Chiang Mai Ram I Hospital

[PeaceBlondie]

But that was for a special surgical consultation that nearly saved my life, so no complaints (and my follow-up after surgery shifted to a private clinic).

I often wondered about you Pee Bee. So the special surgical procedure didn't quite save your life? You've done a reasonable impersonation of a live person everytime I've seen you.

Hey BB, I love that new avatar of yours. Is that Shrek's girlfriend?

I was at a loss for words. Did I nearly die ten nights ago, flying off my CBR150? Did the mere fact that my upper right arm contained enough bacteria to kill a thousand people mean I nearly died, or did I merely, nearly, have a life-threatening infection? The original surgeon at Ram I just prescribed stronger erythromycin (which is harder to spell than ophthalmologist or diphtheria or diphthong - whewphth). The better experts in BKK knew no better. But I do a lot of impersonations.

[Ajarn]

over the last decade, I've had good and bad experiences with Ram 1 [like most hospitals] and have seen their prices go up and their maintenance go down, so that it is becomming quite run down. In their favor, they are the falang friendliest hospital around town, but you pay 2x the price of other hospitals, especially when they 'over prescribe meds'. For most routine complaints, I patronize Ram2, where the prices are half of ram1 and fewer specialists, but quick cheap service.

And I take all doctors [both here and in the west] with a huge grain of salt and always confirm diagnosis and drugs with 'DR. GOOGLE'.

Sorry. but Ram 2 has been closed for at least a couple of years. It is now a private hospital reputedly own by Mrs. Shinawat. I have spent two occasions, (by ambulance, I couldn't really say much ) there since they have changed. My impression is that it is completely overpriced and under staffed

[tigerbeer]

over the last decade, I've had good and bad experiences with Ram 1 [like most hospitals] and have seen their prices go up and their maintenance go down, so that it is becomming quite run down. In their favor, they are the falang friendliest hospital around town, but you pay 2x the price of other hospitals, especially when they 'over prescribe meds'. For most routine complaints, I patronize Ram2, where the prices are half of ram1 and fewer specialists, but quick cheap service.

And I take all doctors [both here and in the west] with a huge grain of salt and always confirm diagnosis and drugs with 'DR. GOOGLE'.

Sorry. but Ram 2 has been closed for at least a couple of years. It is now a private hospital reputedly own by Mrs. Shinawat. I have spent two occasions, (by ambulance, I couldn't really say much ) there since they have changed. My impression is that it is completely overpriced and under staffed

i was under the impression that the hospital was changed as a result in catering to the 30baht scheme and the Phakan Sangkom while still being under the management of Ram group.

[Mapguy]

My understanding is that the same "family" owns four hospitals: Ram, Lanna, Chang Puak, and Nakorn (on Mae Rim Road). Each caters primarily to a different trade: expat, government employee insurance holders, and the 30-baht card market. There are differences, for certain, but good practitioners work at all of them.

[Blinky Bill]

But that was for a special surgical consultation that nearly saved my life, so no complaints (and my follow-up after surgery shifted to a private clinic).

I often wondered about you Pee Bee. So the special surgical procedure didn't quite save your life? You've done a reasonable impersonation of a live person everytime I've seen you.

Hey BB, I love that new avatar of yours. Is that Shrek's girlfriend?

Nah mate, it's me since I gave up drinking.

[Buddhaman]

The last "organized" discussion I could find on Chiang Mai Ram I Hospital (NW corner of the moat), which is obviously used often by the expatriate community, is dated about two years ago. This is an invitation to discuss this hospital specifically, not other hospitals, in an attempt to focus the discussion. Perhaps others will start topics on the other hospitals for specific discussions about them.

There is an emotional but interesting story in this week's Chiang Mai Mail about inpatient service in the "FeMail" column.

My own personal experience with outpatient service has been mixed. Expressing a particular concern, I question the service provided for routine periodic physical examinations.

The physician (4th floor) who is generally available seems very, very cursory in his approach. The physical includes a variety of laboratory tests (blood, urine, EKG, xray) depending in part on the age and gender of the patient, but the physician does not determine what tests should be taken in an initial interview. That is done by a nurse who plays it "by the numbers" presenting the customer with a computer screen of choices like a menu from which the customer should select the appropriate tests. She functions more like a waitress than a medical professional.

There are quite a number of lab tests available, one of the most elaborate of which is an abdominal ultrasound done by a specialist. The "attending" physician does only the most cursory physical exam. In fact, temperature is not even taken, nor any examination of reflexes, eyes, ears, nose, throat or "nether regions."

