Bangkok Pattaya Hospital Prices

[think_too_mut]

Insurance companies keep them in check, they may try things but must stay within the boundaries. That is not "charge what they want", could be "as much as they can" but that limit of "what they can" is set by BUPA and similar insurance companies.

hogwash.... My first visit ever to the international hospital was funny.... Man asked do you have insurance and I answered no... he pulled out a book and showed me the room rates (felt like I was in a hotel lobby, not the ER)... Then I said wait I do have insurance he said oh sorry I show you wrong book.... he proceeds to show me the insurace book, same rooms only the rates were 3* as much as the no-insurance book..

And what?

Could he charge you more than what insurance would pay?

[astral]

My first visit ever to the international hospital was funny.... Man asked do you have insurance and I answered no... he pulled out a book and showed me the room rates (felt like I was in a hotel lobby, not the ER)... Then I said wait I do have insurance he said oh sorry I show you wrong book.... he proceeds to show me the insurace book, same rooms only the rates were 3* as much as the no-insurance book..

Welcome to Thailand.

[Heng]

Samitivej definitely has started taking a more intense "pad the bottom line" approach, at least in the Ob/Gyn department. Just about every available test that plausibly would have some benefit is recommended, and I'd imagine that patients who didn't take much basic biology/life sciences etc. in high school or college (or even those who take the time to read up or at least Google) are buying into a good number of these options (not unlike options at a car dealership). Overall still very happy with the service, but the total cost will definitely be pricier: likely around 49,000 vs. around 39,000; than the delivery cost of our first child at Vejthani before Bangkok Hospital took it over. But x 1,000's of patients, that adds up.

To be expected now that they are governed by the Bangkok Hospital board.

[offset]

Samitivej definitely has started taking a more intense "pad the bottom line" approach, at least in the Ob/Gyn department. Just about every available test that plausibly would have some benefit is recommended, and I'd imagine that patients who didn't take much basic biology/life sciences etc. in high school or college (or even those who take the time to read up or at least Google) are buying into a good number of these options (not unlike options at a car dealership). Overall still very happy with the service, but the total cost will definitely be pricier: likely around 49,000 vs. around 39,000; than the delivery cost of our first child at Vejthani before Bangkok Hospital took it over. But x 1,000's of patients, that adds up.

To be expected now that they are governed by the Bangkok Hospital board.

BHP are charging for a C-Section all in package 39900B (I think normal delivery was about 32000B) which included everything even any drugs to be taken at home clothes and covers for baby to go home in and about 4 bags of free samples supplied room was very good couch for me to sleep which was made up into a bed

[Sabum]

I get allergy injections and had gotten them 4 times previously at other Bangkok Hospital branches but Bangkok Pattaya was 1000 baht more (1600 went up to 2600), I freaked out but they wouldn't back down. Thieves.

[Guest Bellini]

And the great news is that the Bangkok Hospital group is slowly but surely buying up several local private hospitals.... BNH, Samitivej and Vejthani are a few on their list...

I believe Bangkok Hospital has owned BNH already for years and reacently acquired Samitivej.

[Guest Bellini]

...and I know very well they double the cost of drugs...

You are being charitable. I have seen many cases where a private hospital charged a lot more than double for medicines.

[CHINWA]

Last month I took my daughter to the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital for her immunization injections which cost 1,800 Baht; I was told she must have the same injection again next month.

I returned and saw the same doctor for the same 10 second chat, the same nurse that gave the last injection; but when I went to pay the cost was 2,500 Baht. I questioned this and showed them last months invoice; they charged 650 for the doctor 300 baht more and another 400 baht more for the drugs.

I refused to pay the extra; and after great discussion they discounted the invoice to the same price as last months. They then stated next time asks the price before you come. I was very angry and told them you can not cheat the people by just charging what you think.

I assume the doctor gets a % of what they charge, and I know very well they double the cost of drugs. I also assume most people will never question their cost, but for me this kind of cheating is a disgrace and needs attention.

I am sure I am not the only person that have been cheated, but to what extent are they cheating?

The cost of some drugs can reach 800% in some hospitals. Some of us know the name of the drugs prescribed and ask the doctor for a very small quantity of each so we can buy the rest later in a pharmacy. Who's guilty?... In every country I've been the price of the medicaments are established by the government to avoid this kind of situations. To prevent this problems, hospitals can only prescribe the drugs and then the patient buy them outside in a pharmacy (all pharamcies are under strict control of the authorities). Here it seems that there are no control of the hospitals nor the pharmacies. To prove it some also sell cigarrets and other stuff. Healt care here is not cheap and the lack of control by the authorities is an incentive to this kind of situations.

