And so the exodus of quality expats begins. This time it's personal

[sailaway2000]

Where would you have Inguinal Hernia surgery in CM. Preferably as an out-patient and how much would you expect to pay privately?

Any thoughts on what the Contract Payment Amount would be from a Health Insurance company? That what I'd like to negotiate.

Thanks,

[Arjay]

Where is "CM"?

[Tywais]

Where is "CM"?

A strong hint is in the name of the forum this is posted.

[garyh]

I had some micro surgery done at Chiang Mai Ram cost under 50,000 with a 1 night stay. Apart from poor English language and asking me to sign a blank consent form all went well.

[JackSterling]

I did that in NYC once trying to tell someone where SF or SFO was.. Aparently they never got off their computers to travel..

CM or CMX is Chiang Mai Northern Thailand..."Lanna Thai"

SF or SFO is San Francisco, CA USA.. "The city by bay or the Dock of the Bay"...(That old Otis Redding hit??) I left my heart in SF.. that Tony Bennett tune from the last century...

LA or LAX Do i really have to do this ??

NYC JFK LBJ RFK GWB

OK

JJS

PS... RAM is too expensive.. Try McCormick me thinks is just as good and the nurses look better.. I am dating one now after a visit there..

Edited August 24, 2010 by JackSterling

[uptheos]

Inguinal Hernia repair is standard surgery done by most hospitals.

Inquire around for price....I would compare Sripat and McCormick for this procedure.

[elektrified]

Inguinal hernia surgery can be done outpatient and if your hernia is on one side only then you don't need the endoscope. You can have it repaired the traditional way. Check out surgeons at Sripat or McCormick as suggested. Ask them what their experience is in repairing hernias. For some surgeons it is a specialty. I had mine repaired in 2003. I went in to the outpatient surgical center at 7:30, the Anesthesiologist saw me at 8:00, went on the table at 8:30 and when I woke up at 10:30 it was all over. I don't remember a thing. It was uncomfortable for a couple of days but not too painful. The most important thing is to start some exercise (swimming, walking) as soon as possible because as the muscle tissue binds to the plastic mesh it becomes quite stiff and movement is limited if you just sit or lay around. The more you work it out, the quicker your recovery will be,

Good luck and don't worry about it at all.

[sailaway2000]

Inguinal hernia surgery can be done outpatient and if your hernia is on one side only then you don't need the endoscope. You can have it repaired the traditional way. Check out surgeons at Sripat or McCormick as suggested. Ask them what their experience is in repairing hernias. For some surgeons it is a specialty. I had mine repaired in 2003. I went in to the outpatient surgical center at 7:30, the Anesthesiologist saw me at 8:00, went on the table at 8:30 and when I woke up at 10:30 it was all over. I don't remember a thing. It was uncomfortable for a couple of days but not too painful. The most important thing is to start some exercise (swimming, walking) as soon as possible because as the muscle tissue binds to the plastic mesh it becomes quite stiff and movement is limited if you just sit or lay around. The more you work it out, the quicker your recovery will be,

Good luck and don't worry about it at all.

Thanks for the thoughts and replies. I'm glad you had a positive outcome and experience.

I will check out both McCormick and Sripat for both the personal comfort zone and price as I am not cash flush by any means.

I realize this is not considered 'major' surgery by most standards. As an out-patient, what cost do you think is most likely to be associated with this procedure? In the USA, with its for profit medical system, a friend of mine recently had the same surgery. Had he had to pay for it personally out of pocket it would have been close to 20K US Dollars; the insurance company paid a contracted rate of just less than 7K. Is there such a system is Thailand, a two tiered system?

If there is, what might the Insurance Contracted Rate be? That's what I would like to negotiate....

Thanks again for the positive thoughts and replies..

Sailaway2000 in CM (aka Chiang Mai, Thailand)

[elektrified]

Thanks for the thoughts and replies. I'm glad you had a positive outcome and experience.

I will check out both McCormick and Sripat for both the personal comfort zone and price as I am not cash flush by any means.

I realize this is not considered 'major' surgery by most standards. As an out-patient, what cost do you think is most likely to be associated with this procedure? In the USA, with its for profit medical system, a friend of mine recently had the same surgery. Had he had to pay for it personally out of pocket it would have been close to 20K US Dollars; the insurance company paid a contracted rate of just less than 7K. Is there such a system is Thailand, a two tiered system?

If there is, what might the Insurance Contracted Rate be? That's what I would like to negotiate....

Thanks again for the positive thoughts and replies..

