Bangkok Pattaya Or International?

[sweetchariot]

Hi one and all,

this is a super quick post as I need to go this afternoon (Thursday 17th). I have had conflicting recommendations for both hospitals. For those who don't know the names, Bangkok Pattaya is on Sukhumvit, North past Pattaya Nua, Pattaya International is on Soi 4, 2nd Road.

Been to Bangkok Pattaya for dentistry, bloody expensive but good. Never been for medical treatment other than Memorial, which is where they took me in the meatwagon after the dosey (ex)girlfriend decided to run her motorbike into a wall - she was in front and came much worse off.

Long story short - my mother-in-law (almost) has come down from the mountains outside of Chiang Rai, at my request. She has a major stomach problem, lost about 20 kilos in the last 6 months, cannot eat, sick all the time, etc. etc.

She has seen many 'doctors' but nobody can diagnose the problem. I said come here so I can take you to a farang hospital and get the proper checks done. I am not a quack but I think a few tests like a barium meal, gastroctopy kind of thing will divulge the problem.

OK back to my original post (so much for super-quick). Bangkok Pattaya or International? Not too concerned about cost, just need to get it sorted, and need a doctor who can speak English so I know what is going on.

Thanks in advance

[beginner]

Long story short - my mother-in-law (almost) has come down from the mountains outside of Chiang Rai, at my request. She has a major stomach problem, lost about 20 kilos in the last 6 months, cannot eat, sick all the time, etc. etc.

She has seen many 'doctors' but nobody can diagnose the problem. I said come here so I can take you to a farang hospital and get the proper checks done. I am not a quack but I think a few tests like a barium meal, gastroctopy kind of thing will divulge the problem.

OK back to my original post (so much for super-quick). Bangkok Pattaya or International? Not too concerned about cost, just need to get it sorted, and need a doctor who can speak English so I know what is going on.

Thanks in advance

A friend was treated at Bangkok Pattaya for similar symptoms two years ago. A very reassuring young female consultant with excellent english did the endoscopy. It was all done in about two hours and cost around 15,000 baht.

The results were on a DVD and the doctor went through it all with my friend whilst looking at a big TV screen.

Nothing really bad was found but a weight loss of 20 kilos needs urgent attention.

Good luck.

[Mobi]

You say you are not too concerned about the cost which is commendable.

However, you will find Bangkok Pattaya very, very expensive, and what ever price they quote to you when you go there, I suggest you treble it to get nearer the real cost.

Yes, they have some good doctors, and the latest equipment, but the place is just a money making machine, so beware.

Pattaya international is not bad, and the doctors speak good English. It may be worth going there initially, and see what they diagnose, and see how you feel about it. The cost will be fraction of what they will charge at BP..

Another alternative would be to go to Samitivej or Phya Thai hospital in Sri Racha. If you have a car , it's only a 25 minute drive. Both these hospitals are good and IMHO a better option than Bangkok Pattaya.

Good luck

Edited January 17, 2008 by Mobi

[beginner]

If money is not the issue then I would much prefer Bangkok Pattaya over International. My own experiences at International have not been very satisfactory mainly due to communication problems. It wasn't particularly cheap either. It compared to Bumrungrad for cost but nowhere near the same level of service or attention.

It was claimed at a recent PCEC meeting that Bkk Pattaya has a new management team and they have reduced their prices significantly!

Reports confirming this are still needed.

AS Mobi says, there are alternatives out there but the specialist doctors sometimes come from Bkk Pattaya and only have clinics once or twice a week.

Even at their top prices, its probably better to have instant expert care and the best technology rather than hit or miss treatment at cheaper places.

[onzestan]

If money is not the issue then I would much prefer Bangkok Pattaya over International. My own experiences at International have not been very satisfactory mainly due to communication problems. It wasn't particularly cheap either. It compared to Bumrungrad for cost but nowhere near the same level of service or attention.

