Annual Health Check-Ups At Bangkok Hospitals

[Sheryl]

Is it possible your sister's bill may have been higher if she had had any polyps removed unless she did or you know otherwise?

She did have a polyp removed, there was no extra charge for its removal or for the biopsy, included in the fee mentioned.

[SurfRider]

.

"he had a general anesthetic and woke up during the Colonoscopy in pain ... confirmed he did as they had a bit of difficulty getting past a point in colon."

This is precisely why I mentioned earlier that most doctors WON'T use the knock-out method and also why I recommended the sedative "cocktail", as it is the best of all the options. Both the doctor and your friend were taking a risk - obviously he didn't do any homework and paid for it with the pain.

He was lucky, it could have been worse. One reason why most docs won't do knock-out is that there is a small chance that the colon could be punctured and then you would need to be rushed into surgery. That's a hospital bill that you would not want to see! The "cocktail" avoids that - they simply tell you to raise your hand if you feel anything - anything at all - and they stop immediately!

"Go in to BKK Pattaya and ask yourself for the costs"

Apparently you haven't read the thread-- I don't need to. Myself and several friends already have the evidence! After you paid for a ticket to enter a theater, would you be foolish enough to go back and ask how much the ticket cost?

"other stories I have heard can, if you like, be put down to hearsay"

You've posted a lot of erroneous information here based on hearsay.

Witness: "removal of polyps is another 10,000, Pathology 1,500 per polyp, 1,000 to 3,000 if a clamp is needed plus medicines which are expensive"

It's irresponsible to be posting erroneous medical information in a public forum on such a serious subject. Especially when it could be a matter of life or death for someone reading it. They might be fooled into thinking that you actually know what you're talking about...

.

[twix38]

Well,

the 3 examples I gave and my friends wife's baby were not erroneous. They were 100% fact which you seemed to ignore to answer or comment on. You also mention they took a risk with general anesthetic. Then the doctor should have explained that to him beforehand. Also to wake up in pain in the middle of procedure after a general anethetic says what? Most doctors would not use this method. Says what?

As for costs. You don't know what they are now with the special package and lower base cost than normal and I am told by staff there with each additional item added on separately if found or used. Look you may be right but costs change and new promotional packages are introduced. Just perhaps since you (and your friends) had their Colonoscopy the pricing structure has changed and as I said they have a special promotion, so it is not the normal price or cost structure which is why I suggested you check as at now. Starting to make any sense?

I have now posted a lot of information that is either first hand factual knowledge or certainties from close friends. There is more fact than hearsay, but you ignore it.

It's not irresponsible to post pricing structures I have been told by the hospital itself. The staff member of the Gastro dept and the other 2 ladies were there and listening and she wrote it all down for me on paper. I have the piece of paper. The others did not say any of it was wrong and they were looking. The only possible doubt is misunderstandings of language. So I may have got something a little wrong. However the core of what I have stated in that there is a scaled pricing structure with 12,500 basic cost and an extra 10,000 for Polyps etc is written down on paper in fron of me. Again if you think it is wrong then go and check rather than assume your out of date knowledge is still correct.

Try addressing some of the other issues, as I say, like the specialists work at most hospitals so you can choose where to use them so long as nursing staff and equipment are satisfactory. or my specific examples.

You are perhaps demonstrating just the same bias in your own mind, but the other side to mine and it's also irresponsible to potentially fool people into thinking you are correct just because you have not experienced the service I have or the added costs to stated bills and assume current costings are as you had and cannot change. You must know they introduce new packages and I have been told by staff there....

I don't intend offence, but I see your answer as equally biased as you ignore so many (in fact all) of the examples that don't suit your view and just refer to hearsay. That's blinkered and selective and so I take your post as without objectivity. There is clearly a case to be made even from just my own experience and I am making it.

So, as of now I am afraid people might be fooled into thinking with your old knowledge and evasive attitude to several clear factual examples, that you actually know what you are talking about. Just the same conclusion can be reached my good man.

.

"he had a general anesthetic and woke up during the Colonoscopy in pain ... confirmed he did as they had a bit of difficulty getting past a point in colon."

This is precisely why I mentioned earlier that most doctors WON'T use the knock-out method and also why I recommended the sedative "cocktail", as it is the best of all the options. Both the doctor and your friend were taking a risk - obviously he didn't do any homework and paid for it with the pain.

