Knee Problem And Idea On Costs

[yeti]

Hi,

I have some problems with my knees. When I seat on the floor with my legs crossed, after some time my right knee twists (not sure how to describe that, feels like the upper side of my leg is going outwards (down), the lower side is going inwards and something snaps out of place under the kneecap), it's very painful, and when I stretch my leg it goes back to normal. It happenned a few time with my left knee as well, but most often with the right one.

Not a big problem, I just avoided seating in this position. But recently I feel some pain from time to time when walking, especially if I carry my baby in my arms, or if I squat.

So I need to make some tests, I guess a scan of some sort. As my insurance is due for renewal soon, I was wondering if it's worth upgrading my policy just for this (or at least get outpatient cover).

Can anyone tell me approximately how much knee tests will cost in a good hospital (Samitivej, BNH, Burumgrad, those kind of places), and in case it's needed if an operation will be more like 100,000 THB, 500,000 THB or more?

[FITCORPASIA]

Yeti,

I highly doubt you need to operate!

Probably due to a weakness in your glutes and hammies, over developed and tight quats (front muscles).

How about FREE??? Free Assessment, if after there is no improvement and we can't help, its free. No risk.

Free Assessment with Sports Physiotherapist. Simple yet super effective exercises will turn things around for you.

Call Fitcorp's Sports Physio Centre.

There are 2 locations, Chaeng Wattana (Mon, Wed, Fri) and Sukhumvit Soi 19 (Tue, Thur, Sat).

02 661 7900.

0818 044 335

http://www.fitcorpasia.com/general/physiotherapy.php

http://www.fitcorpasia.com

Edited March 18, 2009 by FITCORPASIA

[yeti]

Thanks for the offer, but before starting any kind of therapy I want to know for sure what's wrong. What kind of test would be needed for that? X-Ray, MRI, some other kind of scan?

[FITCORPASIA]

Hi Yeti,

Yes that's correct, we need to determine the CAUSE!! hence the Physio will do some simple yet effective 'manual' tests to identity weakness, range of motion, physical limitations and muscle weaknesses.

No Scan, MRI or X-Ray. if the physio cannot determine what the cause is, he will suggest to you what you need done to take it further.

But from experience that probably wont be necessary.

D.

[lopburi3]

Vejthani Hospital lists there price in the 300-400k range all inclusive. To check should not cost much and probably start with x-ray type photos/exam.

[Sheryl]

I agree that a medical evaluation by a specialist should be the first step. Physiotherapists can work wonders but not all problems are suitable for PT, and for problems that are, a thorough medical diagnosis will help the therapists develop an appropriate plan.

Costs for a consultation with a specialist, if go top end will probably be around 1000 baht. It is impossible to say what tests will be required until the doctor examines you. If an MRI is recommended, costs vary tremendously by hospital with the mid-range hosps like Phayathai etc doing a perfectly adequate joib for half of what the upper end places charge (and you can et the film to take with you if consulting a doctor elsewhere). But you will not necessarily require an MRI.

Likewise impossible to say in advance if your problem would require surgery. However if it does, costs will again vary greatly by hospital as well of course by the type of procedure.

Should it prove necessary, there are some good options for surgery that are significantly lower in cost e.g. the following which have gotten favorable recommendations from other TV members:

Sao Paolo General Hospital on Srinarikin - Dr. Opas (trained in Germany)

Vejthani Hospital (doctor not specified)

Queen Sirikit Naval Hospital near Saattahip - Dr. Narmonn

St louis Hospital, which is not for profit, can also do ortho surgery altho I ahve not had feedback from any members on it.

To give you a rough idea, extensive ortho surgery (e.g. hip replacement) in those facilities has been reported in the 150,000 - 180,000 baht range, would be twice that in places like Bumrungrad. These prices include costs of prosthetic devise. Less extensive surgery would of course cost less.

If I were you I would start by seeing a well qualified ortho surgeon at the most convenient ïnternational stabndard hospital for a consultation and see what s/he says. If they recommend an MRI I would either get it done elsewhere and then bring it back to that doc to read (assuming favorably impressed with the doc) or, if from initial consultation it looked like surgery might be recommended, proceed to one of the hospitals listed above for both MRI and subsequent treatment.

[yeti]

Hi Sheryl,

Thanks for the list of hospital and advice.

I've contacted Samitivej, they price an MRI scan at 12000 THB (not including doctor fee). They also state that media contrast is 5000 THB, I guess it's a way of improving the MRI result, not sure.

You recommend having the MRI scan (if necessary) at a cheaper hospital, does that mean that a more modern equipment (supposedly found at a top hospital) would not make a big difference?

I'm asking, because when I compare ultrasound scan (for my pregnant wife) at Samitivej and at a cheaper hospital (Vichaiyut), then Samitivej results are much clearer as their equipment is more modern.

[Robby nz]

Hi Yeti

Me I would first go to see the free Physio you have been offered, what have you got to lose?

You can accept or ignore any results if you wish. Depending on what you feel after their assesment you have a big choice of hospitals in BKK, if you want a top class hotel go to the most expensive.

I started by going to Payatai 2 where I met a specialist (not for knees) who was visiting from Pramongkotklow the army hospital he said I could have treatment at either PT2 or PMKK with the later being cheaper. Am happy with the decision to go the cheap way, only drawback is waiting time as they see far more patients than the private hospitals

Seems some of the private hospitals dont have specialists in all disiplins and call them in as needed so you may well be getting the same doctor at a private hospital as you would get at for instance PMKK. For a higher price of course.

[Sheryl]

Hi Sheryl,

Thanks for the list of hospital and advice.

I've contacted Samitivej, they price an MRI scan at 12000 THB (not including doctor fee). They also state that media contrast is 5000 THB, I guess it's a way of improving the MRI result, not sure.

You recommend having the MRI scan (if necessary) at a cheaper hospital, does that mean that a more modern equipment (supposedly found at a top hospital) would not make a big difference?

I'm asking, because when I compare ultrasound scan (for my pregnant wife) at Samitivej and at a cheaper hospital (Vichaiyut), then Samitivej results are much clearer as their equipment is more modern.

The quality of the equipment does make a difference and I would not recmmend a rock nbottom cheap place (there are some that do just imagery). But in my experience the quality of the films from Phyathai are just fine and about half the price of Bumrungrad etc. If you go that route tell them you do not need an interpretation as that alone adds a few thousand to the cost and the ortho surgeon will do his own interpretation anyhow.

But don';t assume you need an MRI. A simple Xray may suffice, possibly even thatm will not know until you have had a consultation with an orthopod.

[Igor]

Most knee problems can be diagnosed with a good manual exam. Seldom a need for an MRI. A lot of probs can be corrected with exercises and, yes, physiotherapy. From what you described, I think it sounds like you may get by for a long time yet with some simple knee exercises. But, of course, no one here can tell for sure what's wrong with your knee. I'd suggest a good physical exam by an ortho doctor. I don't know this company FitCorps but I suspect you could get as good and cheaper therapy at the hospitals. Oh, and if anyone suggests surgery, then it's definitely time for a second opinion.