[Heng]

And the great news is that the Bangkok Hospital group is slowly but surely buying up several local private hospitals.... BNH, Samitivej and Vejthani are a few on their list...

I believe Bangkok Hospital has owned BNH already for years and reacently acquired Samitivej.

True. I didn't mean "list" as in to be acquired. I meant in their portfolio.

[Heng]

Samitivej definitely has started taking a more intense "pad the bottom line" approach, at least in the Ob/Gyn department. Just about every available test that plausibly would have some benefit is recommended, and I'd imagine that patients who didn't take much basic biology/life sciences etc. in high school or college (or even those who take the time to read up or at least Google) are buying into a good number of these options (not unlike options at a car dealership). Overall still very happy with the service, but the total cost will definitely be pricier: likely around 49,000 vs. around 39,000; than the delivery cost of our first child at Vejthani before Bangkok Hospital took it over. But x 1,000's of patients, that adds up.

To be expected now that they are governed by the Bangkok Hospital board.

BHP are charging for a C-Section all in package 39900B (I think normal delivery was about 32000B) which included everything even any drugs to be taken at home clothes and covers for baby to go home in and about 4 bags of free samples supplied room was very good couch for me to sleep which was made up into a bed

How did they know beforehand what drugs you would need/run out of, etc.? Or if the doctor would be of the opinion to have your blood sugar monitored because your wife's weight gain was over the recommended range by one kilogram?

Anyway, if you got that deal (which is the advertised deal), and paid only that, you got away more fortunate than many. We have a nurse and doctor in the family there (and get in house rates for all the little things... vaccines, dental, minor patch ups, etc.... just not major care events) and the game plan they use is more often than not to hit you everywhere else if possible. Just IMO/IME.

[offset]

Samitivej definitely has started taking a more intense "pad the bottom line" approach, at least in the Ob/Gyn department. Just about every available test that plausibly would have some benefit is recommended, and I'd imagine that patients who didn't take much basic biology/life sciences etc. in high school or college (or even those who take the time to read up or at least Google) are buying into a good number of these options (not unlike options at a car dealership). Overall still very happy with the service, but the total cost will definitely be pricier: likely around 49,000 vs. around 39,000; than the delivery cost of our first child at Vejthani before Bangkok Hospital took it over. But x 1,000's of patients, that adds up.

To be expected now that they are governed by the Bangkok Hospital board.

BHP are charging for a C-Section all in package 39900B (I think normal delivery was about 32000B) which included everything even any drugs to be taken at home clothes and covers for baby to go home in and about 4 bags of free samples supplied room was very good couch for me to sleep which was made up into a bed

How did they know beforehand what drugs you would need/run out of, etc.? Or if the doctor would be of the opinion to have your blood sugar monitored because your wife's weight gain was over the recommended range by one kilogram?

Anyway, if you got that deal (which is the advertised deal), and paid only that, you got away more fortunate than many. We have a nurse and doctor in the family there (and get in house rates for all the little things... vaccines, dental, minor patch ups, etc.... just not major care events) and the game plan they use is more often than not to hit you everywhere else if possible. Just IMO/IME.

As I have said in another thread got an estimate for C-Section 39900B and to have Cyst removed at the same time 42000B paid total bill of just over 82000B (had ear test done that was extra but they asked first) paid the bill 30 minutes later had a phone call from Hospital they over charge by nearly 26000B can I go back for refund

An estimate is only for a guide they should include for some small extras over and above that you pay

In England normally if you get an estimate for anything the bill should not be more than about 12% over without approval first I guess it is not like that in Thailand

[MickA]

I was a frequent user of BPH when I lived there...I noticed when they were building the new part a little 50 baht extra on the bill as "other hospital expenses"...I said jokingly to the cashier "Is this to pay for the new wing" she said "Yes"

[Heng]

As I have said in another thread got an estimate for C-Section 39900B and to have Cyst removed at the same time 42000B paid total bill of just over 82000B (had ear test done that was extra but they asked first) paid the bill 30 minutes later had a phone call from Hospital they over charge by nearly 26000B can I go back for refund

An estimate is only for a guide they should include for some small extras over and above that you pay

In England normally if you get an estimate for anything the bill should not be more than about 12% over without approval first I guess it is not like that in Thailand

In my experience, BPH always asks permission (although I'm sure some who feel they were "ripped off" wouldn't agree). My point was that the extras and 'sales' type atmosphere that the place exudes seems to be policy.

