Colonoscopy: St. Louis, MedPark or Bangkok Hospital?

[Y Chang]

I am planning to get a colonoscopy and am comparing the prices among the 3 hospitals indicated in the title.  First, the price:  18,000 bhat (St. Louis), 21,000 (MedPark), 29,000 (Bangkok Hospital).  All the price quotes exclude biopsy, polyps removal, special equipment and medication.  Additionally, St. Louis does not take any appointment; the procedure is available Monday to Saturdays on a first come first serve basis.

 

Has anyone had a colonoscopy in any of these hospitals?  How much do you end up paying?  I'd like to get a ballpark figure what the final total bill will be.

 

Also, what is your experience with the hospital and the doctor?  Do you recommend one over another?

 

Thanks and look forward to any insights!

[JimTripper]

why not bumrumgrad?

Edited October 2, 2023 by JimTripper

[RayWright]

The St. Louis one would give me a concern. Always been under the impression you need to prepare before hand, with special bowel clearing soup 24 in 48 hours beforehand so insides are all clean. Or does the Thai diet do this naturally?

[LosLobo]

2 hours ago, RayWright said:

The St. Louis one would give me a concern. Always been under the impression you need to prepare before hand, with special bowel clearing soup 24 in 48 hours beforehand so insides are all clean. Or does the Thai diet do this naturally?

Some bowel preparations only require five hours.

[srowndedbyh2o]

7 hours ago, Y Chang said:

I'd like to get a ballpark figure what the final total bill will be.

I recently had a Colonoscopy done at BKK Hospital, but I got their combination “Package” deal of the Colonoscopy and Gastroscopy.

I did have two polyps removed, so that was an additional cost. The package deal for both procedures was listed at 43,400. My final bill ended up being 56,115. I know you asked only about the Colonoscopy, but this will give you an idea of the spread between ‘listed’ price vs final price at BKK Hospital.

The service at the hospital was excellent, as was Dr. Parit Mekaroonkamol

[Sheryl]

A number of posts in violation of Health Forum community standards have been removed.

 

Seriously replies only please

[Sheryl]

5 hours ago, RayWright said:

The St. Louis one would give me a concern. Always been under the impression you need to prepare before hand, with special bowel clearing soup 24 in 48 hours beforehand so insides are all clean. Or does the Thai diet do this naturally?

They do the prep there. A number of places do this, you arrive early and drink the laxative etc and the procedure is done hours later.

 

Usually give some dietary instructions for the day(s) prior though

 

My sister had it done at St Louis, no problems or complaints. Dr was Dr. Thanakorn Hansomboon.

 

Also: make certain all these quotes include IV sedation. I ask because my sister's cost more than what you say and 18k is quite cheap by current private standards so it might be excluding the anesthesia. iouble check this.

 

@Y Chang is this a routine screening or being done because of a specific problem? Makes a difference

[Celsius]

And why those 3 hospitals only? Any hospital can do this procedure it is  not exactly rocket science. Medpark would probably have the latest tech as it is the newest hospital. I had an endoscopy there and it was pretty smooth. I also had it at Vejthani.... also smooth.

 

When I phoned Bangpakok and Vejthani about colonoscopy their prices were capped at 6,000 baht for biopsy and polyp removal. What is exactly special about these 3 hospitals? The lobby?

[Sheryl]

4 minutes ago, Celsius said:

 

 

When I phoned Bangpakok and Vejthani about colonoscopy their prices were capped at 6,000 baht for biopsy and polyp removal. What is exactly special about these 3 hospitals? The lobby?

 

When did you make those calls?

 

No place other than government hospital does it for that little nowadays. Prices start at 20k on up at most private hospitals. Even 10 years ago no private hospital  did a colonoscopy for 6K. in fact even govt hospitals charge a at least that much.

[Celsius]

4 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

 

When did you make those calls?

 

No place other than government hospital does it for that little nowadays.

 

About a year ago.

 

Edit:

 

I think you misunderstood. The extra charges were capped at 6000 baht. The colonoscopy was around 16 thousand baht.

Edited October 2, 2023 by Celsius

[Sheryl]

Just now, Celsius said:

 

About a year ago.

Sorry but something got lost in translation. I assure you, neither of those hospitals, nor any other private hospital in Thailand, does a colonoscopy for only 6K.

 

That is what it costs at govevernment hospitals.

[Celsius]

6 minutes ago, Celsius said:

 

About a year ago.

