Hospital recommendation - Bangkok

[MarkyM3]

Hi, 

 

I posted up this topic at beginning of March...

 

...WellMed treated me and advised if it hadn't improved by end of month to go to hospital for an MRI. Well it hasn't unfortunately. Improved for a while but has now regressed again. Can walk but it's painful after a while.

 

At this point, I'm wondering where the best place to go is within striking distance of Sukhumvit/Asoke. Made an enquiry to Bumrungrad and they want up to 3000 baht just to see a doctor initially. I can pay that but I'd rather the doctor is commissioned after the scan. Any views on Samitivej? 

 

I'm returning to the UK in early May so don't necessarily want a long treatment plan but I would like to know what's going on.  

 

[Sheryl]

At hospitals you do have to see doctot first to get Xrays or scans ordered. You then see the doctor again right after.  All done on same visit and just one consultation fee.

 

The 3000 you were told was an estimate. Cost of consulting a doctor varies with the doctor.  In private hodpitals the doctors  are independent contractors,  not hospital employees, and they set their own fees. To which there is a few hundred baht added on as hodpital charge. 3000 total is possible with a really top specialist, but high end. This does not however include tests of medications (better in any case to get any meds from outside pharmacy as hospitals mark up the price). 

 

 

MRI at a hospital will run over 20k.  While you can get one for much less at a stand alone imaging center,  in the case of an ankle injury like this injection of  contrast media would usually  be needed, and it is not advisable to get that outside of a hospital as serious allergic reaction can sometimes occur. 

 

It is possible  that a  skilled ortho will be able to identify the problem with only physical exam and Xray.  Hairline fractures sometimes take a few weeks to be visible on xray so a normal film earlier foes not rule that out.

 

I suggest you consult one of  these  doctors who specialize in ankle injuries:

 

https://www.samitivejhospitals.com/doctor/detail/aekachai-jaroenarpornwatana

 

https://www.bumrungrad.com/en/doctors/thanut-valleenukul

 

https://www.bangkokhospital.com/en/doctor/dr-apisan-chinanuvathana

 

https://www.bumrungrad.com/en/doctors/Bavornrit-Chuckpaiwong

 

 

 

 

 

 

[MarkyM3]

OK well i got zero replies lol. [EDIT - thanks Sheryl, our posts crossed] 

 

Made enquiries with Bumrungrad and Samitivej and they are similarly priced for doctor consultation except an MRI on one ankle/foot is 6k baht cheaper in S at 19k baht. Add another 9k on for contrast dye. I'm rather shocked at these costs tbh but I know these are leading hospitals here and charge accordingly. 

 

I was told previously in the clinic that X-Rays won't show up muscular injuries. So hopefully it's something an X-Ray could show up. 

 

I will go for a consultation and X-Ray but tbh I'm not sure I want to pay 30k baht for an MRI when I'm back in the UK in early May and can very likely get it free plus after treatment if I go to A&E.

 

 

[VocalNeal]

As stated doctors with speciality work at specific hospitals. Your question should be where is the specialist not where is the best value. If it is a common ailment your opinion is valid.

 

A guy at Bangkok Christian very quickly diagnosed my ailment and may have saved my life so I am biased. Does Bangkok Christian have the best ankle specialist or even the best sports medicine clinic. I cannot say.

[MarkyM3]

3 minutes ago, VocalNeal said:

As stated doctors with speciality work at specific hospitals. Your question should be where is the specialist not where is the best value. If it is a common ailment your opinion is valid.

 

A guy at Bangkok Christian very quickly diagnosed my ailment and may have saved my life so I am biased. Does Bangkok Christian have the best ankle specialist or even the best sports medicine clinic. I cannot say.

 

Thanks for the response.

 

But if you read my original question, I didn't ask for the cheapest. I was asking for recommendations within striking distance of Sukhumvit and Asoke, which is where I live. If I wanted the cheapest I'd go to a non-profit.

 

Sheryl has kindly provided the names of best doctors at 2 of the main ones around here which I contacted, which is a great help. 

[Liverpool Lou]

4 hours ago, MarkyM3 said:

At this point, I'm wondering where the best place to go is within striking distance of Sukhumvit/Asoke.

My experience of Camillian in Thong Lo is good and not expensive.

[Sheryl]

3 hours ago, MarkyM3 said:

 

 

I was told previously in the clinic that X-Rays won't show up muscular injuries. So hopefully it's something an X-Ray could show up. 

 

 

 

Correct that cannot see soft tissue  injuries on Xray. But can see fractures including, now that it is several weeks later, hairline fracture. 

 

Even if this is ruled out, MRI has practical utility only if results would alter treatment. ...which may or may not be the case.  Discuss this with specialist. 

 

 

[edwardflory]

I use a Thai MILITARY Hospital. ( Both ARMY and NAVY )

 

Most xpats do not know that they can register at and use  a THAI MILITARY hospital.  Your advantage is many doctors are US or UK trained and speak English. Cost is same as Thai civilians using the hospital.  Slightly more expensive than Thai civilian hospitals, WAY WAY LESS than a private hospital. If necessary, they will refer you to a specialist.

 

I spent 6 days in a 6 person ARMY hospital ward, ALL services were excellent!!!

 

There IS a NAVY hospital in BKK on the way to the OLD Immigration Office on the river