Medical Costs At Ram Hospital

[cmjantje]

There has been a lot of negative publication about the medical costs at Ram here in CM.

How is the situation now?

[WinnieTheKhwai]

How about just asking in advance, just like for any other servic or product you buy? And then optionally compare with other hospitals.

[cmjantje]

How about just asking in advance, just like for any other servic or product you buy? And then optionally compare with other hospitals.

Not ONE hospital will give you a cost estimation, or maximum an "about" estimation, unless they have a package.

Besides that.. If you are in need for medical treatment you don't have the time to compare various hospitals. Oh and furthermore.. medical treatment is not a loaf of bread or a tv set you buy..

In other words... your advise is worthless.

[elektrified]

I think most people will agree that RAM is the most expensive hospital in town because they prey on farang. What treatment do you need? If you just need to see a family doctor for a minor issue then why not go to some place like the Loy Kroh Clinic that has a good doctor and does not have dual pricing? If you have a serious problem then one would hope that you have medical insurance. Sripat is just as good as RAM for less money. Both take all the major insurance carriers.

[caf]

How about just asking in advance, just like for any other servic or product you buy? And then optionally compare with other hospitals.

Not ONE hospital will give you a cost estimation, or maximum an "about" estimation, unless they have a package.

Besides that.. If you are in need for medical treatment you don't have the time to compare various hospitals. Oh and furthermore.. medical treatment is not a loaf of bread or a tv set you buy..

In other words... your advise is worthless.

Actually Mccormick will tell you the room doctor and nurse rates and will give you a list of costs of medication and procedures. Other hospitals may do the same, I do not know. But the advice is not worthless just because you have got your knickers in a twist and have limited experience of how hospitals opearate and make the responses yopu do to posters. .. You have some good thoughtful and accurate advice yourself though - medical treatment is not a loaf of bread. waht a startling revelation. thought that out yourself did you

[PeaceBlondie]

If it's elective major surgery, like my second shoulder operation by Dr. Chanakot at Sripat, you'll get a specific estimate in advance by the surgeon. I guess my 2nd sholuder operation cost 10,000 less at Sripat than the earlier op at Chiang Mai Ram.

Off topic I just found this exchange about tuk-tuk drivers:

babykyo @ 2009-07-14 04:02:29

Try to be a tuk tuk yourself

Reply by WinnieTheKwai:

"Well, well, you try being a Coke vending machine. eh, yourself."

[Thakkar]

snip

.. medical treatment is not a loaf of bread ...

Wouldn't it be great if it were though?

[SCARLETIBIS1]

How about just asking in advance, just like for any other servic or product you buy? And then optionally compare with other hospitals.

Not ONE hospital will give you a cost estimation, or maximum an "about" estimation, unless they have a package.

Besides that.. If you are in need for medical treatment you don't have the time to compare various hospitals. Oh and furthermore.. medical treatment is not a loaf of bread or a tv set you buy..

In other words... your advise is worthless.

With all due respect your response is completely erroneous and a diservice to the membership. I just had kidney stones removed and I got costs from Lanna and Sripat before I had anything done. I also have used Ram many times and you can get costs on blood tests as well as ultrsound etc beforehand. You do have to get to the right person to get the info; however. I am not touting any one hospital in fact I think Lanna is one to stay away from servicewise as it seems no one speaks English and Ram tends to be more expensive than others but I highly encourage everyone to try and get costs prior to whatever treatment they need and depending on what you need and how quickly you need it your statement that no one has time is ridiculous, emergency service not withstanding.

[Sparkles]

I think most people will agree that RAM is the most expensive hospital in town because they prey on farang. What treatment do you need? If you just need to see a family doctor for a minor issue then why not go to some place like the Loy Kroh Clinic that has a good doctor and does not have dual pricing? If you have a serious problem then one would hope that you have medical insurance. Sripat is just as good as RAM for less money. Both take all the major insurance carriers.

That's a very sweeping statement "RAM prey on farang" and I don't agree one bit. I have received excellent care from the dermatologist and have a regular 3 monthly check ups. The Dr in my opinion ,after having many skin cancers treated in Australia and Thailand , is the best I have found including suposedly "best hospitals" in Bangkok.

My wife recently had a hysterectomy and the price ,operation and after care,was quoted prior to the operation and the Dr on discharge made sure the invoiced price was as quoted.