After the work is done and evaluated, the results are available for analysis by the attending physician who, again, provides a cursory report unless pressed about the meaning of the tests or about their effectiveness for diagnostic purposes. This is wrapped up in a package, which is paid for in advance --- USD 500 or more for a fairly complete lab workup.

[Buddhaman]

The last "organized" discussion I could find on Chiang Mai Ram I Hospital (NW corner of the moat), which is obviously used often by the expatriate community, is dated about two years ago. This is an invitation to discuss this hospital specifically, not other hospitals, in an attempt to focus the discussion. Perhaps others will start topics on the other hospitals for specific discussions about them.

There is an emotional but interesting story in this week's Chiang Mai Mail about inpatient service in the "FeMail" column.

My own personal experience with outpatient service has been mixed. Expressing a particular concern, I question the service provided for routine periodic physical examinations.

The physician (4th floor) who is generally available seems very, very cursory in his approach. The physical includes a variety of laboratory tests (blood, urine, EKG, xray) depending in part on the age and gender of the patient, but the physician does not determine what tests should be taken in an initial interview. That is done by a nurse who plays it "by the numbers" presenting the customer with a computer screen of choices like a menu from which the customer should select the appropriate tests. She functions more like a waitress than a medical professional.

There are quite a number of lab tests available, one of the most elaborate of which is an abdominal ultrasound done by a specialist. The "attending" physician does only the most cursory physical exam. In fact, temperature is not even taken, nor any examination of reflexes, eyes, ears, nose, throat or "nether regions."

After the work is done and evaluated, the results are available for analysis by the attending physician who, again, provides a cursory report unless pressed about the meaning of the tests or about their effectiveness for diagnostic purposes. This is wrapped up in a package, which is paid for in advance --- USD 500 or more for a fairly complete lab workup.

Yes mapguy I totally agree with you... my cardiologist Dr. Padumkiat is in my opinion very uncaring and his diognasis was not complete and he copied exactly what my Indian cardiologist has written .. and during a Angiopasty that procedure was done by someone from Maharaja hospital !! Also, during another hernia surgery in the ops room I was left there in the fulll cold A/C room for so long and the surgeon ''had no idea" that I was waiting for him... thereforel, the surgery took very long and I was under general that triggered a Asthma attack of a severe kind !! that he had to qucikly finish the surgery and bring me back so that I woulldn't die !!

Holy moley !! what an experience !!

I agree with others here who report that Maharaja is not only cheeper but also better in service and care. But of course Bhumrungrad is far superior of course but costs a lot too... ONLY go there if your condition is very serious and you need the best care.

Good luck to all... Buddhaman

[yumidesign]

I have only had good experiences with Ram Hospital and also its Dental Clinic where I always go for anything that might be serious.

I hate hospitals. The C M Ram is no exception. They make my hypertension rocket. But when all else fails i go there. Over servicing is a major problem and oversupply of drugs, particularly antibiotics is rampant. All the drug costs are 100% on retail. And I have heard that they doctors are subsidised by the drug companies. So its up to you to make sure you have control of the situation rather than the hospital. Check and dispute the bill if you feel the need and do not pay anything untill you see the bill. The drugs are easily available from say Phama Choice. Let the buyer beware! and in any event check the internet for drugs prescribed and info on what is wrong and how to fix it

[Mapguy]

Any recent experiences or observations out there?

[Patriciachas]

I have only had good experiences with Ram Hospital and also its Dental Clinic where I always go for anything that might be serious.

I hate hospitals. The C M Ram is no exception. They make my hypertension rocket. But when all else fails i go there. Over servicing is a major problem and oversupply of drugs, particularly antibiotics is rampant. All the drug costs are 100% on retail. And I have heard that they doctors are subsidised by the drug companies. So its up to you to make sure you have control of the situation rather than the hospital. Check and dispute the bill if you feel the need and do not pay anything untill you see the bill. The drugs are easily available from say Phama Choice. Let the buyer beware! and in any event check the internet for drugs prescribed and info on what is wrong and how to fix it

Sorry if i sound stupid but where is phama choice/.

[Mapguy]

I recently became aware of an incident that occurred in December 2006, not involving me but someone I know. Gathering that some who post on TV apparently seem to be more than occasionally active sexually with multiple partners, I have decided to post what happened.