Sailaway2000 in CM (aka Chiang Mai, Thailand)

If you only have a hernia on one side and don't need the endoscope then there is no way that the cost in the USA for your friend could have been US $20K. An insurance company would not pay that - no way. I had my surgery in Los Angeles by one of the top hernia surgeons in Los Angeles and the total cost for him including follow-up visits every couple of days, his surgical center, and the Anesthesiologist was USD $5,000.00 cash.

I don't know how much it would cost here but probably a lot less. I will say this...Sripat which I have always liked very much has raised their prices considerably recently. It's no longer a bargain there. Having said that, they are probably still less money than RAM and the doctors are excellent. Just be sure you interview the surgeons and ask them how many hernias they've repaired, what mesh they will use and be sure to ask how experienced the Anesthesiologist is as well.

Forget about insurance. You are too late for that.

[Rama]

Mccormick and Sripat are both good. Sripat is part of the medical school at CMU, teaching hospitals are always good. I had a farang friend who had a hernia done recently at Ruampath Hospital (south of CM Gate by the old city). I think he paid less than 30,000 baht. My girl friend had an operation there a few years ago also approximately 29,000 baht. Surgeon told her at the time that the surgeons all work several hospitals, he also works at Ram Hospital, but charges a lot more at Ram.

[sailaway2000]

Thanks for the thoughts and replies. I'm glad you had a positive outcome and experience.

I will check out both McCormick and Sripat for both the personal comfort zone and price as I am not cash flush by any means.

I realize this is not considered 'major' surgery by most standards. As an out-patient, what cost do you think is most likely to be associated with this procedure? In the USA, with its for profit medical system, a friend of mine recently had the same surgery. Had he had to pay for it personally out of pocket it would have been close to 20K US Dollars; the insurance company paid a contracted rate of just less than 7K. Is there such a system is Thailand, a two tiered system?

If there is, what might the Insurance Contracted Rate be? That's what I would like to negotiate....

Thanks again for the positive thoughts and replies..

Sailaway2000 in CM (aka Chiang Mai, Thailand)

If you only have a hernia on one side and don't need the endoscope then there is no way that the cost in the USA for your friend could have been US $20K. An insurance company would not pay that - no way. I had my surgery in Los Angeles by one of the top hernia surgeons in Los Angeles and the total cost for him including follow-up visits every couple of days, his surgical center, and the Anesthesiologist was USD $5,000.00 cash.

I don't know how much it would cost here but probably a lot less. I will say this...Sripat which I have always liked very much has raised their prices considerably recently. It's no longer a bargain there. Having said that, they are probably still less money than RAM and the doctors are excellent. Just be sure you interview the surgeons and ask them how many hernias they've repaired, what mesh they will use and be sure to ask how experienced the Anesthesiologist is as well.

Forget about insurance. You are too late for that.

Thank you for the reply.

The insurance company did not pay 20K, only paid just under 7K, which was apparently their contracted rate.

I went to Siripat, spoke with a surgeon who, quite honestly said Sripat was only 2nd only to RAM in terms of cost now. He suggested McCormick, where he also practices. I'll look into their services on Monday or Tuesday. He also suggested the Government Hospitals were the least expensive but a 3-4 month waiting time for less than life threatening situations.

The Surgeon I spoke with did not do Endoscopic Surgery, only open surgery.

What are the types of 'meshes' used and what are their relative merits? What should I avoid?

Thanks again......

[uptheos]

Thanks for the thoughts and replies. I'm glad you had a positive outcome and experience.

I will check out both McCormick and Sripat for both the personal comfort zone and price as I am not cash flush by any means.

I realize this is not considered 'major' surgery by most standards. As an out-patient, what cost do you think is most likely to be associated with this procedure? In the USA, with its for profit medical system, a friend of mine recently had the same surgery. Had he had to pay for it personally out of pocket it would have been close to 20K US Dollars; the insurance company paid a contracted rate of just less than 7K. Is there such a system is Thailand, a two tiered system?

If there is, what might the Insurance Contracted Rate be? That's what I would like to negotiate....

Thanks again for the positive thoughts and replies..

Sailaway2000 in CM (aka Chiang Mai, Thailand)

If you only have a hernia on one side and don't need the endoscope then there is no way that the cost in the USA for your friend could have been US $20K. An insurance company would not pay that - no way. I had my surgery in Los Angeles by one of the top hernia surgeons in Los Angeles and the total cost for him including follow-up visits every couple of days, his surgical center, and the Anesthesiologist was USD $5,000.00 cash.

I don't know how much it would cost here but probably a lot less. I will say this...Sripat which I have always liked very much has raised their prices considerably recently. It's no longer a bargain there. Having said that, they are probably still less money than RAM and the doctors are excellent. Just be sure you interview the surgeons and ask them how many hernias they've repaired, what mesh they will use and be sure to ask how experienced the Anesthesiologist is as well.