It was claimed at a recent PCEC meeting that Bkk Pattaya has a new management team and they have reduced their prices significantly!

Reports confirming this are still needed.

AS Mobi says, there are alternatives out there but the specialist doctors sometimes come from Bkk Pattaya and only have clinics once or twice a week.

Even at their top prices, its probably better to have instant expert care and the best technology rather than hit or miss treatment at cheaper places.

And do you honestly believe that there are NO hit and miss treatments at Bangkok/Pattaya.

Could write books about it but not allowed.

I second Mobi about SriRacha but prefer PhyaTha, only problem is only some English but my opinion since patient is Thai not so big a problem.

cheers

onzestan

[Jareddiving]

Bangkok Pattaya hospital is not that expensive..

But you have to know how to bargain.

- The nurse will give you a price

- You tell her this is way to expensive

- You tell her you are going to another hospital.

- Then the nurse will call a doctor.

- The doctor will tell you he can give you discount.

What would have saved me 35.000 baht.

At that point i started wondering.. was i talking to a sailsman or to a doctor..

[onzestan]

Bangkok Pattaya hospital is not that expensive..

But you have to know how to bargain.

- The nurse will give you a price

- You tell her this is way to expensive

- You tell her you are going to another hospital.

- Then the nurse will call a doctor.

- The doctor will tell you he can give you discount.

What would have saved me 35.000 baht.

At that point i started wondering.. was i talking to a salesman or to a doctor..

Exactly, that's the problem at BPH

onzestan

[PhilHarries]

I used the Bangkok Pattaya between '92 and '04. Never a complaint about the service but for the most part can't comment on the price as insurance covered it but I would say they are very keen on overnight admissions hooked up to a saline drip. The times I paid for it it didn't seem exorbitant but have no comparison against which to judge.

Last time I was in Pattaya I needed a little medical attention to my foot and, being too lazy to go all the way out of town used the PIC. Service was good, no communication problems (lucky?) and price was reasonable.

I've known others use the PIC without complaint and the same goes for the BP but that hospital has had a lot of bad press here on TV. For me either is acceptable but if you are without wheels the PIC is more accessible and if what you say about likely tests is true access will be a deciding factor.

[sweetchariot]

Thanks all for your input. I have a car so distance is no problem. It probably takes about 20 mins to get to BPH from my house in South Pattaya, so not too worried where we go. I have read many good reports about Sri Racha, also Sattahip.

Bottom line is we need to find out what is wrong. Obviously I would rather pay 10,000 than 40,000 but if the tests and diagnosis are BS then that is 10,000 down the drain.

I am leaning towards Beginner's advice at the moment, 15k at BPH for endoscopy and proper explanation sounds reasonable.

They are here for a week or more, maybe I should hang on and see what other good advice I can get.

Thanks again.

Swing low.....

[Mobi]

The decision is yours, but if transport is not a problem, I really recommend either of the Sri Racha hospitals.

I promise you won't regret it - which you may do if you opt for BPH.

Good luck

[Jingthing]

Do any of the outside Pattaya hospitals offer transport services for those of us without private cars? I would like to use one of those hospitals but do not wish to run a car just for that purpose. I think this might be a good opportunity for a Thai entrepreneur. Get a comfortable van and make runs throughout the day to the Sri Rachacha hospitals on a schedule so you could time your appointments with the transport. I think the farang demand is there, but transport is a problem.

Edited January 17, 2008 by Jingthing

[beginner]

Thanks all for your input. I have a car so distance is no problem. It probably takes about 20 mins to get to BPH from my house in South Pattaya, so not too worried where we go. I have read many good reports about Sri Racha, also Sattahip.

Bottom line is we need to find out what is wrong. Obviously I would rather pay 10,000 than 40,000 but if the tests and diagnosis are BS then that is 10,000 down the drain.

I am leaning towards Beginner's advice at the moment, 15k at BPH for endoscopy and proper explanation sounds reasonable.