My daughter too has received care in Ermergency and the Eye Doctor, no overcharging was evident.

The only issue I have with them is the price of medication which can be easily purchased from an outside pharmacy which obviously has lower overheads.

People have many options for medical care in Chiang mai and in that regard we are very fortunate without going on a hospital bashing exercise.

[iainiain101]

I have no problem with Ram, and have had many good experiences there.

What has allways interested me are all the awards they have won for export. These are on view next to the main lifts, just to the right.

How is this ever measured? If my Thai wife goes in for say a in growing toe nail removal and I pay with an overseas credit card, is this an export? If the wife uses her Thai card, is this a domestic sale? How do they allocate cash payments?

Obviously foreigners claiming on insurance can be seen as exports, but how are expats seen?

What happens if they are behind on 'exports'?

Or am I missing the point and they actually export a product?

Iain

Edited August 29, 2009 by iainiain101

[mnbcm]

I too, have had mostly good experiences at RAM. The prices are quite reasonable in my opinion. Maybe people that think they are high have lived in Thailand long enough that they forget the cost of health care in their home country. I always tell friends back in the U.S. what I pay at RAM and they are always in shock. My wife had a DNA test, blood test, 2 months of meds and an hour session with one of the best thalassemia specialists in the world and it cost 1300 baht. Where in the world can you do that?

[doppa]

I think most people will agree that RAM is the most expensive hospital in town because they prey on farang. What treatment do you need? If you just need to see a family doctor for a minor issue then why not go to some place like the Loy Kroh Clinic that has a good doctor and does not have dual pricing? If you have a serious problem then one would hope that you have medical insurance. Sripat is just as good as RAM for less money. Both take all the major insurance carriers.

sorry, but i wouldn't necessarily agree with your remark, i visited 3 hospitals to get an estimate for my problem, and the ram were the cheapest, and eventually the cost they quoted was cock on, i can only go by my experience, yours may very well be different.

[caf]

I too, have had mostly good experiences at RAM. The prices are quite reasonable in my opinion. Maybe people that think they are high have lived in Thailand long enough that they forget the cost of health care in their home country. I always tell friends back in the U.S. what I pay at RAM and they are always in shock. My wife had a DNA test, blood test, 2 months of meds and an hour session with one of the best thalassemia specialists in the world and it cost 1300 baht. Where in the world can you do that?

I think people are comparing prices between the many Chiangmai hospitals , not with America or elsewhere.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Oh and furthermore.. medical treatment is not a loaf of bread or a tv set you buy.. In other words... your advise is worthless.

No, it's actually very similar to buying any other product/service combination, as several people above have already pointed out to you.

Newbie Farangs from socialist nations typically don't expect things like medical fees or police fines to be up for scrutiny and debate, but, in Thailand, they are.

[Patriciachas]

Oh and furthermore.. medical treatment is not a loaf of bread or a tv set you buy.. In other words... your advise is worthless.

No, it's actually very similar to buying any other product/service combination, as several people above have already pointed out to you.

Newbie Farangs from socialist nations typically don't expect things like medical fees or police fines to be up for scrutiny and debate, but, in Thailand, they are.

What as police fines got to do with medical costs at ram hospital.(Nothing)

[caf]

Oh and furthermore.. medical treatment is not a loaf of bread or a tv set you buy.. In other words... your advise is worthless.

No, it's actually very similar to buying any other product/service combination, as several people above have already pointed out to you.

Newbie Farangs from socialist nations typically don't expect things like medical fees or police fines to be up for scrutiny and debate, but, in Thailand, they are.

What as police fines got to do with medical costs at ram hospital.(Nothing)

Agreed, Patriciachas, Nothing

He is trying to fog the issue. You can get quotes from all hospitals, I suspect, if you persist. McCormicks are very open and upfront and there is no dual pricing. Other hospitals may be the same. Chiangmai Ram has its supporters though most agree they are overpriced for similar care elsewhere and practice dual pricing.

[iainiain101]

It is allways worth joining the Ram member club. Costs 200 or 250 Baht, lasts for a couple of years and gives you 10% discount on medicines and room rates. Certainly covers itself in one stay.

