never once has there been a communication problem.  In addition to nothing but professional service with the most up to date of equipment. Luckily we are both fully covered with insurance. 

 

I suggest you do head to Malaysia with your attitude. 

[Tiber]

52 minutes ago, marin said:

Going to call you out on this. At Bangkok hospital Bangkok all the staff even orderlies speak English well. Its part of the job description. Yes private hospitals are now way overpriced but you do get a quality service.

 

For me its been in patient with a couple of colonoscopies', for the wife she has seen both the ICU and regular in care rooms. Never once has there been a communication problem.  In addition to nothing but professional service with the most up to date of equipment. Luckily we are both fully covered with insurance. 

 

I suggest you do head to Malaysia with your attitude. 

And I hope he does, value for money I'd say 

  Your experience of over priced hospitals is at odds with mine, very few, if any, we're anywhere near conversant in english, fact no English, the late kings message to his subjects to learn English went unheeded to the point of going native, to hell with it

 Anyway he, like moi, have found alternative routes to good value medical care and , not with insurance 

 

[nigelforbes]

2 minutes ago, Tiber said:

And I hope he does, value for money I'd say 

  Your experience of over priced hospitals is at odds with mine, very few, if any, we're anywhere near conversant in english, fact no English, the late kings message to his subjects to learn English went unheeded to the point of going native, to hell with it

 Anyway he, like moi, have found alternative routes to good value medical care and , not with insurance 

 

My guess is that you either haven't been in Thailand long enough, or, don't have enough experience of hospitals here to be able to make that point accurately. Nurses, like doctors, must pass an English proficency test before they graduate. As we all know, many Thai's are reluctatnt to speak English, typically for fear of making a mistake and becomming embarressed. My experience of every medical facility I have ever visited here in the past 30 years is that they all contain English speakers to some degree. Granted, they may not be to some peoples conversational standards but it is easy enough to communicate with them, with a little pacience and effort.

[marin]

16 minutes ago, Tiber said:

Your experience of over priced hospitals is at odds with mine, very few, if any, we're anywhere near conversant in english, fact no English, the late kings message to his subjects to learn English went unheeded to the point of going native, to hell with it

You said Bangkok Hospital, you mimicked a Thai doctor speaking English poorly in your post. Bangkok hospital is a leading International hospital in all SEA. They speak over 10 languages there, in fact they may well have more international patients than Thai. One reason might well be the prices, but a good insurance company will cover all. There are at least 4 other hospitals here in BKK that provide right at the same level of service. 

 

I am sorry if you have not had the same experience but going by your posts I dont believe you ever were in Bangkok hospital as even the doormen speak English well. Its a damn good job for all employed there.  

[Rimmer]

A personal attack has been removed

[Celsius]

Whatever English they speak in "Bangkok Hospital" my guess is that in any mid tier Malaysian hospital they speak and communicate better. My wife went to Bangkok Hospital 2 months ago to get her tests done for Canadian permanent residency. Besides a basic conversational English I was surprised that the hospital is starting to look very neglected in need of repairs. Oh, but they have a piano player in the lobby, 

 

However, I will admit that so far the hospitals I visited.... and I will put them here, Medpark, Vejthani, Ramkhamheang I never had any problems. The last ensoscopy I had at medpark was literally like waking up from sleep. No issues whatsoever, no nothing and the instruments they use are of course modern as it is a new hospital.

 

My problem is Thailand is what happens if something goes wrong? For the price you pay the hospital should take the responsibility and from what I read they never do.

 

Also, some doctors I saw are stuck in their ways and are not open to any discussion or opinions. I guess it is that face saving thing again because they know best.

Edited May 13, 2023 by Celsius

[recom273]

 I think if you move out of BKK or any tourist destination, I think the English proficiency of doctors in private hospitals is pretty low. It may be that they lack practice, confidence and enthusiasm.

 

Yes, they are required to pass some kind of test but the level isn't that high, attending class and improving their ability is low on the list in comparison to their other studies. Some doctors speak English for their own personal development, others need to take a TOEIC or similar because it's demanded by an overseas university, but being Thailand, there always seems a work around for the basic Thailand qualification. 