Forget about insurance. You are too late for that.

Thank you for the reply.

The insurance company did not pay 20K, only paid just under 7K, which was apparently their contracted rate.

I went to Siripat, spoke with a surgeon who, quite honestly said Sripat was only 2nd only to RAM in terms of cost now. He suggested McCormick, where he also practices. I'll look into their services on Monday or Tuesday. He also suggested the Government Hospitals were the least expensive but a 3-4 month waiting time for less than life threatening situations.

The Surgeon I spoke with did not do Endoscopic Surgery, only open surgery.

What are the types of 'meshes' used and what are their relative merits? What should I avoid?

Thanks again......

Have a look here.

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-hernia-mesh.htm

[elektrified]

Thanks for the thoughts and replies. I'm glad you had a positive outcome and experience.

I will check out both McCormick and Sripat for both the personal comfort zone and price as I am not cash flush by any means.

I realize this is not considered 'major' surgery by most standards. As an out-patient, what cost do you think is most likely to be associated with this procedure? In the USA, with its for profit medical system, a friend of mine recently had the same surgery. Had he had to pay for it personally out of pocket it would have been close to 20K US Dollars; the insurance company paid a contracted rate of just less than 7K. Is there such a system is Thailand, a two tiered system?

If there is, what might the Insurance Contracted Rate be? That's what I would like to negotiate....

Thanks again for the positive thoughts and replies..

Sailaway2000 in CM (aka Chiang Mai, Thailand)

If you only have a hernia on one side and don't need the endoscope then there is no way that the cost in the USA for your friend could have been US $20K. An insurance company would not pay that - no way. I had my surgery in Los Angeles by one of the top hernia surgeons in Los Angeles and the total cost for him including follow-up visits every couple of days, his surgical center, and the Anesthesiologist was USD $5,000.00 cash.

I don't know how much it would cost here but probably a lot less. I will say this...Sripat which I have always liked very much has raised their prices considerably recently. It's no longer a bargain there. Having said that, they are probably still less money than RAM and the doctors are excellent. Just be sure you interview the surgeons and ask them how many hernias they've repaired, what mesh they will use and be sure to ask how experienced the Anesthesiologist is as well.

Forget about insurance. You are too late for that.

Thank you for the reply.

The insurance company did not pay 20K, only paid just under 7K, which was apparently their contracted rate.

I went to Siripat, spoke with a surgeon who, quite honestly said Sripat was only 2nd only to RAM in terms of cost now. He suggested McCormick, where he also practices. I'll look into their services on Monday or Tuesday. He also suggested the Government Hospitals were the least expensive but a 3-4 month waiting time for less than life threatening situations.

The Surgeon I spoke with did not do Endoscopic Surgery, only open surgery.

What are the types of 'meshes' used and what are their relative merits? What should I avoid?

Thanks again......

Like I said before, Sripat has become quite expensive recently. We've been taking our baby to McCormick recently and are satisfied.

A surgeon who is experienced in hernia repair surgery will be on top of all the newest mesh materials and which material is the most comfortable once it has been put in place. Mine was done using the Moran repair technique with Ethicon Polypropylene mesh. I've never had a single problem or any discomfort since my surgery. But I'm sure each surgeon's technique will vary as will the materials they use. Just be sure the surgeon is experienced in hernia repair.

[ricardofel]

For any important surgery I suggest Bumrungrad Hospital in BKK. I had hernia surgery there 4 years ago, was in the hospital 1 week, tough recovery. Shared a room with my son who had an emergency appendectomy. You can go to their web site and look up any doctor and see their medical credentials.....unlike the Ram or any other CM hospital.

Recently went to Ram for lower back problem and dermatology check-up. Both doctors left ALOT to be desired. Ortho told me to stop bike riding, dermatologist told me I had a pre-cancerous spot onmy back and should have surgeon remove it. Went to Bumrungrad and saw TOP spinal doctor, didn't even take x-ray, he checked my spine physically, had me do many movements and gave me completely different opinion telling me core exercises were important for my back pain, along with a few other recommendations. My dermatologist, who I see once a year, and does an unbelievable body scan checking EVERY part of your body, told me I was fine and the spot on my back was nothing to be worried about (both parents had skin cancer).

Yeah....it may cost a little more BUT the quality of the doctors is beyond reproach.

[uptoyoumyfriend]

I did that in NYC once trying to tell someone where SF or SFO was.. Aparently they never got off their computers to travel..