 

Edit:

 

I think you misunderstood. The extra charges were capped at 6000 baht. The colonoscopy was around 16 thousand baht.

 

Yea.... as per my follow up post what I meant to say that extra charges were capped at 6000 baht.

[Sheryl]

12 hours ago, Celsius said:

 

About a year ago.

 

Edit:

 

I think you misunderstood. The extra charges were capped at 6000 baht. The colonoscopy was around 16 thousand baht.

OK that makes more sense.  Though I do not think there can be an absolute cap irregardless of number of polyps. 6k might be the usual max but not an absolute cap. There is a pathologist fee for each biopsy. Usually people have at most 2-3 polyps but it is possible to have many more.  

[TheFishman1]

I had mine done a Chiangmai Ram Hospital the price they quoted me and the final price was exactly the same. I don’t like Bangkok hospital because every time I’ve ever went there. The final price was always much larger than what they estimated I don’t get me wrong Bangkok hospital looks like a five-star hotel go to the hospital. I just expect the doctors and their procedures should be professional. Once again I highly recommend Chiangmai Ram Hospital. I’ve had a few them done in America and it took me a day to get over the procedure when they knock you out I thought druggie for a day afterwards 

I Chiangmai Ram Hospital when the procedure was over, I was able to drive myself home. I had absolutely no hangover feeling from the anesthesiologist, knocking me out highly recommend.

[mfd101]

Just for comparison here in the provinces: I had a combined colonoscopy & gastroscopy done here last week at private hospital in Surin city.

 

Unlike 'in The West' I was expected to stay in the hospital for the long 'cleaning' process (they obviously don't trust Thais to follow the instructions). Result: over 2 days + 2 nights in the hospital, polyp removed & pathology awaiting. All-up price: 50000 baht.

[Expat68]

You are joking me!! Three months ago I went to my city's general hospital (many people on here believe if they go private, better, actually most of the time they are the same doctor) cost 8,664 baht, I can send receipt if you do not believe me

[lopburi3]

16 minutes ago, Expat68 said:

You are joking me!! Three months ago I went to my city's general hospital (many people on here believe if they go private, better, actually most of the time they are the same doctor) cost 8,664 baht, I can send receipt if you do not believe me

It would be helpful to have a reference - we have been talking private hospitals which are almost always more expensive than government facilities. The mfd101 post was also a private hospital if that was misunderstood.

[Expat68]

3 minutes ago, lopburi3 said:

It would be helpful to have a reference - we have been talking private hospitals which are almost always more expensive than government facilities. The mfd101 post was also a private hospital if that was misunderstood.

Understand but I was trying to get people to realize they do not need always to go private on such simple procedures

[F Groenen]

I had a Colonoscopy and Gastroscopy at Bangkok Hospital 5 years ago in Hua Hin. The 'package price' was 45K, but after all the additional charges they conveniently left out of the 'package' the whole procedure was over 60K ! Additional charges included doctor fees, anesthesiologist, room charges and more.
Since then I avoid Bangkok Hospitals, they offer great service but are more interested in charging as much as they can get away with.

[Y Chang]

11 hours ago, Sheryl said:

They do the prep there. A number of places do this, you arrive early and drink the laxative etc and the procedure is done hours later.

 

Usually give some dietary instructions for the day(s) prior though

 

My sister had it done at St Louis, no problems or complaints. Dr was Dr. Thanakorn Hansomboon.

 

Also: make certain all these quotes include IV sedation. I ask because my sister's cost more than what you say and 18k is quite cheap by current private standards so it might be excluding the anesthesia. iouble check this.

 

@Y Chang is this a routine screening or being done because of a specific problem? Makes a difference

@ Sheryl, it is a routine screening.  

[Celsius]

1 hour ago, F Groenen said:

I had a Colonoscopy and Gastroscopy at Bangkok Hospital 5 years ago in Hua Hin. The 'package price' was 45K, but after all the additional charges they conveniently left out of the 'package' the whole procedure was over 60K ! Additional charges included doctor fees, anesthesiologist, room charges and more.
Since then I avoid Bangkok Hospitals, they offer great service but are more interested in charging as much as they can get away with.

 

I think you win the most expensive colonoscopy on Aseannow.

 

 

[Sheryl]

1 hour ago, Y Chang said:

@ Sheryl, it is a routine screening.  

Then any of the hospitals you mention would be fine.