They are here for a week or more, maybe I should hang on and see what other good advice I can get.

Thanks again.

Swing low.....

Are you aware that BkkPattaya has a booth in Royal Garden Mall on the first (UK) or second (US) floor?

You can discuss the situation with the duty nurse and she can make an instant booking with the appropriate consultant. She will try and answer all questions regarding likely costs. You do not have to go to the hospital to make an appointment.

Good communication is the main advantage of BPH although as has been noted your Mother in law is Thai. However, if you are paying the bills BPH will make sure you understand developments.

Its also a good general principal to have someone go along other than the patient to listen to the doctor's diagnosis. The actual patient can be in shock and not take in all the important details.

It seems that every local hospital has its own fan club and another group who disparage it. If your life is saved by prompt expert treatment I guess you see the doctors as miracle workers and the nurses as angels. If things don't go well then you feel differently.

A pal of mine collapsed with a heart attack on a local golf course. When he came round in BPH surrounded by Doctor Manoon's cardiac nurses he said 'If ever I needed a reason for living, that was it'.

[sweetchariot]

The decision is yours, but if transport is not a problem, I really recommend either of the Sri Racha hospitals.

I promise you won't regret it - which you may do if you opt for BPH.

Good luck

Hi Mobi,

which one, and do you know directions?

PS Jingthing, PM me if you want a lift.

[Mobi]

The decision is yours, but if transport is not a problem, I really recommend either of the Sri Racha hospitals.

I promise you won't regret it - which you may do if you opt for BPH.

Good luck

Hi Mobi,

which one, and do you know directions?

PS Jingthing, PM me if you want a lift.

Both hospitals are very well sign posted in English as you drive into Sri Racha along route 3 (Sukhumvit) from Pattaya.

I have not used Piya Thai, but others have recommended it.

Piya Thai is on the left as you enter the main Sri Racha town centre, and Samitivej, is also on the left, but a bit further along on the outer edge of the town. For Samitivej, you pass Robinsons, and come to a major traffic lights, where there is a sign for the hospital on the right side of the road, pointing left. You can either take a left at the lights, and then a right about half way to the sea (sign posted), or drive past the junction and then take a left into a small soi which leads to the hospital.

As I said, they are both easy to find and are landmarks in a small town.

From North Pattaya, outside of the rush hour, your journey should not take much more than 15 -20 minutes.

Jingthing, I am not aware of any transport facilities to these hospitals. If you have a chronic complaint, and do not wish to use Pattaya's hospitals, you can always consider taking a bus to Ekami in Bangkok, and from there you can take the Skytrain/taxi to almost any decent hospital. Bumrungrad, BNH, St Joesphs won't even require taxis. Samitivej will, but only a short trip by meter

A round trip can easily be done in a day.

[Bruprince]

Hi one and all,

this is a super quick post as I need to go this afternoon (Thursday 17th). I have had conflicting recommendations for both hospitals. For those who don't know the names, Bangkok Pattaya is on Sukhumvit, North past Pattaya Nua, Pattaya International is on Soi 4, 2nd Road.

Been to Bangkok Pattaya for dentistry, bloody expensive but good. Never been for medical treatment other than Memorial, which is where they took me in the meatwagon after the dosey (ex)girlfriend decided to run her motorbike into a wall - she was in front and came much worse off.

Long story short - my mother-in-law (almost) has come down from the mountains outside of Chiang Rai, at my request. She has a major stomach problem, lost about 20 kilos in the last 6 months, cannot eat, sick all the time, etc. etc.

She has seen many 'doctors' but nobody can diagnose the problem. I said come here so I can take you to a farang hospital and get the proper checks done. I am not a quack but I think a few tests like a barium meal, gastroctopy kind of thing will divulge the problem.

OK back to my original post (so much for super-quick). Bangkok Pattaya or International? Not too concerned about cost, just need to get it sorted, and need a doctor who can speak English so I know what is going on.

