Why is Thai health care so good?

[OneMoreFarang]

4 hours ago, paddypower said:

what a way to go 🙂 i had a weird post to my Line this am, from someone with similar ''qualifications'' ' can Line be hacked?

Maybe your wife asked a friend to send you a message to check how you will react... 

[Lacessit]

5 minutes ago, MalcolmB said:

I don’t mind paying a bit extra for the manual

 

There used to be a Thai woman in Chiang Mai who specialized in prostate massages, no sex before or after. IIRC 2000 baht.

[Jeffrey346]

Thai health care sucks. Did you ever wonder why Thai educated doctors can not practice in most major countries. 

The only plus for me.. It's FREE

[Ralf001]

1 minute ago, Jeffrey346 said:

Thai health care sucks. Did you ever wonder why Thai educated doctors can not practice in most major countries. 

The only plus for me.. It's FREE

 

I disgree.

 

Have had fantastic medical service over the years here in Thailand.

[Jeffrey346]

Just now, Ralf001 said:

 

I disgree.

 

Have had fantastic medical service over the years here in Thailand.

I had eye surgery last month. Not once but twice. Now they are doing it for a third time. My surgery was nothing special. They couldn't get it right. 

[Ralf001]

38 minutes ago, Jeffrey346 said:

I had eye surgery last month. Not once but twice. Now they are doing it for a third time. My surgery was nothing special. They couldn't get it right. 

 

Have had 3 (abdominal) surgeries in the past 18 months.

 

all went extremly well, Doc/surgeons/hospital and staff were all on point and did a fantastic job.

[The Fugitive]

45 minutes ago, Jeffrey346 said:

I had eye surgery last month. Not once but twice. Now they are doing it for a third time. My surgery was nothing special. They couldn't get it right. 

Made me think of my medical and dental experiences. When a doctor (or dentist) shouts 'My God!, who did that?' it rather undermines your confidence in those professionals.

[advancebooking]

6 hours ago, KhunLA said:

That might be location dependent, or not wishing to pay a bit more, for off hours services.

 

Local hospital has an evening clinic for GP service/consultation, though he is a kidney specialist, but will refer you to whomever is needed, and within a week, I believe.

 

I was overdue for full abdominal ultrasound (usually done yearly or so), but wanted a few other things checked.  So he suggested a CT Scan instead.   Sounds better, a call to radiology, it was done immediately.  Returned following week for results.

 

Same in Bangkok, I found a doc for colonoscopy & endoscopy, at most popular hospital, that had an 6 ish month Q during regular hours.   Paid a bit more for off house, and was done within a week.

 

Stopped going to private hospitals for their overpriced, same, if not less care.  Not happy with most private hospital (3) results, except no long Qs, but you pay for that convenience.

 

I'll stick with govt hospitals, and think about 4 different ones so far.

Many years ago I had a colonoscopy at a govt hospital in LOS. They made me come a day early for the procedure. Immediately put me on an IV drip. haha.  I had to wait until the evening of the next day. Odd preparation and modus operandi. I would prefer to pay 40k and do it at Bumrungrad. Arrive midday. Drink more of the liquid gunk. Procedure at 5pm. Go home 7pm. 

[The Fugitive]

3 minutes ago, advancebooking said:

Many years ago I had a colonoscopy at a govt hospital in LOS. They made me come a day early for the procedure. Immediately put me on an IV drip. haha.  I had to wait until the evening of the next day. Odd preparation and modus operandi. I would prefer to pay 40k and do it at Bumrungrad. Arrive midday. Drink more of the liquid gunk. Procedure at 5pm. Go home 7pm. 

Did you ever find out if the 'odd' method was out-of-date or a recommended alternative at that time etc.?

[richard_smith237]

4 minutes ago, advancebooking said:

Many years ago I had a colonoscopy at a govt hospital in LOS. They made me come a day early for the procedure. Immediately put me on an IV drip. haha.  I had to wait until the evening of the next day. Odd preparation and modus operandi. I would prefer to pay 40k and do it at Bumrungrad. Arrive midday. Drink more of the liquid gunk. Procedure at 5pm. Go home 7pm. 

 

There is often a logic disconnect with things like that. 