Two physicians --- Dr. Taratorn Thamprasit and Dr. Sathorn Chiewpanich --- at Chiang Mai Ram Hospital --- missed an obvious diagnosis of primary syphilis even though the patient advised them that he was aware of those symptoms and knew he had been exposed to someone who had the disease. Dr. Sathorn, at a later visit when presented a letter from another physician confirming the disease in the original carrier, changed the original diagnosis of "abrasion wound." Chiang Mai Ram did not stock the appropriate medication! My acquaintance then went to the Special Services Medical Clinic (Sri Phat) where the physician immediately recognized the problem and prescribed (successfully) the necessary treatment. A letter informing the managing, general and medical directors of Chiang Mai Ram I Hospital was not acknowledged.

[Mapguy]

A "newbie" recently requested advice regarding obtaining medications in Thailand. Ram was helpfully mentioned by some respondents. I must add that while there is the common perception that Chiang Mai Ram I is the most expensive place to obtain medications, I have not always found that true after doing a fair range of comparison shopping, which is not difficult to do in Chiang Mai. But I don't believe that you can "bargain" at Ram.

It is always good to check your bill wherever you are, of course. Chiang Mai Ram got my bill wrong once, but when I brought it to their attention, I was very promptly refunded what was due to me in cash --- even though I made the original payment by credit card. The refund was accompanied by a very nice earnest apology.

For a "newbie," there is also a lot of other interesting experience on this thread, which I hope people will update from time to time.

Edited January 2, 2009 by Mapguy

[BlackArtemis]

Ok I will be as subjective as I can.

I have had a full range of experiences at Ram.

Checkups

Getting treated for food poisoning

General sickness

Dengue fever

and the wife was there while she was pregnant

She was also there when she had a miscarriage...

This is my opinion.

1 when going there for any of the basic dust in the eye, stomach flue, food poisoning, upper respiratory infections. They will barely even look at you and simply write you off some meds, the most expensive ones they can find.

suggestion: If you are not so sick that you need an IV drip, go to a local pharmacy.

2 Dengue Fever / extended stay They took care of me wonderfully for 8 days, the nurses and doctors were very attentive.

suggestions HAVE INSURANCE 8 days was 60,000k Baht, I didn't even pay close to that thanks to my insurance. If you can stomach solid food, have a loved one bring some in, the room service food is as expensive as a posh hotel... But enjoy the stay and the sponge bathes.

3. For pregnancy, we were treated wonderfully, checked up, they knew what they were doing. My wife felt happy there.

Suggestion: not a bad place if you don't turn out to have complications.

4. operations Now my wife went in and then ultrasound found no heart, the baby didn't develop and we decided to have the miscarriage induced, rather than wait. (my wife couldn't psychologically handle walking around and waiting for her dead baby to come out naturally) Well she went in and she had a painful recovery and took her meds and 2 days later collapsed in pain as I rushed her back to the hospital. The doctor had failed to remove everything and I had to pay for a second operation for their ineptness.

Suggestion My wife now avoids that hospital like a plague and we have decided to wait until we reached America (we came in late oc) to begin to have children, because she feels that in one of the better hospitals messed up, why risk it.

So I have had very positive, irritating, and horrifying experiences there. I believe there was one general health doctor who was arguing about my asthma medication, I politely told him that he met me 5 mins ago, while my Pulmonologist had known me for 20+ years and I trusted him more. This guy was one of the worst, he didn't even check my nostrils or throat when I had URI's and just gave me a slip for meds for 4500B...

If you have an asthma attack get to Suan Dok, you will bypass everyone and get you immediate help and will pay for your meds less than anywhere.

[rethaired]

I got swift service at 23:00 on a Friday night for an infection of the throat (brought upon I think by a fishbone). It helped it was late and there were no flies anywhere. Yet, quick service by the doctor there. In retrospective, I think they overcharged me for an Xray and of course, the antibiotics, since I am sure the infection was noticeable. The specialist came in 20 min. later from his home and gave me an antibiotic which, after I ate it, burst the infection, which makes me think that the 2 docs could have pierce the infection themselves! But, then, I am not a doctor and they are banking on that, especially when you are tired and hurt.

So, my opinion, unless otherwise questioned, is MIXED.

[richard10365]

I think CM Ram makes a lot of money off of farangs who don't fully understand the insurance process here in Thailand. The ambulance drivers bring all the emergency ambulance victims to CM Ram. The Thai's are brought to government hospitals even if the 2 people are married (farang man and Thai wife). This is because most farangs are traveling with insurance.