Thanks in advance

Similar symptoms to mine a year ago, had tests here and England with no result, then collapsed and was taken to A&E and a CT scan detected cancer which was followed by a major op, now back here and ok.

Friend of mine has recently lost quite a bit of weight and went to BP and the various tests came to 80,000B, they then wanted him to have an op for 200.000B plus hospital charges, I think BP is known as the atm hospital.

[Chang_paarp]

Bangkok Pattaya hospital is not that expensive..

But you have to know how to bargain.

- The nurse will give you a price

- You tell her this is way to expensive

- You tell her you are going to another hospital.

- Then the nurse will call a doctor.

- The doctor will tell you he can give you discount.

What would have saved me 35.000 baht.

At that point i started wondering.. was i talking to a sailsman or to a doctor..

I had a similar experience while in emergency at Bangkok Pattaya. I had to negotiate the price and the treatment. At the time I was not able to change hospitals. I ended up ringing my brother (a nurse) in Australia to get opinions on the treatment.

They patched me up, I have a neat scar to show off, but the after care was less than the standard they charged for. I have not gone back, I went to Pattaya Inter for subsequent follow up care, including adjusting the antibiotics to weight not the dose for a Thai teenager. They also fixed up a post op infection. Even there you have to check your account what they are charging for, but the care was good and a LOT less than BPH

[EmCross]

I have used both Bangkok hospital Pattaya and Phya Thai in Si Racha for dental work and I found Phya Thai to be better in my opinion than BHP and a fraction of the price. If I had a choice and I was footing the bill I would definitely go to Phya Thai in Si Racha it is just behind Robinsons you can't miss it.

[sweetchariot]

OK guys I was busy today, and due to time constraints went to PIH. My main concern was that they talk to ME about what was going on, as even my clever g/f does not really understand medical issues. I had to interrupt the doctor about 10 times, and tell him to speak to ME. He said a few words and then went back to yak yakking with my g/f. Again and again, speak to ME please.

Long and short of it is that he does not know. He has referred her for an endoscopy, and after insisting on a price up-front, and quoting beginner, they said 10k, which I have in writing, and are doing on Sunday.

They seemed very keen to sell the gastroctopy package at 25k, but after explaining about 20 times that she does not have a bowel problem they eventually reneged.

Have learnt many things from you guys, and I thank you very much. I don't think I would have been so forceful and demanding without this thread, and would probably have paid alot more than necessary.

She's not fixed yet, I still think it's an ulcer or two, but we will hopefully find out once and for all on Sunday.

I will post the results if anyone's remotely interested, or may be seeking further advice.

Thanks again.

Swing low........

[wpcoe]

Once you have a competent diagnosis, if you have any questions about treatment and maintenance, I would suggest you start a thread at the Health, Body & Medicine Forum here on ThaiVisa.com. One of the admins there, Sheryl, is a nurse who dispenses great medical advice. She will also recommend specific doctors based on their qualifications.

[Digger]

OK guys I was busy today, and due to time constraints went to PIH. My main concern was that they talk to ME about what was going on, as even my clever g/f does not really understand medical issues. I had to interrupt the doctor about 10 times, and tell him to speak to ME. He said a few words and then went back to yak yakking with my g/f. Again and again, speak to ME please.

Long and short of it is that he does not know. He has referred her for an endoscopy, and after insisting on a price up-front, and quoting beginner, they said 10k, which I have in writing, and are doing on Sunday.

They seemed very keen to sell the gastroctopy package at 25k, but after explaining about 20 times that she does not have a bowel problem they eventually reneged.

Have learnt many things from you guys, and I thank you very much. I don't think I would have been so forceful and demanding without this thread, and would probably have paid alot more than necessary.

She's not fixed yet, I still think it's an ulcer or two, but we will hopefully find out once and for all on Sunday.

I will post the results if anyone's remotely interested, or may be seeking further advice.

Thanks again.

Swing low........

