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

[MarkyM3]

Hi All

 

Thanks for the inputs, particularly Sheryl's invaluable guidance.

 

I'm already booked into Samitivej on Thursday morning to see the doctor she recommended and will agree to an X-Ray and take it from there. I'll likely leave the MRI, if it's recommended, to the UK since I return there early next month.

 

Thanks 🙂

[MarkyM3]

11 hours ago, edwardflory said:

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

Hi Edward,

 

Thanks for the input. But I got this answer from Google AI...

 

"While Thai military hospitals are primarily for Thai military personnel and their dependents, expats can sometimes access them, but they are not the primary choice for foreigners and may have limited availability. 

 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

 

Primary Focus:

Thai military hospitals are intended for members of the Royal Thai Armed Forces and their families. 

 

Limited Access for Expats:

While not impossible, access for expats is generally limited and may depend on specific circumstances, such as a medical emergency or a lack of alternative options. "

 

...so I'm a bit doubtful it's an option? Did you have a specific circumstance enabling you to register?

[Sheryl]

1 hour ago, MarkyM3 said:

Hi Edward,

 

Thanks for the input. But I got this answer from Google AI...

 

"While Thai military hospitals are primarily for Thai military personnel and their dependents, expats can sometimes access them, but they are not the primary choice for foreigners and may have limited availability. 

 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

 

Primary Focus:

Thai military hospitals are intended for members of the Royal Thai Armed Forces and their families. 

 

Limited Access for Expats:

While not impossible, access for expats is generally limited and may depend on specific circumstances, such as a medical emergency or a lack of alternative options. "

 

...so I'm a bit doubtful it's an option? Did you have a specific circumstance enabling you to register?

Anyone can register at and use a military hospital in Thailand, ditto other governmrnt hospitals.  In Bangkok, no advantage to  military vs the large university affiliated government hospitals. 

 

In Bangkok waits are really long, often in cramped and uncomfortable conditions....sometimes standing room only.  Need to arrive at crack of dawn  and be prepared to spend all day.  And your interactions will be with junior doctors in training, unless you use the quasi private "after hours" clinic.  These cost more and waits are still significant. 

 

Best to have a Thai speaker with you to navigate the (formidable)  bureacracy.

 

Frankly for what you need at this point, unless you are seriously strapped  financially, it doesn't make much sense to go through all this hassle. 

 

 

[ChaiyaTH]

8 hours ago, Sheryl said:

Anyone can register at and use a military hospital in Thailand, ditto other governmrnt hospitals.  In Bangkok, no advantage to  military vs the large university affiliated government hospitals. 

 

In Bangkok waits are really long, often in cramped and uncomfortable conditions....sometimes standing room only.  Need to arrive at crack of dawn  and be prepared to spend all day.  And your interactions will be with junior doctors in training, unless you use the quasi private "after hours" clinic.  These cost more and waits are still significant. 

 

Best to have a Thai speaker with you to navigate the (formidable)  bureacracy.

 

Frankly for what you need at this point, unless you are seriously strapped  financially, it doesn't make much sense to go through all this hassle. 

 

 

Paying a few thousand for private clearly is worth it...

[Eaglekott]

Sukhumvit Hospital between Sukhumvit 63 and 65 is really good, I went there when I dropped a computer on my toe. Very good.

[MarkyM3]

9 hours ago, ChaiyaTH said:

Paying a few thousand for private clearly is worth it...

 

Agreed. 💯

 

As mentioned above, I've already booked up to go to Samitivej tomorrow to see the specialist Sheryl recommended. I think she missed that post and just saw the other response I made to Edward Flory re: military hospitals. I had no intention of using one, I was querying his assertions that anyone can use them etc.

 

Money isn't the issue here at all, and I have full travel insurance anyways (I never travel overseas without it). I'm not bothering to claim for tomorrows consultation and other stuff (X-Ray etc.), not worthwhile once excesses are factored in.

 

I was mostly averse to paying over the odds for an MRI or the hassle of getting an insurer to agree to pay for it if claiming on insurance, given I'm returning to the UK for the summer in early May (whether there is in fact an English summer is another question...!). 

 

Cheers all. 

[edwardflory]

"""the other response I made to Edward Flory re: military hospitals. I had no intention of using one, I was querying his assertions that anyone can use them etc."""

 

The process is to REGISTER 1st at the hospital to get a hospital ID Card ( free )

then you can use.  I am on a retirement extension of stay.

 

I have been using MILITARY HOSPITALS ( Navy & Army ) 11 years. Many of the MILITARY doctors speak English. 

 

I paid cash ( I'm 80 - no insurance ) for my 6 days stay at the Korat ARMY hospital.

 

I can not say if they accept insurance or children

[MarkyM3]

20 hours ago, MarkyM3 said:

 

Agreed. 💯

 

As mentioned above, I've already booked up to go to Samitivej tomorrow to see the specialist Sheryl recommended. I think she missed that post and just saw the other response I made to Edward Flory re: military hospitals. I had no intention of using one, I was querying his assertions that anyone can use them etc.

 

Money isn't the issue here at all, and I have full travel insurance anyways (I never travel overseas without it). I'm not bothering to claim for tomorrows consultation and other stuff (X-Ray etc.), not worthwhile once excesses are factored in.

 

I was mostly averse to paying over the odds for an MRI or the hassle of getting an insurer to agree to pay for it if claiming on insurance, given I'm returning to the UK for the summer in early May (whether there is in fact an English summer is another question...!). 

 

Cheers all. 

Just to follow up...I attended Samitivej this morning and was satisfied with the experience.

 

I saw the doc and had X-rays done. Appears i have a small fracture around bottom of left ankle bone. No MRI touted. Ultrasound therapy was but I declined and the doc wasn't pushy at all. 

 

Cost just under 6300 for doctor fees, Xrays, ankle brace and calcium tablets. I'm sure it could be done cheaper but I'm happy. Will return in a month for a check before I leave Thailand for the UK summer.

 

Staff at this hospital were kind and polite and the ambience is good. Plenty of food and drink options and got me at a taxi meter very quickly when I left.

[jerrymahoney]

Regarding ultrasound therapy (LIPUS) I had a collar bone fracture while on a bicycle courtesy of a Ford F-150 pickup. Could've been worse. The doctor in Orlando, FL said to wait to see if it will heal. After months of pain, he ordered for me to receive the ultrasound as therapy. I declined.

I went to the Shands Hospital U of Florida in Gainesville. The hand surgery specialist to a quick look at the x-rays I had brought.

His words: Comminuted fracture. This is not going to heal. This was NEVER going to heal.

Surgery and I have a metal plate on my collar bone now for 30 years.

[Sheryl]

2 hours ago, MarkyM3 said:

Just to follow up...I attended Samitivej this morning and was satisfied with the experience.

 

I saw the doc and had X-rays done. Appears i have a small fracture around bottom of left ankle bone. No MRI touted. Ultrasound therapy was but I declined and the doc wasn't pushy at all. 

 

Cost just under 6300 for doctor fees, Xrays, ankle brace and calcium tablets. I'm sure it could be done cheaper but I'm happy. Will return in a month for a check before I leave Thailand for the UK summer.

 

Staff at this hospital were kind and polite and the ambience is good. Plenty of food and drink options and got me at a taxi meter very quickly when I left.

Thanks for the follow up, and glad it went well.

 

Small hairline fracture makes perfect sense.

[robz]

I recommend Bumrungrad hospital.