 

I don't have any experiences in Bangkok Hospital, but I know a lot of the specialists move between hospitals, and agree, English ability isn't that great.

 

I had a appointment cancelled the other week at Khon Kaen Uni Dental Clinic, the reason was, the guy didn't feel comfortable speaking English .. he was only pulling one tooth out, we could have spoken in Thai if he wanted. The whole point of the clinic is for practical experience, so the mature students are exposed to all situations before they enter the field, this went over this guys head.

[Tiber]

56 minutes ago, marin said:

You said Bangkok Hospital, you mimicked a Thai doctor speaking English poorly in your post. Bangkok hospital is a leading International hospital in all SEA. They speak over 10 languages there, in fact they may well have more international patients than Thai. One reason might well be the prices, but a good insurance company will cover all. There are at least 4 other hospitals here in BKK that provide right at the same level of service. 

 

I am sorry if you have not had the same experience but going by your posts I dont believe you ever were in Bangkok hospital as even the doormen speak English well. Its a damn good job for all employed there.  

10 different languages... That will be 10 different members of staff 

Whoever is on call maybe. I say its a good job that there are enough insurance types keeping these private hospitals alive 

[marin]

4 minutes ago, Tiber said:

10 different languages... That will be 10 different members of staff 

Whoever is on call maybe. I say its a good job that there are enough insurance types keeping these private hospitals alive 

Enough of you. You have never been to BKK hospital its quite obvious. Yet you go on and on on and on with nothing. 

[The Fugitive]

14 hours ago, recom273 said:

I had a appointment cancelled the other week at Khon Kaen Uni Dental Clinic, the reason was, the guy didn't feel comfortable speaking English

Useful to know thanks. So far in Thailand only visited a general dentist who referred me to a specialist friend in the next larger town. As satisfied with the quality of treatment (and price) at this high street clinic I have stuck with the same place, as does my Mrs. Khon Kaen would be further to go for us but is another option.

[Tiber]

4 minutes ago, marin said:

Enough of you. You have never been to BKK hospital its quite obvious. Yet you go on and on on and on with nothing. 

On and on actually 4xs,only have a couple up 

Please no upset, yes no insurance, but excellent way around it, without forking out a bundle lol

 

 

[nigelforbes]

1 hour ago, recom273 said:

I think if you move out of BKK or any tourist destination, I think the English proficiency of doctors in private hospitals is pretty low. It may be that they lack practice, confidence and enthusiasm.

 

Yes, they are required to pass some kind of test but the level isn't that high, attending class and improving their ability is low on the list in comparison to their other studies. Some doctors speak English for their own personal development, others need to take a TOEIC or similar because it's demanded by an overseas university, but being Thailand, there always seems a work around for the basic Thailand qualification. 

 

I don't have any experiences in Bangkok Hospital, but I know a lot of the specialists move between hospitals, and agree, English ability isn't that great.

 

I had a appointment cancelled the other week at Khon Kaen Uni Dental Clinic, the reason was, the guy didn't feel comfortable speaking English .. he was only pulling one tooth out, we could have spoken in Thai if he wanted. The whole point of the clinic is for practical experience, so the mature students are exposed to all situations before they enter the field, this went over this guys head.

I also had an appointment cancelled at a significant Chiang Mai hospital because the doctor wasn't comfortable consulting with foriegners. That message came from doctor to nurse, nurse to my wife and on to me, that was a first for me. What's espcially interesting is that hospital advertises health care for older people on their Facebook page and the doctor in question is one that is listed. 

[Sheryl]

Please avoid the term "Bangkok Hospital" alone as this could mean any of dozens of hospitals.

 

It might just mean a hospital in Bangkok.

 

Or it might mean a hospital in the Bangkok Hospital chain of which there are a number in different provinces and each quite different from the other.  Far, far more English spoken in the main Bangkok branch of Bangkok Hospital than some of its provincial affiliates.