Maybe it has something to do with patient confidentiality - If I were a doctor, I would think twice about discussing things with somebody else whom the patient may not be comfotable with knowing all the details about their own health condition. Dont tell me - you were actually in the room with the doctor when this discussion was taking place?????

[grahamhc]

Why is it so important to know what is being said, apart from protecting youself from being fleeced?

But why not take them to the Queen Sirikit Naval Hospital which is 41 Km south at Sattahip near Upato Airport. Prices are a fraction, and many of the same doctors work there as at the BHP and PIH.

Your "Almost Mother In Law" is Thai, so is your "almost wife", so they and the Doctor can discuss in thai. (Anyway, unless you have medical training, how do you know if the medical staff are right or wrong in their guidance. ) You can just pick up the tab.

I had a check-up at BHP for 7,500 + Baht as my Thai is very poor. A month earlier, I had taken a Thai friend to Queen Sirikit and she was charged 980 baht for the same tests (Xray, EKG, Ultrasound, Blood tests).

Yes, I think that BHP is the best, but get a second option before they operate as they are known to "Err on the side of caution" or otherwise know was "Paying back the "Block E" building costs". All the Doctors have financial targets to meet so generate tests and other work.

[bri1guy]

I would go with Pattaya International !

[Bruprince]

Why is it so important to know what is being said, apart from protecting youself from being fleeced?

But why not take them to the Queen Sirikit Naval Hospital which is 41 Km south at Sattahip near Upato Airport. Prices are a fraction, and many of the same doctors work there as at the BHP and PIH.

Your "Almost Mother In Law" is Thai, so is your "almost wife", so they and the Doctor can discuss in thai. (Anyway, unless you have medical training, how do you know if the medical staff are right or wrong in their guidance. ) You can just pick up the tab.

I had a check-up at BHP for 7,500 + Baht as my Thai is very poor. A month earlier, I had taken a Thai friend to Queen Sirikit and she was charged 980 baht for the same tests (Xray, EKG, Ultrasound, Blood tests).

Yes, I think that BHP is the best, but get a second option before they operate as they are known to "Err on the side of caution" or otherwise know was "Paying back the "Block E" building costs". All the Doctors have financial targets to meet so generate tests and other work.

I agree the Queen Sirikit hospital is a good deal as 3 years ago I had a large lump on my lip and I saw a doctor followed by a consultant who advised me to have it removed and within 30 minutes I was in the operating theatre. Including the Path check it was 1100 Baht and the follow up visit was 20B.

[nonameidentified]

If you want to understand what they're saying and be sure that they're of certain standards, then just head off to Phyathai or Samitivej. I personally tried the both but thought Phyathai is slightly better in diagnostic while Samitivej is great if you know briefly what's wrong with you. And Phyathai is cheaper. The doctors in Phyathai generally can speak English too. Simple english but good enough for us to understand. Doctors in Samitivej speaks slightly better neglish cos most of them are very young doctors. And that's why they're more inexperienced than those in Phyathai.

I personally prefer Phyathai when I don't know what's wrong with me. Doctors there don't hard sell package.

[Mobi]

Maybe it has something to do with patient confidentiality - If I were a doctor, I would think twice about discussing things with somebody else whom the patient may not be comfotable with knowing all the details about their own health condition. Dont tell me - you were actually in the room with the doctor when this discussion was taking place?????

Provided the patient consents, I've never seen doctors in any Thai hospital have a problem with discussing a patient's medical problems with a relative or friend.I'm not sure that doctor/ patient confidentiality exists in the same way as it does in the west. Normally, whoever is paying the bill has the right to be present and to be consulted.

I would say that it was far more to do with the fact that the doctor was more comfortable talking in Thai, especially if his English wasn't that good.

[barryofthailand]

OK guys I was busy today, and due to time constraints went to PIH. My main concern was that they talk to ME about what was going on, as even my clever g/f does not really understand medical issues. I had to interrupt the doctor about 10 times, and tell him to speak to ME. He said a few words and then went back to yak yakking with my g/f. Again and again, speak to ME please.