 

It was at Samitivej when my son was unwell (about 1 yr old at the time).. hadn't slept all night and had developed a temperature - after getting rid of the Junior doctor who was talking rubbish, he was admitted and the first thing they wanted to do was put him on an IV....

 

... I asked why ?...  Ans: just incase he needs medication...   He was exhausted and asleep and it was first time he'd slept since the day before. I wouldn't let them put an IV in him, I didn't want to wake him up.

I told them the nurses no, they can put and IV in him when or if they know what medication is needed.

The senior Dr. arrived and completely agreed - no need to disturb him until we know what the issue is, let him rest.

He had a UTI and did need an IV for antibiotics - but that was a good few hours later when they hooked him up and he'd had some much needed rest.

 

 

 

 

[Ralf001]

5 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

- The follow up (physio) was atrocious - so much so I complained and aborted them opting to do my own.

 

It was almost as if the physio was not taken seriously and the Physio Dr's were just going through the motions without any real plan (they had no plan at all), they seemed to be 'winging it' - whereas I wanted aggressive hard core rehabilitation, they seemed disinterested.

 

 

Similar here.

 

bed ridden in icu for 2 months.... Muscles wasted away.

 

One condition of the doc signing my release papers was I had to be able to walk (zimmer frame) which looked to be  months away.

 

Once released from ICU and the rehab could start, The rehab physio I felt needed improvement and the hard core "lets get it done I want to go home" request was placed.... Nada, not covered by SS..... nor my private insurance.

 

I paid extra 1000b for a twice daily 1hr session.

 

Doc paroled me after two weeks... Within a week at home I was back on crutches and a week later walked unaided back into work.

[Lacessit]

2 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

There is often a logic disconnect with things like that. 

 

It was at Samitivej when my son was unwell (about 1 yr old at the time).. hadn't slept all night and had developed a temperature - after getting rid of the Junior doctor who was talking rubbish, he was admitted and the first thing they wanted to do was put him on an IV....

 

... I asked why ?...  Ans: just incase he needs medication...   He was exhausted and asleep and it was first time he'd slept since the day before. I wouldn't let them put an IV in him, I didn't want to wake him up.

I told them the nurses no, they can put and IV in him when or if they know what medication is needed.

The senior Dr. arrived and completely agreed - no need to disturb him until we know what the issue is, let him rest.

He had a UTI and did need an IV for antibiotics - but that was a good few hours later when they hooked him up and he'd had some much needed rest.

 

 

 

 

I have to wonder how a 1 yo can acquire a UTI, more usual with guys who barfine.

[Galong]

I've had Thai Social Security healthcare for almost 30 years. I go to the Mission Hospital in Phuket Town and I've had zero problems with anything. I have a lot of health issues, but they always take care of me in a very professional manner. If I ask for additional tests, I get them. If I ask for a more thorough explanation, I get it. If I ask for printouts, I get them.

The dentistry at the Mission Dental Clinic is the best I've ever had. It's always completely painless to boot.

[Paris333]

Sinful story  Ι have already read that Thailand rank first in South Asian s.e.r.v.i.c.e health care and 6th globally but don be cofused with it.

They do not clarify between Public or Private sector furthermore if Thai government want to fund Health public sector there is a "solution".

Haircut to Insurer companies to those who are insured in private sector in order to fund Thai population public sector.....

Sinful story 

World Health Organization gives list of things Thailand did well to fight Covid-19, gives praise
https://thepattayanews.com/2020/12/18/world-health-organization-gives-list-of-things-thailand-did-well-to-fight-covid-19-gives-praise/

 

A large study from Austria shows that SARS-CoV-2 infects just as many schoolchildren as it does teachers. Other surveys indicate that while young children may show no symptoms, they are quite efficient at spreading the virus.
By Rafaela von Bredow
https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/new-on-the-covid-19-front-lines-children-may-be-driving-the-pandemic-after-all-a-95e4c0e7-2ea0-479b-ac27-d17f07d147a5

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday praised Thailand's unity as the key to success in surviving the Covid-19 pandemic at its peak early this year, while Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul vowed that the war against the novel coronavirus was not over yet.

Source:

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2037147/who-praises-thailand-for-tackling-bug?utm_campaign=enewsletter regular&utm_source=enewsletter_alert&utm_medium=Breaking news (every 3 hours)&_extid=subscriber150369

 

[richard_smith237]

4 hours ago, Lacessit said:

I have to wonder how a 1 yo can acquire a UTI, more usual with guys who barfine.