[Owain]

Fundamental lack of understanding.

Well you will have to sort that out yourself. I suggest you doing some research on Capitalism and how it works.

[Sheryl]

"If you ask the doctor he/she will write down what medication you need and you can then purchase it from Fascino at a much cheaper price."

Since many drugs are just copied with ineffective ingredients, where, if anywhere can we be sure they are genuine ?

This is not, to my knowledge, a problem in Thailand with the exception of viagra and the like, which I have heard reports of counterfeits. But in all my time here I have not heard of ordinary medications being counterfeited.

NMever buy your medication at a hospital unless it is something only available through a hospital (i.e. a controlled substance) To further save money, buy local generic wherever possible. These are so cheap you can be sure not fake; not enough potential profit to be had in it.

Of course, this advice is not applicable in the case of getting vaccinations.

I have slightly edited the title of this thread in the interests of avoiding defamation claims etc. While it is clear that the OP was asked to pay more the second time than he did on the first, it is not clear if this was because a rate increase had gone into effect in the interim.

It is true that for many procedures only an estimated cost can be provided, but an immunization is an immunization, should be a flat rate. Likewise consultation fees, while they may vary by individual doctor (and many hospitals have more than one tier depending on the length of the consultation) are a knowable quantity.

Surely they have a price list (two-tier or otherwise). Has anyone asked for it/seen it recently?

[wpcoe]

I read someplace (possibly on one of the above-referenced threads here on thaivisa.com) that Bangkok Hospital-Pattaya actually has a three-tier price structure:

• Thai
  
• visiting foreigner
  
• local foreigner
  

I can't remember for sure, but I think the latter category means "local foreigner with Thai insurance coverage," or maybe that was a fourth tier?

It's possible the OP was originally charged in the third category the first time (in error?) and charged in the second category the second time. Whichever category was the "wrong" one, it would probably involve serious loss of face to explain the mistake?

[kriswillems]

Most standard vaccinations can be given in a small child clinic. All hospitals use exactly the same vaccinations but in the more expensive hospitals you can get optional vaccinations that you can't get in the cheap clinics, for instance vaccinations for the rota virus, IPD or chicken pox.

The price of vaccinations in the government hospital is about 1/3 of the price in a big private hospital. The price in a small clinic is a bit higher but still in the same range as the price in a government hospital. I don't understand people go to those expensive hospitals for something simple like a vaccination.

[JSixpack]

I was a frequent user of BPH when I lived there...I noticed when they were building the new part a little 50 baht extra on the bill as "other hospital expenses"...I said jokingly to the cashier "Is this to pay for the new wing" she said "Yes"

The nickel-and-diming at BPH is almost more annoying than the blatant ripoffs. Phayathai (in Siricha), the cheaper private alternative, I notice last time I went has started insisting on totally unnecessary follow-up appointments. Even after I told them I wasn't coming back for any followup, they put me down for one anyway. Hopefully I won't be charged for missing it if I ever go back. I'm gonna start using either Banglamung or the public hospital in Siricha (had a cyst removed there a few years ago and they did a good job; cost me B300 after BPH had quoted B6000) for all the small stuff and for bigger use Queen Sirikit in Rayong. I've got a supply of books to read while I wait in the waiting rooms. Banglamung is building a new wing too (it's about time!) and should be getting better . . . .

[su-b-doo]

I am sure I am not the only person that have been cheated, but to what extent are they cheating?

They are not cheating. They can charge you what they want for their services, that is the capitalist way. Everyone does it. As they told you you should have asked how much if you were so concerned about the price. 2500 baht is cheap for private hospital treatment.

Really?

Samitivej in BKK, where we did all the vaccines, never charged more that 1800B.

How much you want it to be "for private hospital treatment"?

Yes really. They are allowed to charge what they want to as is any other business. Just because you and other people do not like what they charge does not mean they are cheating you.

Yeah, in Mad Max movies or in Somalia.

In the real world where you do not seem to live. A business can charge what they like and if you do not like it then shop else where. Easy.