 

Though having been an inpatient there twice and an outpatient innumerable times, I would agree that even in the main Bangkok branch, English language ability of other than the doctors is limited to none, and that of the doctors  variable...ranging from completely fluent to stilted with poor comprehension.

 

There is no question that English language skills are much better in Malaysia than in Thailand on the whole.

 

Selecting a doctor who trained and worked in a western country -- easily done in large Bangkok private hospitals -- will ensure not only good English  but also usually comfort with western style approach to patients (accepting  questions,   providing detailed explanations,  involving patient  in decision making etc).

 

[recom273]

4 hours ago, The Fugitive said:

Useful to know thanks. So far in Thailand only visited a general dentist who referred me to a specialist friend in the next larger town. As satisfied with the quality of treatment (and price) at this high street clinic I have stuck with the same place, as does my Mrs. Khon Kaen would be further to go for us but is another option.

This thread is totally derailed, so may aswell continue.
 

KKU Dental Hospital is amazing, for about a year now I have been in a program to address some issues that have been neglecting for years now. The waiting times are quite long, but i think it’s worth it. The appointment system is a bit bewildering, but the dental students knowledgeable and understanding. (To say they are students is a bit loose, in the specialist clinics it’s post graduates and the lecturers who do the work). The new wing where they do the general work and the special clinic are a clinical environment, the lower floor isnt so high tech but ok.
 

The dentists usually speak good English, they will always try to speak Thai with my wife which is mildly annoying, but the cancellation by the dentist was most unusual. Pricing is very transparent and clear, you pay something like 50B to use the facilities and they tell you the price at the start of treatment programme (not when you arrive or surprise you when you go to leave) - for example, my first visit to the general clinic, he wanted me to go for x-rays, he asked if I could walk across the road for x-rays and said it would be around 500B, am I OK with that? I am never upset when I am presented with the bill, they even asked if I wanted to be prescribed some I paracetamol, I had none at home so accepted, it was cheaper than 7-11 ???? . In comparison to RAM hospital that once sent me home with a pack to change dressings consisting of things that I could have bought in any pharmacy at a small fraction of the price. 
 

Some guys on Facebook talk of rough treatment at KKU, but on the whole for me, can’t praise them enough. This isn’t the first time I have tried to use a uni dental clinic and the only info I could get from the hospital reception was that it was only evenings and I heard it was difficult to attend because you had to arrive early and join the queue with a possibility of not being seen, at KKU it’s certainly not the case. 
 

[The Fugitive]

11 minutes ago, recom273 said:

This thread is totally derailed, so may aswell continue.
 

KKU Dental Hospital is amazing, for about a year now I have been in a program to address some issues that have been neglecting for years now. The waiting times are quite long, but i think it’s worth it. The appointment system is a bit bewildering, but the dental students knowledgeable and understanding. (To say they are students is a bit loose, in the specialist clinics it’s post graduates and the lecturers who do the work). The new wing where they do the general work and the special clinic are a clinical environment, the lower floor isnt so high tech but ok.
 

The dentists usually speak good English, they will always try to speak Thai with my wife which is mildly annoying, but the cancellation by the dentist was most unusual. Pricing is very transparent and clear, you pay something like 50B to use the facilities and they tell you the price at the start of treatment programme (not when you arrive or surprise you when you go to leave) - for example, my first visit to the general clinic, he wanted me to go for x-rays, he asked if I could walk across the road for x-rays and said it would be around 500B, am I OK with that? I am never upset when I am presented with the bill, they even asked if I wanted to be prescribed some I paracetamol, I had none at home so accepted, it was cheaper than 7-11 ???? . In comparison to RAM hospital that once sent me home with a pack to change dressings consisting of things that I could have bought in any pharmacy at a small fraction of the price. 
 

Some guys on Facebook talk of rough treatment at KKU, but on the whole for me, can’t praise them enough. This isn’t the first time I have tried to use a uni dental clinic and the only info I could get from the hospital reception was that it was only evenings and I heard it was difficult to attend because you had to arrive early and join the queue with a possibility of not being seen, at KKU it’s certainly not the case. 

Many thanks for your info. Seems to be the place to go if you need anything more than the usual!