 

Not uncommon apparently - Nappies.

[stoner]

13 hours ago, Celsius said:

I have nothing but great things to say about Canadian healthcare.

 

my dad was told by his canadian cardiologist a few weeks ago if he had his heart attack in canada he would of been dead. lucky for him it happened in the airport in bkk and he was taken care of immediately. 

 

in my town hundreds to thousands of people do not have a family doctor. 

 

it has its good as well but the bad is starting to outweigh the good im afraid. 

[still kicking]

3 hours ago, stoner said:

 

my dad was told by his canadian cardiologist a few weeks ago if he had his heart attack in canada he would of been dead. lucky for him it happened in the airport in bkk and he was taken care of immediately. 

 

in my town hundreds to thousands of people do not have a family doctor. 

 

it has its good as well but the bad is starting to outweigh the good im afraid. 

Keep smoking pot no, I don't live in Canada I live in OZ I am 77 years old in a few weeks, had a heart problem I never had any probs with emergency.

[stoner]

1 hour ago, still kicking said:

Keep smoking pot no, I don't live in Canada I live in OZ I am 77 years old in a few weeks, had a heart problem I never had any probs with emergency.

 

cannabis is known for its anti inflammatory and anti carcinogenic properties. smoking is not a good delivery method i can admit yes. but a lifetime of anecdotal evidence means i will continue. 

 

at the time my dad had the heart attack locally they did not have the means to do what was needed. he would of needed to be sent to a larger city. in that time the doctor said it was more than likely he would of died. however because he was in thailand and had immediate access to the procedure (stent) he lived. 

 

i am 47 and other than broken bones and a slight prostate issue (self inflicted from sitting habit) i have never even spent a night in the hospital. never really had any serious issues or illnesses.

[ezzra]

Word to the wise and from experience, in case of a serious ailments take the first plane back to your country,

at least you speak the same language, you might have some government or private health assistance and you'll be 

treated in a good and clean facilities with the latest in medicines and medical innovations, unlike half backward

Thailand...

[Mike Lister]

14 minutes ago, ezzra said:

Word to the wise and from experience, in case of a serious ailments take the first plane back to your country,

at least you speak the same language, you might have some government or private health assistance and you'll be 

treated in a good and clean facilities with the latest in medicines and medical innovations, unlike half backward

Thailand...

I worked for Mount Sinai Hospital on Miami Beach in the 1980's, I do know what a good quality hospital looks like. In November last year I spent five days in Sriphat University Hospital Chiang Mai whilst having my thyroid removed, the standard of service, the quality and training of staff and the facilities were at least on par with Mount Sinai, if not much better in some areas.

[ezzra]

4 minutes ago, Mike Lister said:

I worked for Mount Sinai Hospital on Miami Beach in the 1980's, I do know what a good quality hospital looks like. In November last year I spent five days in Sriphat University Hospital Chiang Mai whilst having my thyroid removed, the standard of service, the quality and training of staff and the facilities were at least on par with Mount Sinai, if not much better in some areas.

First of all you're comparing two hospitals 40 years apart, secondly, you're a foreigner, had you been a local seeking treatment

your glowing report of the quality of th service would be far less positive...

[Mike Lister]

7 minutes ago, ezzra said:

First of all you're comparing two hospitals 40 years apart, secondly, you're a foreigner, had you been a local seeking treatment

your glowing report of the quality of th service would be far less positive...

The time gap doesn't make any difference in this comparison, the quality is self evident, 5 star is 5 star which unless you've actually experienced it, is perhaps best not commented on. 

 

Yes, I have sought medical care in local hospitals and I've been with my wife when she had surgery at the government hospital. The decorative condition of the patient rooms was poor, as were the furnishings etc but I could not fault the medical care. A nurse/medic explored a wound on my foot in expert style and with great efficiency, meanwhile, chaos and bedlam was ongoing all around me. Children screaming, a dozen patients laid out on gurneys, blood spills on the floor, chaotic and a nightmare by western standards but the medical care I received was excellent, as was my wife's.

[GinBoy2]

Western healthcare tends to operate within a fairly tight band.

 

Thai healthcare the disparity between good and bad is huge.