Iain

[mouse]

What gets me are the people that spend 5,000 baht to obtain the various estimates when gasoline, time and other factors are considered and then complain cause one facility is 5,000 baht more expensive than the other.

If you do not have the money go to another facility, there are enough of them.

RAM was good to me and continues to be for what I pay and for what I am being treated for. They go out of their way to treat U.S. Military veterans with the highest quality care in light of many difficulties we present.

[appleman]

I have been to Chiang Mai Ram many times and find their service and quality excellent. Their prices are indeed higher than other hospitals, but for good reason. Waiting times are measured in seconds and minutes instead of hours. Here is one way you can use their services. If you are going for a checkup or want to consult with a doctor, or get various tests, and want the service quick, without much waiting time at all, then Ram is perfect for you. The prices, although a little higher than elsewhere, are worth paying for the extremely quick service. My last yearly checkup cost me less than $200 (0 waiting time). Before getting the checkup a nurse helped me select from a list of tests recommended for people my age. After selecting all the tests I needed I was given the cost of the complete checkup.

When I am prescribed medication at Ram I realize that their drug prices are quite high. But I do buy some medication from them because the doctor visit costs only 200 baht. They have to make money somewhere. If I need a larger amount of medication I simply go to a outside pharmacist.

If my checkup at Ram finds something that will take more intensive care, surgery, etc. Then I arrange with the Ram doctor to see him at Sri Phat, the private arm of the Chiang Mai provincial hospital. Although the waiting there is longer, their prices are much lower. Almost all Ram doctors also work at the government hospital. And the quality of the government hospital here is Chiang Mai is quite good.

The use of the word "prey" with Chiang Mai Ram Hospital was uncalled for.

[pichai]

I fully agreed with Appleman, I and my wife too, a regular of Ram for my annual check up, 5 years now and I find that their prices were acceptable, though slightly higher than others. However, their service was excellent, no long waiting time. All checks done in the morning and the results ready in the afternoon (same day).

[caf]

What gets me are the people that spend 5,000 baht to obtain the various estimates when gasoline, time and other factors are considered and then complain cause one facility is 5,000 baht more expensive than the other.

If you do not have the money go to another facility, there are enough of them.

RAM was good to me and continues to be for what I pay and for what I am being treated for. They go out of their way to treat U.S. Military veterans with the highest quality care in light of many difficulties we present.

5000 baht to get a quote????

[PeaceBlondie]

Hardly any waiting time at Sripat. My neurology professor gets 200 baht. Medicine cheaper than Ram. Physical US$100. Surgeons at both places equally attractive (as if that matters), qualified and fluent. Both hospitals, very high standard.

[elektrified]

What gets me are the people that spend 5,000 baht to obtain the various estimates when gasoline, time and other factors are considered and then complain cause one facility is 5,000 baht more expensive than the other.

If you do not have the money go to another facility, there are enough of them.

RAM was good to me and continues to be for what I pay and for what I am being treated for. They go out of their way to treat U.S. Military veterans with the highest quality care in light of many difficulties we present.

5000 baht to get a quote????

I was thinking the same thing. No one spends anywhere close to that to be quoted prices. That's ludicrous. You can be quoted for free by telephone and/or email. Come on...

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Oh and furthermore.. medical treatment is not a loaf of bread or a tv set you buy.. In other words... your advise is worthless.

No, it's actually very similar to buying any other product/service combination, as several people above have already pointed out to you.

Newbie Farangs from socialist nations typically don't expect things like medical fees or police fines to be up for scrutiny and debate, but, in Thailand, they are.

What as police fines got to do with medical costs at ram hospital.(Nothing)

Agreed, Patriciachas, Nothing He is trying to fog the issue

It's called 'giving an example' that highlights certain cultural differences that are beneficial to be aware of. Feel free to disrAgreed, Patriciachas, Nothing

He is trying to fog the issueegard.

Fortunately I'm young enough to not require medical attention on a monthly basis but it appears I strayed into a famous Grumpy-Farang Bickering Match. The floor is yours.

Edited August 30, 2009 by WinnieTheKhwai

[cmjantje]

Hardly any waiting time at Sripat. My neurology professor gets 200 baht. Medicine cheaper than Ram. Physical US$100. Surgeons at both places equally attractive (as if that matters), qualified and fluent. Both hospitals, very high standard.

?????????????!