 

If you can confirm that St Louis price of 18K includes IV sedation then I would go there since substantially less expensive. You might not have a choice if it is  a package, but if you can, get Dr. Thanakorn Hansomboon.

[Bredbury Blue]

Do not recall the cost at BKK Christian for a family member, but can definitely recommend Prof.Dr. Chucheep Sahakitrungruang who works there and Bumrungrad.

[Sheryl]

10 minutes ago, Bredbury Blue said:

Do not recall the cost at BKK Christian for a family member, but can definitely recommend Prof.Dr. Chucheep Sahakitrungruang who works there and Bumrungrad.

Prof Chucheep is the country's leading colorectal specialist (and very, very busy accordingly) and this is why  asked Op if this was a routine screening or for a problem. If it had been for a specific concern I would certainly have advised her to see him but for routine screening I think overkill.  Relative of mine had colonoscopy at CKK Christian about 4-5 years ah=go, cost was something like 24K (with n polyps removed).

[edwardandtubs]

Are colonoscopies for peace of mind generally covered in medical insurance policies?

[paul1804]

On 10/2/2023 at 1:04 PM, Y Chang said:

I am planning to get a colonoscopy and am comparing the prices among the 3 hospitals indicated in the title.  First, the price:  18,000 bhat (St. Louis), 21,000 (MedPark), 29,000 (Bangkok Hospital).  All the price quotes exclude biopsy, polyps removal, special equipment and medication.  Additionally, St. Louis does not take any appointment; the procedure is available Monday to Saturdays on a first come first serve basis.

 

Has anyone had a colonoscopy in any of these hospitals?  How much do you end up paying?  I'd like to get a ballpark figure what the final total bill will be.

 

Also, what is your experience with the hospital and the doctor?  Do you recommend one over another?

 

Thanks and look forward to any insights!

Bangkok Hospital Samui quoted me last year 40,000 plus extra for polyps etc.  Some hospitals try to get you to overnight which is BS so dont fall for that one unless of course you have other health issues which may be a factor. You will be put under for the procedure so may wake up a little groggy which means you probably shouldn't drive until you have eaten and feel normal. 

[paul1804]

15 hours ago, Sheryl said:

 

When did you make those calls?

 

No place other than government hospital does it for that little nowadays. Prices start at 20k on up at most private hospitals. Even 10 years ago no private hospital  did a colonoscopy for 6K. in fact even govt hospitals charge a at least that much.

They are saying 6,000 for biopsy and polyp removal which is on top of the price for a colonoscopy! Most hospitals in Thailand will charge you somewhere between 18,000 & 25,000 for the procedure plus extra for the removal of polyps and a biopsy. Bumrungrad and some may charge more but thats the range I got last year from 3 BKK hospitals. 

[Tropposurfer]

I can't speak for those three.

 

BUT ...

I have had 3 at BNH with superb care and safe service.

The first 2 were paid in cash at about 750 AUD total, the third was on my wiz-bang super-duper medical insurance so paid in full through the fund.

 

Its important to chose the safest hospital you can afford as colonoscopies hold some risk. The bowel is relatively soft tissue and if the camera is not manoeuvred safely can perforate the bowel.

So, a clinician with impeccable credentials is paramount.

Also you need to have someone escort you home just in case you are a bit flakey after the sedative-meds.

[Bredbury Blue]

2 hours ago, Sheryl said:

Prof Chucheep is the country's leading colorectal specialist (and very, very busy accordingly) and this is why  asked Op if this was a routine screening or for a problem. If it had been for a specific concern I would certainly have advised her to see him but for routine screening I think overkill.  Relative of mine had colonoscopy at BKK Christian about 4-5 years ago, cost was something like 24K (with no polyps removed).

The family researched it thoroughly, read he was the country's top man, met him and found him also to be a lovely man. For anybody interested now or in the future, believe he works at (in expensive to cheapest order) Bumrung, Bkk Christian and Chulalongkorn, so 3 hospitals for different budgets.

[jcmj]

Like Sheryl said, it depends on if you’re going for a suspected issue or general chech up. Mi insurance covers it so I can’t really remember the costs, however Bumrungrad was much more thorough in making sure I was cleaned out before the procedure after finding some issues with the one I had done at Bangkok Pattaya. I know they may be a bit pricey but, if it’s for something that is concerning your doctor then I would go to the best place, pay a bit more and get the proper treatment and care needed. Your health is your wealth. Good luck.