 

Spent quite a lot of time visiting MrsG's family in the local Government hospital and I'm pretty sure my cats veterinary office was probably safer.

 

The local doc, well just be prepared for whatever ails you, you just walk out with 10 baggies of various drugs, probably won't even take your blood pressure!

 

On the plus side, I ended up with skin cancer on my face. Brumrungrad removed it and it couldn't have been better.

 

Thai healthcare is very bipolar, and you probably at the end of the day get what you pay for

[Ralf001]

1 hour ago, ezzra said:

Word to the wise and from experience, in case of a serious ailments take the first plane back to your country,

at least you speak the same language, you might have some government or private health assistance and you'll be 

treated in a good and clean facilities with the latest in medicines and medical innovations, unlike half backward

Thailand...

 

What do you consider serious ailments ?

 

Had a perforated large intestine - Surgery in Thailand was top notch.

 

Had half a kidney removed - Surgery in Thailand was top notch.

 

I would never consider going home for medical treatment.

[KhunLA]

42 minutes ago, GinBoy2 said:

On the plus side, I ended up with skin cancer on my face. Brumrungrad removed it and it couldn't have been better....Thai healthcare is very bipolar, and you probably at the end of the day get what you pay for

Disagree completely.   Did you not see the baked bean thread.   You can pay 420 or 125 for the same tin of.

 

Some times it's the same doc, just different locations.  Hemorrhoids, 50k, same doc said next time, go to XXXX hosp., I'll do there for less than half price.

 

Bumrugrad will / did charge me 1000 baht for skin cancer check, simply looked at my skin.   Told me to come back to take one or 2 off.   I was the only person there ... really, come back.   Put some damn liquid nitro on it.

 

My skin doc at Udon Thani, froze 3, charge me 300 baht.   Later visit for check up, didn't find any  ... "how much ?"  "-0-, I didn't do anything"

 

Basic eye surgery, (wife) 1 hosp 5-10k, another 40-50k.

Colonoscopy or endoscopy ... 10-12k each (no extra charge per polyp) ... other hosp ... 25-35k, each, plus per charge for polyp removal.

 

2 stents places, 210k all in, 1/2 day ICU,   other hosp ... 500k & up, w/2 night stay, for 1 stent

 

CT Scan, 17,300 baht ... other hosp 30k & up

 

Yearly check up, 8k vs 30k, same tests/exams.

 

Basic, not extremely high tech procedures,  Takes talent, but we're not talking brain or open heart surgery.

 

 

[PPMMUU]

The quality of free Thai healthcare is only decent or just acceptable, but its efficiency is nearly infinite due to the low cost.

[Mike Lister]

Went to a well known hospital chain yesterday to try and get a lesion removed from my back, I asked the doc how much. 4K he said so I said fine, go ahead. At the last moment the nurse hands me the quotation which includes the hospital charges, 10K baht!. You're taking the pith I said, goodbye.

 

Today I went to Dr Siri's clinic, Assist. Prof Siri that is....15 mins., job done, 980 baht, including meds. No biopsy I asked? No, he said, there's no need.

 

Good quality health care doesn't have to be expensive.

 

 

 

 

[retarius]

On 7/5/2024 at 12:28 PM, Mike Lister said:

Strange. I had my thyroid removed and the whole process was excellent. But you have to manage some parts carefully, at one point I was seeing three different endocrinologists, for different parts of the same thing ...upsell again and roping on colleagues to earn fees

Yes the upselling drives me insane. One cardiologist told me that I had the heart of a 50 year old after an echo stress test, but I might consider a cardiac MRI at 50K to detect post COVID micro fractures in the heart muscle. I asked him if there was any treatment for such micro fractures? No he said. Then why would I want to spend money on this test, I asked? 

[Mark Nothing]

I disagree with the premise that thai healthcare is so good and will never use their services again.

 

One example of this is they extorted thousands of dollars from me for mandatory tests and quarantines before allowing me to travel.

 

"Knowledge will forever govern ignorance and you must arm yourself with the power of this knowledge."  James Madison.

 

The theories with which they operate are for the ignorant.

[watchcat]

On 7/5/2024 at 5:00 AM, MalcolmB said:

i think I have enough cash to get my prostate looked at anyway if insurance doesn’t cover it.

 

It's just a blood test...