Should you read my complaint; the fact is they charged one price and stated come next month for the same injection, but the charge was more. Yes they have the right to charge what they want, but there was verbal and apointment contract; there was no mention that they were going to charge more for the same service. When I take my car for service; they are very helpful and fully detail what is wrong and how much it is going to cost; if BKK Pattaya Hos had any respect for their value of service, then they could pass on the required information freely; NOT just expect the customer is going to pay what they feel they want to charge.

[fishhooks]

What is the best economical method of obtaining prescription medicines that you may be close to running out of, due to a longer stay here.

ie: Lipitor and Nexium

[GREGORYNINE]

Last month I took my daughter to the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital for her immunization injections which cost 1,800 Baht; I was told she must have the same injection again next month.

I returned and saw the same doctor for the same 10 second chat, the same nurse that gave the last injection; but when I went to pay the cost was 2,500 Baht. I questioned this and showed them last months invoice; they charged 650 for the doctor 300 baht more and another 400 baht more for the drugs.

I refused to pay the extra; and after great discussion they discounted the invoice to the same price as last months. They then stated next time asks the price before you come. I was very angry and told them you can not cheat the people by just charging what you think.

I assume the doctor gets a % of what they charge, and I know very well they double the cost of drugs. I also assume most people will never question their cost, but for me this kind of cheating is a disgrace and needs attention.

I am sure I am not the only person that have been cheated, but to what extent are they cheating?

I've been using BKK/Pattaya Hospital for 7 years and they've been fairly good...but it helps to understand a few things about the place:

They just finished a spectacularly expensive remodel a few years ago and are under intense pressure to pay for it.

The Doctors are under strict rules to not let you leave without medicines (as many as possible), and a follow-up appointment. I simply refuse half of the meds...and cancel the appointment after I leave.

They do negotiate....a year ago, they put me in the new wing for a week (serious illness...but okay now...thanks). After the first day...I noticed the room cost exceeded my insurance by 3,000 Baht a day. So I asked to be moved to the cheap (older wing) and they discounted my rate rather than move me.

Like private schools in Thailand, it's a business first...hospital (school) last. You did well keeping the price down...although I wouldn't call what they did "cheating".

Cheers

[sheff_mick]

Due to use the Samitivej in BKK and have the choice of both the one on Sukumvit and the one near the new airport.

Any experience of either would be appreciated.

Having an op. related to the urology dept.

They have suggested a Spinal Block and after research and recomendations from a couple of ladies who used it for giing birth, it seems the best way to go.

Thanks ladies

Again anyone experienced in using this proceedure please ?

Thank you

Edited March 6, 2009 by sheff_mick

[Sheryl]

Due to use the Samitivej in BKK and have the choice of both the one on Sukumvit and the one near the new airport.

Any experience of either would be appreciated.

Having an op. related to the urology dept.

They have suggested a Spinal Block and after research and recomendations from a couple of ladies who used it for giing birth, it seems the best way to go.

Thanks ladies

Again anyone experienced in using this proceedure please ?

Thank you

Much better range of specialists at the Sukhumvit branch

Dr. Thanoo has been recommended by several people, can check his qualificatuions on the website

Can't comment on your procedure since I don't know what it is. If you meant the spinal anesthesia, that is a common approach.

[sheff_mick]

Due to use the Samitivej in BKK and have the choice of both the one on Sukumvit and the one near the new airport.

Any experience of either would be appreciated.

Having an op. related to the urology dept.

They have suggested a Spinal Block and after research and recomendations from a couple of ladies who used it for giing birth, it seems the best way to go.

Thanks ladies

Again anyone experienced in using this proceedure please ?

Thank you

Much better range of specialists at the Sukhumvit branch

Dr. Thanoo has been recommended by several people, can check his qualificatuions on the website

Can't comment on your procedure since I don't know what it is. If you meant the spinal anesthesia, that is a common approach.

Thanks for the reply Sheryl.

I,ll make a note of the specialist you kindly posted.

I asked the service manager if both hospitals used the same specialists by the way, she replied yes and i have asked for the specialists name at the request of my referral hospitals administration along with researching the background ect. and offering it for our membership for possible observations, positive or otherwise.

The terminology used by the specialist was in the following context.

They were offering me a choice of either General Anaesthesia or a Spinal Block. ( spinal anaethesia )

I did a google and from many offerings, the following url,s i found helpful for anyone interested in them for future reference.

http://www.oyston.com/anaes/local.html

http://www.nda.ox.ac.uk/wfsa/html/u12/u1208_01.htm

I would still appreciate any actual experiences if anyone has them please.