CM or CMX is Chiang Mai Northern Thailand..."Lanna Thai"

SF or SFO is San Francisco, CA USA.. "The city by bay or the Dock of the Bay"...(That old Otis Redding hit??) I left my heart in SF.. that Tony Bennett tune from the last century...

LA or LAX Do i really have to do this ??

NYC JFK LBJ RFK GWB

OK

JJS

PS... RAM is too expensive.. Try McCormick me thinks is just as good and the nurses look better.. I am dating one now after a visit there..

not that it really matteres but i thought CM = CNX

[tabs053]

not that it really matteres but i thought CM = CNX

You're quite right, it doesn't matter. Some might even say it's totally irrelevant.

[elektrified]

For any important surgery I suggest Bumrungrad Hospital in BKK. I had hernia surgery there 4 years ago, was in the hospital 1 week, tough recovery. Shared a room with my son who had an emergency appendectomy. You can go to their web site and look up any doctor and see their medical credentials.....unlike the Ram or any other CM hospital.

Recently went to Ram for lower back problem and dermatology check-up. Both doctors left ALOT to be desired. Ortho told me to stop bike riding, dermatologist told me I had a pre-cancerous spot onmy back and should have surgeon remove it. Went to Bumrungrad and saw TOP spinal doctor, didn't even take x-ray, he checked my spine physically, had me do many movements and gave me completely different opinion telling me core exercises were important for my back pain, along with a few other recommendations. My dermatologist, who I see once a year, and does an unbelievable body scan checking EVERY part of your body, told me I was fine and the spot on my back was nothing to be worried about (both parents had skin cancer).

Yeah....it may cost a little more BUT the quality of the doctors is beyond reproach.

1 week in the hospital for an inguinal hernia repair? That is VERY rare.

[tabs053]

I was unaware of what a hernia was, exactly, until I went to check about a small 'lump' with Dr Tawatchai at Loi Kroh clinic. He diagnosed it immediately and recommended a specialist at Ram Hospital. He reckoned he was the top guy in Chiang Mai with a very good success rate of patients not having a reoccurence of the problem. I had a double hernia op and spent only one night in hospital. It cost about 60,000 baht , which was a bit high, but apparently the mesh that he used was quite expensive. I have no complaints (after 2 years of playing active sports) and the scars are almost invisible. Unfortunately I can't remeber the surgeon's name but Dr Tawatchai should be able to help.

Edited August 31, 2010 by tabs053

[Sparkles]

For any important surgery I suggest Bumrungrad Hospital in BKK. I had hernia surgery there 4 years ago, was in the hospital 1 week, tough recovery. Shared a room with my son who had an emergency appendectomy. You can go to their web site and look up any doctor and see their medical credentials.....unlike the Ram or any other CM hospital.

Recently went to Ram for lower back problem and dermatology check-up. Both doctors left ALOT to be desired. Ortho told me to stop bike riding, dermatologist told me I had a pre-cancerous spot onmy back and should have surgeon remove it. Went to Bumrungrad and saw TOP spinal doctor, didn't even take x-ray, he checked my spine physically, had me do many movements and gave me completely different opinion telling me core exercises were important for my back pain, along with a few other recommendations. My dermatologist, who I see once a year, and does an unbelievable body scan checking EVERY part of your body, told me I was fine and the spot on my back was nothing to be worried about (both parents had skin cancer).

Yeah....it may cost a little more BUT the quality of the doctors is beyond reproach.

5 Years ago when I was working in Bangkok I went to the see a dermatogist at Bumrungrad. I was particularly concerned about a spot on my back, which I could barely see,even using a mirror, it had become itchy and was changing colour,the danger signs . The lady after a brief examination of that, and the rest of my body gave me the all clear.5 weeks later ,on an unexepected trip to Australia I went to my usual specialist ,he took one look at my particular area of concern and booked me in for surgery the next day. The biopsy revealed it was indeed a melanoma, the third I had.

Anyone who has been exposed to an abnormal amount of sun, as in my case years of surfing and playing sport ,in my youth, and with fair skin should find a reliable and knowledgeable dermatologist and have regular check ups.If you are not comfortable with the diagnosis get a second opinion I have for the last 2 years seen Dr Vachiraporn at RAM ,every 3 months,and have found her to be very professional. After probably in excess of 150 bcc's etc either cut ,scraped or frozen off in my lifetime I take it quite seriously. 2000 people a year die from skin cancer in Australia ,very few Asians suffer from it so finding a Doctor is not an easy task. Unfortuantly Dr Varichaporn is leaving us soon to have a baby and then go to the US for 2 years. Fellow suffers might do some research into an alternative Dr and spread the word.