He was lucky, it could have been worse. One reason why most docs won't do knock-out is that there is a small chance that the colon could be punctured and then you would need to be rushed into surgery. That's a hospital bill that you would not want to see! The "cocktail" avoids that - they simply tell you to raise your hand if you feel anything - anything at all - and they stop immediately!

"Go in to BKK Pattaya and ask yourself for the costs"

Apparently you haven't read the thread-- I don't need to. Myself and several friends already have the evidence! After you paid for a ticket to enter a theater, would you be foolish enough to go back and ask how much the ticket cost?

"other stories I have heard can, if you like, be put down to hearsay"

You've posted a lot of erroneous information here based on hearsay.

Witness: "removal of polyps is another 10,000, Pathology 1,500 per polyp, 1,000 to 3,000 if a clamp is needed plus medicines which are expensive"

It's irresponsible to be posting erroneous medical information in a public forum on such a serious subject. Especially when it could be a matter of life or death for someone reading it. They might be fooled into thinking that you actually know what you're talking about...

.

Edited September 26, 2010 by twix38

[SurfRider]

.

"It's not irresponsible to post pricing structures I have been told by the hospital itself."

You're clearly much more interested in trying to prove that you're right than you are in facts and truth.

Why you would ask questions about pricing from staff people is puzzling at best. They have nothing do to with pricing-- don't know anything about it, and in most cases- don't even see the final bill. There is no pricing on the papers they prepare for the cashier to calculate the final bill.

How long have you been in Thailand? You must know about the problems with getting meaningful information from Thais and the language barrier just serves to make it worse. You might as well have asked the janitor.

If you couldn't figure out where to go to get accurate information, the question you should have asked them is "where can I get pricing information?" -- they have a department that does nothing but that - anyone being admitted to the hospital has to process through that dept. and make a cash deposit based on the assessment of costs of their upcoming procedures.

All you would have needed to do to get current accurate figures is to ask for that department at the front counter-- or better yet, go to the International Dept. at the top of the escalator above the lobby, where they speak perfect English.

I'm not going to waste any more time refuting your self-righteous nonsense. These threads are around to be read by others for years. I just hope that people who might read your comments aren't foolish enough to take them seriously and aren't harmed by the erroneous information that you've posted.

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[twix38]

I asked from staff for a very simple and obvious reason. I just wanted to know the cost and then if interested to see a doctor and start paying it. If I saw a Doctor I am immediately facing a bill of 800, 900, 1,000 Baht after the nursing costs blood pressure check etc just to ask how much the Colonoscopy procedure is. I was offered that option, but what other product or service in the world requires me to pay a fee to find out the price? Importantly, that was all I wanted to know at that time and as I was already involved at Memorial and had paid Doctor's fee there twice to see potentially the self same doctor already - he works at both hospitals. Now I hope that is perfectly obvious and understandable.

Clearly the staff did think they knew and as someone working there full time, I would be surprised if they didn't know the price structure for the dept they work in at least to a general standard and they obviously felt they did and told me. Staff talk to each other too, so I don't think you can dismiss it as rubbish without lifting a finger to check and see. Clearly you think you can and that your information has to be right. period. - bloody ridiculous imho.

Been in Pattaya for 8 years and that is why I feel I know this hospital fairly well and with my personal experiences there which surely count for a lot. If you had had my experience instead of your own you may feel different. You know I have seen a few bill disputes there when Farungs are complaining of higher costs than advised only when the bill is given at the end. This is unsubstantiated and hearsay, as they may be in the wrong or not understood.

They told me there was a separate dept who deal with insurance based issues and I could get a price there. I am not insurance based. They then were able to offer the details under a little pressure, as I have advised. Do you really think that you should state as lies the details I have been given in writing by staff at the front desk who work there. I know the pitfalls of getting info, but what's even worse is that you cling on to data that isn't even current.

As for me, I just hope people can see through your ignorance and stubborn attitude. You say the prices I have are wrong, but they are given by hospital staff who apparently just made it up and wrote it down. You can't be bothered to substantiate if anything has changed since your day and there is clearly a new promotion on, that is not the standard basic price and you refuse to respond (because you can't) about the personal experiences I or close friends have had with poor service/cost discrepancies in general.

I think anyone looking in will see your lack of addressing the issues and clear biased viewpoint as obviously flawed.

You may be right, but your replies simply show how weak your current argument is Come back with some details of your own to specifically and factually counter the 12,500 basic cost plus 10,000 for polyps if found and removed, for example. It's either true as I have been told or its not.

