Chulalongkorn University Hospital...

[nephilim]

I have to undergo key hole surgery (PCNL) to remove a very large kidney stone and Chulalongkorn Hospital (government hospital) is the only hospital with the equipment for this type of surgery and doctors skilled in using it. I have already checked - and had numerous consultations in each - and none of the private hospitals (Bumrungrad, BNH, St Louis etc...) can perform this type of surgery.

I have no idea what the government hospitals are like in Bangkok, and wondered if anyone knows Chulalongkorn Hospital's reputation and if you have any opinions about it.

Many thanks

~neph

[farangene]

I have never been an inpatient at Chula so can't comment on the rooms and in patient care.

I have had some out-patient procedures done there. The doctor has been excellent, his assts. and equipment were top notch. I would not have any qualms about having an oper. performed there.

[lopburi3]

This is a teaching hospital and as such one of the best staffed hospitals in Thailand. My wife has had two major operations there so have some experience. As a Red Cross type facility there are major paperwork and administrative details (especially if you need receipts for insurance outside Thailand) and some of the people involved can be a pain. But have only good to say about doctors and nursing staff. In our latest stay they found/treated/corrected condition a 5 star and 3 star private hospitals missed. With specialized treatment you are likely to receive the best care available. With routine treatment you might not be so lucky as doctors must see so many patients and have a very long workday.

Private rooms in the main building are equal to any other hospital except beds are manual control and no microwave etc.

As with any other hospital stay in Thailand if you have family who can stay with you it is expected they will sleep over and act as your advocate and point out any concerns to nurse or doctors.

[nephilim]

Thanks for that information. What is the level of English like at the hospital? Will I be able to communicate with the nursing staff ok?

[udon]

What is the level of English like at the hospital? Will I be able to communicate with the nursing staff ok?

I can't comment about Chula but most Thai Drs trained overseas and speak excellent English. Nursing staff will be as helpful as possible without knowing much English, just have a copy of LPs phrase book, there is a medical section to help you comm with nursing staff.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Digger]

Most of the countries leading surgeons and doctors went through this hospital. If you look at the doctor search for Bumrungrad, many many doctors still work there as their public practice and moonlight (legally) at places like Bumungrad for the well off who dont want to queue up. Other leading hsopital is Mahidol which is also a training hospital connected to medical university.

[lopburi3]

Thanks for that information. What is the level of English like at the hospital? Will I be able to communicate with the nursing staff ok?

I suspect there will always be someone available with decent English ability. Not all will be as fluent as some hospitals but they have to understand at least medical terms in English so it should not be a problem.

[Bert33]

How did the surgery go? Are you okay? I am trying to find someone on the web who has had PCNL and there aren't many! I am nervous about undergoing this treatment beucase I can't find someone who has!

I hope you are still looking at this forum!

Edited June 2, 2005 by Bert33

[udon]

nephilim was on the board yesterday, so he's still alive

[Bert33]

Thank you so much for replying. I sent him an email and he has definately helped me. Thank god he is alive. Gives me hope!

[Nang Nwe]

Although I am not a Thai citizen, can I get medical check up in Chulalongkorn University Hospital, Bangkok? How to contact for appointment. Please reply to my email.

[lopburi3]

8 minutes ago, Nang Nwe said:

Please reply to my email.

You are asking in a forum for public information sharing.

 

[Sheryl]

Although I am not a Thai citizen, can I get medical check up in Chulalongkorn University Hospital, Bangkok? How to contact for appointment. Please reply to my email.

Yes, anyone can go. Nationality does not matter.

You have to go in person to make an an appointment. No other way.

I am not clear whether you mean a general health check up or to consult a doctor for a specific medical problem.

If you mean general check up you may be abke to get it same day so go very early and fast the night before. If they cannot accomodate you that day they'll trll you when to come back.

If you mean see a doctor for a specific problem you have 2 options:

- public channel: treatment will be by medical students and interns/residents in training (under supervidion) and unless you require a specialty clinic not held every day you can just show up very early morning (Monday thru Friday,excluding govt holidays) and get a queque number. Expect huge crowds and very long waits, and if they need to refer you to a specialist or more senior doctor that may mean returning another day.

- after hours clinic. Here you can directly consult the senior doctors. Go to the 13th flor of the OPD building around 3 pm to make appointment. There is usually a wait list and depending on the doctor can be as much as several months.

For all of the above you must first register in ground floor to get a patient card and hospital number. Will have to show your passport or other ID. This can be done the day before if desired, saves time on day of visit.

And for all if the above it is advised to have a Thai speaker with you at least on first visit.





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[BobTH]

I have used Chulalongkorn Hospital and have for seven years. The last two years I have had an annual heath check there. The cost for the last two years was 1,180 baht. However you were screened prior to your checkup by a doctor and you are they might recommend additional test based on your input and their data on you. Last year I had one additional test ran for an extra 200 baht, so the total cost was 1,480 baht. Basically you get a physical exam, blood and urine labs, Chest x-ray and EKG and it includes a post exam discussion with a doctor to discuss your test result booklet and to make recommendations if needed. I had read somewhere recently that they had raised their prices, so this morning I had another appointment at the hospital and finished early so I went up to the 16th floor where they do the health checks and asked about the pricing. And yes whomever it was that reported the price increase was correct. The one that was 1,180 baht is now 5,000 baht for foreigners and stayed the same for Thai nationals. I guess that is still reasonable but it did go up substantially.

When I registered for the hospital card and patient number seven years ago, I went with a good Thai friend that was previously a nurse there and it was not hard at all to get the card. I have heard recently though it has become much harder and they ask for a lot more information than they used to. I have two friends that gave up trying, I do not really know their particulars, just that they gave up trying. I am only saying this so that if you do go there to apply for the hospital card take a lot of information or have a Thai speaker call and ask what will be needed in advance and make your life easier. I might add though that I have always been impressed with the doctors and technical staff there but you have to remember that it is a government hospital geared towards Thai nationals. Good luck

Edited January 2, 2019 by BobTH

[BobTH]

The previous thread posted twice for some unknown reason, moderators please delete this one if possible, thanks.

 

Edited January 2, 2019 by BobTH
double posted

[lopburi3]

9 minutes ago, BobTH said:

The one that was 1,180 baht is now 5,000 baht for foreigners and stayed the same for Thai nationals.

Believe Thai can pay for service just as a foreigner can - my Thai wife used at one time as her sister was nurse there.  But many Thai would not be paying as would have been referred there from other facilities.