Minburi Hospitals?

[TNVols]

Hi!

Here is my situation and questions. My wife is pregnant. I am American, she is a Filipino and neither of us speaks much Thai.

Can anyone recommend an English speaking doctor or hospital, in the Minburi/Bangkapi area of Bangkok? My main concern is the health of my wife and unborn child but do you know the cost? I am willing to pay extra for the piece of mind of being able to communicate with the doctor and staff. But I have read horror stories about farangs going to the hospital and being charged 2 or 3 times as much as a Thai. Then you get a bill written in Thai and don’t know what you are paying for and why.

I have read several posts saying that the husband is not allowed in the room but is that limited to him or could her mother/another female be with her?

We went to a hospital in Bangkok first, the service was great, but it is just too far in case of an emergency. The last thing I need is for her to go into labor and me trying to find a taxi at 2 in the morning that will takes us there.

Thank you.

[Spaniel]

You might want to check out Synphaet Hospital. It's located on Ramindra Road not far from Fashion Island but on the oppisite side of Ramindra. Here is their tel: 02 9485380/90. We have used Synphaet on several occasions. They will also give you the bill in English.

[lopburi3]

I have been using Vejthani on Lat Phao Road (Soi 111) very near The Mall Bangkapi for the last five years and generally very satisfied with all aspects. All doctors will speak English and bills can be provided in English or Thai at the press of a button. If you want what most Americans call insurance receipt ask for "detailed receipt" and once in computer you will always get both. They are experienced with foreign patients and everyone we have used (over 10 doctors) has been willing to listen/explain without a condescending attitude (which is a often a problem - even in private hospitals).

Agree with Spaniel that Synphaet appears to be a large operation but could not find anyone who had used them in our area (Chok Chai 4) when we were looking 5 years ago.

[Sheryl]

Regarding presence in the delivery room, it is possible for husband if the doctor agrees. Those with some training in the West more often comfortable with this but I have also heard of Thai doctors without foreign exposure agreeing to it. You may need to shop around a bit but no reason at all not to accept being there with your wife if this is important to you; likewise having her mother present. Interview various doctors and state up front that this is a priority for you, and persist 'till you find one who is supportive of it.

Regarding costs most hospitals have all inclusive packages. Problem is that there is one package for normal (with or without epidural) and then another for c-section, which is fine if you know in advance c-section is needed. Soemtiomes you do, based on measurements of the mother's perlvic inlet and the baby's head as pregnancy nears term. But in other cases the need for c-section may be due to a problem during labor and delivery that was unanticipated, in this case if you had signed up for a normal delivery package there will be extra costs. Can ask about all this in advance though so as to have a better idea of range of what it may cost.

[bkkexplorer]

Giving this a bump.

Wife is a few weeks pregnant. Now looking for a hospital..

Anyone here used any of the 2 hospitals (Vejthani, Synphaet) mentioned? Experiences? Especially which doctor to avoid as I did not have a good experience with our last doctor at another hospital years ago. Recommendations of doctors welcomed as well.

thanks.