Just to remind. Even if my prices are the price structure then that's fine and I can make a judgement, which is to see the same doctor at another hospital (as I am doing). As I said what irks me is the marketing and low cost that actually isn't, as it's often only properly explained if you push (hard at times) to find out the full or potential costs. That's why there are significant cost disagreements at this hospital. You are living in cloud cuckoo land if you aren't aware of the frequency of complaints about cost told versus complaints or questions about unexpected additions added but not explained beforehand or told it was extra.

Look, thanks for your help initially. I really do appreciate you taking the time. We are not going to resolve our differing views, so you are probably right that we stop here. All the best anyway.

Edited September 26, 2010 by twix38

[ktamp]

I saw dr varocha at bangkok pattaya. I highly recommend her. She saved by life. She diagnosed my colon cancer after I had seen many doctors here in thailand over the course of a year. My cost for a colonoscopy and EGD was around 20,000 baht including the sedation. She took 8 samples for pathology and I was only charged once for pathology. I did not have to pay per sample. I took those samples and all my reports to a leading colon cancer treatment center in the US and they could find no fault with the samples nor the diagnosis given. If you can catch dr varocha at another hospital then do so. In my opinion a hospital is as good as the people who work there. I've had some real jerks at bangkok pattaya who don't know their heads from a whole in the ground. But I've also found a couple of great doctors. My experience with my colonoscopy was nothing short of courteous and professional. It is exactly what I would have expected in any hospital in the US.

[Sheryl]

Surfrider and Twix:

Cease and desist as you are on the brink of a flamefest which as I am sure you know is against forum rules.

Each to his own opinion.

ktamp's point about the doctor mattering more than the hospital is correct. The doc (Dr Varocha) he mentions is one of the foremost GI specialists in Thailand, also has hours at hospitals in Bkk. You won't go wrong with a doctor of that caliber wherever you happen to see him or her.

[twix38]

I agree ktamp,

"I've had some real jerks at bangkok pattaya who don't know their heads from a whole in the ground. But I've also found a couple of great doctors."

Ones opinion is primarily down to the experience one has individually and the greatest single issue of importance is the doctor, who often work at more than one hospital and possibly several, so other factors or experiences may then come to weigh.

Mind you the doctor you mention doesn't seem to be on this current list. More's the pity from the sound of her recommendations. btw, My doctor is listed there.

http://www.bangkokpattayahospital.com/doctor/index.php?txtSname=&txtSnameth=&txtSspec=&txtSspecth=&txtSdepartment=Gastroenterological+Center&txtSdepartmentth=&btnsearch=search

Edited September 26, 2010 by twix38

[SurfRider]

.

Sheryl,

As I mentioned in my last post #34, I am done with the subject.

In all of my posts in this thread, I provided accurate, precise, well researched information so people who might be reading this thread currently or in the future will have a reference to useful data as opposed to opinion and hearsay. It's all there for the benefit of people who might be needing this type of information.

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[jfchandler]

Sheryl, do you or others happen to know what hospitals in BKK have Dr. Varocha on staff???

The doc (Dr Varocha) he mentions is one of the foremost GI specialists in Thailand, also has hours at hospitals in Bkk. You won't go wrong with a doctor of that caliber wherever you happen to see him or her.

[twix38]

I try to give honest and true examples to illustrate a view that are not in doubt, of personal experience and of friends I trust, to help and guide others.

I also try to keep up with changes (in pricing) and to get the latest promotions rather than doggedly stick with information that may not be current. I would not dream of telling someone they were wrong without having first re-checked my information or to ignore factual examples and call just about everything hearsay. I also try to answer every point raised and believe at least I did address them in response without cherry picking only those that suit my point.

I shall no longer reply to this issue.

Edited September 26, 2010 by twix38

[SurfRider]

.

JFC,

Dr. Varocha Mahachai is listed here:

http://digestivebangkok.com/

http://digestivebang...r%20profile.htm

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[jfchandler]

Thanks much, SR... She's got impressive credentials...

That shows she's part of a private medical clinic at the Ekamai BTS station in the Mediplex complex there...

In looking further, she also seems to be on staff at at least two other BKK hospitals:

Samitivej Srinakarin....

BNH Hospital...

[SurfRider]

.

Apparently at Bangkok Hospital also - Monday - Wednesday - Saturday -- Busy Lady!

( I wonder if she makes house-calls in her spare time? ... )

http://www.bangkokho...rofile&DrID=812

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[twix38]

I was reading another thread and came across this post, posted very recently.

Another BKK Pattaya customer who seems strangely to have an identical opinion to mine.

