Medical Help

[whoppe78]

have poss. nerve damage in lower back, buttocks and lower leg. Went to Bumrungrad for tests and they want to do Mri for 14000 baht. any body know different hospital I can use . Still want good doctors though.

[puuchai299]

I had a MRI scan at Bangkok Pattaya hospital for 10.000 baht about 3 years ago for a problem with my back,one thing to remember is that the scan can only scan a certain area of the body at one time.So it may not actualy be over expensive at 14,000 baht,In any case it is the best way to find out what is really going on in your back and is money well spent as you can then recieve the treatment needed to improve your condition,

[Sheryl]

2 options I can suggest:

1. If you want to stick with the doctor you have at Bumrungrad: have MRI at Phaythai Hospital 2 near Victory Monument. Call first just to be sure they have it, I know they have CT but not 100% positive re MRI. Also can check the cost by phone to see if it is lower enough to be worth the trip, but I think it will be. Tell them you already have a doctor and just need an MRI, no consultation. Ask for the actual film, not just the report, and bring back to your doctor at Bumrungrad.

Before doing this, verify if you need just MRI or MRI with contrast, it affects the cost. And also verify the areaq to be scanned, I would assume the lumbar spine but check with your doctor.

No problem with the quality of films from Phyathai and usually just half to 2/3 the cost of Bumrungrad.

2. Best option IMO: change to Bangkok Christian Hospital and see Dr. Wicharn who IMO is the best spinal specialist in Thailand bar none. He is there Saturdays 2- 4 PM only, arrive early as many people to see him and it's first come, first serve. MRI at Bkk Christian will cost less than Bumrungrad and about the same as Phyathai.

Dr. Wicharn is also at BNH Hospital, with more frequent hours, but MRI costs over there are likely to be same as at Bumrungrad. Likewise, should you need surgery (and from the sounds of it you may) the hospital costs will be much more than at Bkk Christian. The latter is perfectly fine as far as quality of care goes, just fewer frills.