If you have to go to a cardiologist, go at 6 in the morning to get a number because If you go at 9 (when the doctor starts) You have a waiting time of at least 3 hours. (own experience)

If you go to the reumatologist (only working from 5 pm), you can be glad if she is on time, most of the time more than one hour late and from then wait at Least 2 hours, even if you made an appointment three months before (own experience)

The ENT doctor ( only works from 5 pm), get a number at 2 pm, they will say you can come at 6 while your number is 17. Calculate 10 minutes per patient and your time is 7.30 (if you are lucky that not a whole family is coming with the patient who All ask questions) (that's the reason I decided to place my question here!)

And I agree with the writer about the seats to give an example. I have spondylitis and the chairs they have are far from ergonomic.

But Of course.. I can choose, that is why I prefer dr. Greg there, comfortable seats and excellent advise.

[PeaceBlondie]

Your mileage may vary. I never waited an hour at Sripat in 6.4 years. I waited well over 10 minutes at RAM for scheduled appt. Private USA doctors are notoriously slow.Both Ram and Sripat are excellent.

[caf]

Your mileage may vary. I never waited an hour at Sripat in 6.4 years. I waited well over 10 minutes at RAM for scheduled appt. Private USA doctors are notoriously slow.Both Ram and Sripat are excellent.

What has mileage to do with medical costs in Chiangmai

The point that some people are making is that costs vary for the same procedures and traetments in the different hospitals here. and it is not always the case that high price means better treatment.

[Asmerom]

There has been a lot of negative publication about the medical costs at Ram here in CM.

How is the situation now?

I've just spent three days in CM RAM to clear up a gall bladder infection. Cost ; 40,000 baht. Of which half was the cost of the drugs.The costliest was an imported antibiotic called "unacyn" ; 1148baht per 3gm injection of which I was given 14. I'm not sure you can deduce much from this except to realise what a surprising proportion of the hospital cost is due to the drugs used.It certainly shocked me. God only knows ( and maybe the surgeon) how much the actual laproscopy operation will cost plus three days recovery.

Still, I suppose I should be thankful for the boundless care and attention dispensed during my stay in a very pleasant room on the 10th floor. Brilliant organisation. Atrocious food.

The day prior to my admittance I had first visited The Trauma Dept of Maharaj Hospital thinking that was where I could get immediate relief from excruciating stomach pain. After four hours lying on a trolley during which they took two blood samples and did an x-ray they found no cause for my pain and the doses of ritalin and tramadol proved totally ineffective. They eventually concluded it was probably flatulence. On about four occaisions they told me I was NOT an emergency which probably explains why I was ignored most of the time and only got attention when I called one of the two young doctors over to complain about the continuous pain; but apparently excruciating pain is not an emergency.They looked horrified at my suggestion of a dose of morphine.They sent me packing with a collection of the ineffective drugs they'd already tried, charged me 2000 baht, and I struggled home feeling weak and ill.

The next day I visited RAM where, after the usual diagnostic tests, Dr. Taratorn immediately diagnosed cholecystitis- an infection of the gall bladder and would have arranged an operation the same day as it was a dangerous condition, were I not taking blood thinning drugs.

I have no idea what conclusions, if any, may be drawn from this experience. Its up to you. I haven't made a complaint ; perhaps I should.

[Ulysses G.]

I called one of the two young doctors over to complain about the continuous pain; but apparently excruciating pain is not an emergency.They looked horrified at my suggestion of a dose of morphine.They sent me packing with a collection of the ineffective drugs they'd already tried, charged me 2000 baht, and I struggled home feeling weak and ill.

It seems almost impossible to get doctors and dentists to prescribe effective painkilling drugs here. Is there any way to get around this in case of a serious illness?

[PeaceBlondie]

Your mileage may vary. I never waited an hour at Sripat in 6.4 years. I waited well over 10 minutes at RAM for scheduled appt. Private USA doctors are notoriously slow.Both Ram and Sripat are excellent.

What has mileage to do with medical costs in Chiangmai

The point that some people are making is that costs vary for the same procedures and traetments in the different hospitals here. and it is not always the case that high price means better treatment.

"Your mileage may vary" is a standard term, now used in informal debate, meaning "your experiences may be different." The discussion had broadened from the OP to include waiting times. I agree with the rest of your post.