Thank you

[Sheryl]

Well I have not myself undergone spinal anesthesia but as a nurse I've seen it done and taken care of many people who have. All things considered it is safer than general, especially for people with respiratory problems.

Basically it is like the numbing shots you have probably had at the dentist except that it will be injected into your spinal column making you completely numb, and unable to move, from about the waist downward. You won't feel a thing and you will be unable to move your legs until it wears off, which will take several hours. You will be wide awake in the OR, although I think you can request a mild sedative to relax you.

People vary; some find it anxiety-producing tio be awake during surgery, others find it more anxiety-producing to be put to sleep. In addition, the risks associated with different types of anesthesia vary with individuals depending on their overall health and medical history.

If it were me, I'd be fine with having a spinal.

[sheff_mick]

Well I have not myself undergone spinal anesthesia but as a nurse I've seen it done and taken care of many people who have. All things considered it is safer than general, especially for people with respiratory problems.

Basically it is like the numbing shots you have probably had at the dentist except that it will be injected into your spinal column making you completely numb, and unable to move, from about the waist downward. You won't feel a thing and you will be unable to move your legs until it wears off, which will take several hours. You will be wide awake in the OR, although I think you can request a mild sedative to relax you.

People vary; some find it anxiety-producing tio be awake during surgery, others find it more anxiety-producing to be put to sleep. In addition, the risks associated with different types of anesthesia vary with individuals depending on their overall health and medical history.

If it were me, I'd be fine with having a spinal.

Thanks Sheryl

I have already voiced my concerns about being awake for approx 2 hours ( the estimated time of the op. )

They said i could be given something to make me sleep if i wished to use the S.Block alternative.

Your other comments are spot on and compliment what i was told by my referral Dr. who incidently had it adminstered on 2 occasions when having her chilren.

As is always the case, we tend to look elsewhere for additional re assurance as indeed i have done in this instance via our T.Visa forum.

It was also mentioned on the plus side that i would be pain free for up to 12 hours after the op. before additional medication needed to be administered.

I will post the name of the specialist when the admin. manager emails me as advised late yesterday, hopefully, as she said she would, on Monday, and assuming the specialist can be organised by then.

In her words she said i could use the new airport hospital as i requested and would personal take charge of all arrangements and organising her staff there ect.

Sounds reassuring to me that she responded in such a polite manner, instead of letting other staff take charge of things there, especially as her base is at the Sukhumvit hospital.

Thank you

Edited March 7, 2009 by sheff_mick

[sheff_mick]

With reference to my forthcoming op. at the Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital ( ear the new airport )

The urologist they have pencilled in to do the op. is Dr Apichai Thongdornbom.

Does anyone know anything about him please, positive or otherwise.

They list a charge of 500 baht for their van pick up one way at the airport which indicates it,s further than it is shown on the map as it is only that between the 2 airports via taxi meter ?

Thank you

Edited March 9, 2009 by sheff_mick

[Sheryl]

Smitivej Srinakarn is not all that close to the airport but 500 is excessive. You can get a meter taxi and my guess would be that it will be not more than 200 baht plus you will have to pay for the tolls which will be 65 baht

[sheff_mick]

I,ve followed the advice of Sheryl and others who recommended DR. Thanoo and got an appointment for the end of the month at the Sukhumvit branch.

I am also going for the Spinal Block and something to help me sleep during the operation as i do not fancy lying awake motionless for around 2 hours.

I look forward to posting my observations sometime after ABW that is, hopefully positive ones.

Perhaps it may be more beneficial to post it as a new thread with a reference in the headline on the subject matter, also to include the url for this thread along with it in my post.

Thanks for allowing me to post here O.P. without raising any objections and allowing the thread to expand hospital wise, considering your headline.

Kudos to you all and especially Sheryls reply to my PM

I,ll get a meter taxi to Sukhumvit from D.Maung

Thank you

Edited March 11, 2009 by sheff_mick

[pattayafamily]

Try Phyathai hospital in Sriracha. for a private hospital they are reasonable.

Barry

Thanks for all the comments... I had been reading many comments about BHP... and I just would like to share my real experienced.... I been in many hospital around in Pattaya including the one you mentione in Sriracha... but I think money is not a problem with me so I still prefer to get the best service that I alwasy had at BHP....yes they are a bit high from the rest but... I am very happy with the quality and services that I received...