Long and short of it is that he does not know. He has referred her for an endoscopy, and after insisting on a price up-front, and quoting beginner, they said 10k, which I have in writing, and are doing on Sunday.

They seemed very keen to sell the gastroctopy package at 25k, but after explaining about 20 times that she does not have a bowel problem they eventually reneged.

Have learnt many things from you guys, and I thank you very much. I don't think I would have been so forceful and demanding without this thread, and would probably have paid alot more than necessary.

She's not fixed yet, I still think it's an ulcer or two, but we will hopefully find out once and for all on Sunday.

I will post the results if anyone's remotely interested, or may be seeking further advice.

Thanks again.

Swing low........

PIH does not have the equipment to do a proper diagnoses. try Phiathai hospital in Sriracha. Has the newest and most up to date equipment. newer than BHP, and much better doctors. No split pricing. one price for all. You will not regret it. Myself and my family now use this hospital for all our medical needs.

Barry

[kdf]

Hello Sweet,

Best of wishes for your almost mom in law.

You did right.

Getting her to a doctor was most important. The issues of which hospital, the quality of care and pricing are important to us all. However, the debates on these issues can be long and contradictory. You are no dummy and will quickly get a feel for the quality of care and any hustle. Insist on understanding both the issues of her care and the costs. I hope her problems are quickly resolved. If things are serious, do try and get a second opinion and a trip to Sri Racha may be a good choice.

Yes I for one would like to know how she and you fare in this. Also please PM me if I can offer any help, suggestions, or just a sounding board.

kdf

[sweetchariot]

Maybe it has something to do with patient confidentiality - If I were a doctor, I would think twice about discussing things with somebody else whom the patient may not be comfotable with knowing all the details about their own health condition. Dont tell me - you were actually in the room with the doctor when this discussion was taking place?????

Why is it so important to know what is being said, apart from protecting youself from being fleeced?

Yes I was in the room. She has seen umpteen 'doctors' aroung Chiang Rai, all of which have given her a prod and a poke, and told her to take some tablets. Whilst discussing this with my g/f last week I could see how distressed she was, so told her to get her mother down here, and I would get it sorted. Whilst I have no medical training, I did study human biology for 2 years, so have more than a layman's knowledge of medical issues, and I just want to make sure it's done right, as I have stuck my neck out to a certain degree, and feel responsible.

[sweetchariot]

Hello Sweet,

Best of wishes for your almost mom in law.

You did right.

Getting her to a doctor was most important. The issues of which hospital, the quality of care and pricing are important to us all. However, the debates on these issues can be long and contradictory. You are no dummy and will quickly get a feel for the quality of care and any hustle. Insist on understanding both the issues of her care and the costs. I hope her problems are quickly resolved. If things are serious, do try and get a second opinion and a trip to Sri Racha may be a good choice.

Yes I for one would like to know how she and you fare in this. Also please PM me if I can offer any help, suggestions, or just a sounding board.

kdf

Thanks KDF, will let you know Sunday.

[Chang_paarp]

Maybe it has something to do with patient confidentiality - If I were a doctor, I would think twice about discussing things with somebody else whom the patient may not be comfotable with knowing all the details about their own health condition. Dont tell me - you were actually in the room with the doctor when this discussion was taking place?????

Provided the patient consents, I've never seen doctors in any Thai hospital have a problem with discussing a patient's medical problems with a relative or friend.I'm not sure that doctor/ patient confidentiality exists in the same way as it does in the west. Normally, whoever is paying the bill has the right to be present and to be consulted.

I would say that it was far more to do with the fact that the doctor was more comfortable talking in Thai, especially if his English wasn't that good.

Modi has the most probable answer, when I was the patient they would speak to my girlfriend rather than me. I made it very clear who was the patient and who was paying the bill to get answers to my questions.