When insurance is used at CM Ram, the finance department jacks up the price thinking most farangs will not double check their bill, which most farangs do not.

Then, at this point I am speculating, they (the finance department) split the profit they just made on the over charge with all criminal parties involves. This happens for the entire year. I believe if their finance department was investigated (audited by an independent auditor), they would all end up in prison.

No doubt they give great medical care, but their financial activities are most likely criminal. Searching the the threads on ThaiVisa you can read about instances of CM Ram over charging farangs. If a few ThaiVisa members mention it here, imagine how many go unreported.

Like I said, great medical care but lousy accounting.

[CMDave]

Hello folks, my name's Dave and this is my first time posting on this forum although i have been retired here in Chiang Mai for about a year. Anyway, I would like to know if anyone out there has used Dr. Supon from the urology dept at cm rahm hospital, for major surgery?

Thanks in advance.

Dave

[Dean1953]

I've only had two dealings with them. In July, 2006, I had a motorcycle accident and broke my upper arm and tore some ligaments. I was taken to McCormack hospital for the immediate treatment and they missed the large open hole below my elbow abd didn't clean it. I went to BNH in Bangkok to have an MRI done and was told to have surgery on the arm to repair it ($9,000 total). I went to Ram hospital and the orthopedic surgeon there recommended re-habing the arm myself (this dignostisis was repeated by another orthopedic surgeon in C.M.). I followed the advise of the doctor at Ram hospital and the arm is now fine. The second time, I wnet to Ram Hospital for the paperwork involved in getting permanent residnecy visas for my wife and her 3 kids. While the shots were exhorbandant, I don't think I could have gotten a cheaper price, as most of the price is the medication in the shots. I hope that helps.

[Firelily]

I had a few visits to Ram as well.

a couple of months ago, I was prescribed contraceptive pills, but at the medicine counter, I ended up getting anti-worm tablets. someone misread something quite badly - the names of the two medicines started with the same letter.... thank god for my habit of making a google search on any pills or medication before taking it..... I only realised later on that I should have reported it to someone higher up the ladder at the hospital or something....

[gpdjohn]

I had the fortune of spending 8 glorious days in the Ram back in October.

I had good quaility care from a young doctor who looked more like a orderly ( that's what I thought he was in the ER the night ( morning ) I got to meet him )

The nursing care scared me somewhat, especially when the doc had to chastise the nurses on a daily basis to watch the wound care for infection since it wasn't being done up to par.

I have to admit, the nursing staff was a pleasure to look at and I really didn't mind the early morning wake up to check my TPR,B/P.

My insurance ( BCBS of AZ ) telelphoned me in my room to inform me that Ram met all thier expectations of quality health care within the Realm and they gladly paid 85% of my total bill, which I was most happy with.

The thing that's killing me now, is the Doctor visits q 2 weeks. The doc is cheap ( this is a pain doc now, quite happy with his care, a miracle worker he is..) but the RX for the meds are killing me...we're talking some serious charges for pills here...

My last visit I was hoping to get his blessing for a nice happy life, see ya on the next test of ribs vs. pole, but he told me "see ya in a month" and when I got to the "check-bill"/pharmacy, I darn near passed out from the cost of this months medication. Astronomical.

I have since deemed myself healthy and now ready to face the big bad cruel world ( and I have allot of unused meds left to fall back on ) and submit all those medication reciepts for reimbursment across the pond.

Am I happy with Ram?

Yeah. I am.

Have I been in worse?

Yeah, and it's called the US Veterans Administration.

[jalebi]

Well i think nowadays any hospital also would want to make the most money they can out of you in anyway that they can. And especially if they know that you are insured they would get to the maximum of it. Well i gave birth to 3kids there by cesarean. The nurese there were pretty helpful even at the operation ward.

But the last operation was;nt good. Its like the oppointed time was 10am they took me inside the theater at 9something and i was lying onthe thing waiting for the doc to come which she came at abt 11. Its like an hour late plus they dint not inform my husband who is waiting outside worried abt me and they tooked me out after 3hrs plus. Everyone in family were so worried about me.

And besides all that the anestacian was answering the call for the doctor who is doing my operations. I don;t think handphones are allowed inside the operation room.?? I mean its ridiculous you know..

Well the birth packages were reasonable at that time.. But now the price is times 2 of what i paid.. Its only 2yrs ago...

But i see now they have less patient. I onl take my kids there for vacinations.. that also its cut throat the price .. is never less then 1000/head..

Anyway overall the experience were good but i think alot of their nurses are errogant