Posted Yesterday, 05:25

just check your bill on check out. Ask for itemized bill. Then you will know the truth about Bangkok Pattaya Hospital. Care is not excellent either.

This post has been edited by BuPattaya: Yesterday, 05:26

[Bagwan]

A friend of mine checked out the prices for colonoscopy at the three major hospitals in Pattaya. The prices quoted nearly gave him a heart attack so he went down to the Queen Sirikit  hospital at Sattahip where the procedure was carried out for a mere fraction of the proposed charges. 

[twix38]

UPDATE.

Had my Colonoscopy at Memorial yesterday.

All went well and I was awake with no pain whatsoever throughout it all, watching on a tv monitor screen as the doctor explained and answered a couple of questions during procedure and pointed out his findings. I had no polyps, but he did note a small internal hemorrhoid in Anus and 2 diverticulum in Sigmoid colon. Total bill for all was 15,860. The surroundings are certainly not as plush as Bangkok Pattaya and cost maybe comparible (although I feel fairly sure the ++ at Bkk Pattaya would up the core price suitably as I have been told by staff and not actually had disputed by anyone who actually checked recently).

So, all fine and importantly unlike many reports from BKK Pattaya I did not have any pain. You see, as well as the earlier account of my friend waking up there in pain whilst under general anasthetic, I could hardly believe another account from a guy's brother who I have known for 5 years, who also woke up in absolute agony as he put it, during a Colonoscopy under general anesthetic at BKK Pattaya. His bill total was around 15,000 Baht from his memory.

If you are one of the few who has not experienced any of the issues that I or BUPattya talk about regarding BKK Pattaya Hospital then I believe you are in the minority or have not been a regular patient. I would say 3 visits are enough to have experienced at least one issue. BKK Pattaya are renowned in the ex-pat community for higher prices than quoted, once you get to the cashiers desk and find out the additions that were not mentioned before or during, let alone the initial higher cost anyway, especially for medicines. What's more anicdotal evidence seems to come in that the service and care is patchy or in dispute at times as depends on doctor you get. I am convinced they lean towards doing something or more than is needed at times - just to be on the safe side, huh - lmao i.e. my Carpal Tunnel example which resolved itself with wrist brace, stopping playing the piano and within 2 weeks of my hospital visit and not doing what was advised, saving me some 7,000 Baht total in needless spending and no addictive drugs that had been prescribed!!

Why is it (gods honest truth) that the 2 people who had a Colonoscopy there both recount waking up in pain whilst under G.A. I find that 100% statistic, whilst unscientific to be horrendous as a snap shot!! However, the surroundings and facilities are indeed top notch.

I was very happy with my pain free Colonoscopy procedure(just slight discomfort due to air pumped in, I think, a couple of times)and obviously relieved that no polyps were found. I will go back for another occult blood test to see the doctor next week.

For avoidence of doubt, I am not particularly recommending Memorial. It isn't top notch or the cheapest, although I was happy with the service, doctor, procedure, care and cost. I am saying that I am glad I did not go to BKK Pattaya as I just know I would be disappointed about some aspect of care or cost.

Here's a thing. When I've used Memorial Hospital(colonoscopy - growth on back removed) each time the final cost has actually been LESS than was advised to me and afaik procedures a complete success and no pain. Try getting all that regularly at BKK Pattaya. LOL

I check the doctors credentials and that they also work at other private hospitals, including BKK Pattaya, as my Colonoscopy doctor does and tht any equipment is up to scratch/modern. In fact for my growth, some 5 years ago now, BKK Intl advised me to see the exact same doctor at Memorial! I got a good job (the same job with the same doctor) with external stitches and internal stitches that dissolved and now you can hardly even see a scar and that was for around half the price!

Edited September 30, 2010 by twix38

[Sheryl]

Twix,

Glad the test went well and thanks for the feedback on Memorial.

BPH does seem to generate more than the usual number of reports of inconsistancies in its billing practices, and you have made your dislike of the institution clear, so let's stop beating that particular horse. Some posters share these sentiments, some do not.

In any hospital, the care one will get depends on the choice of doctor. And in no hospital is it advisable, cost-wise, to purchase medication from the hospital pharmacy unless you have to (e.g. in the case of prescription-only drugs).

[bcbuzz]

Regardless of where you go:

1. The various packages on offer do not limit options as additional tests can be added on. And, the packages are not always very well designed and will certainly not meet the needs of every individual. Unfortunately I have not found any hospital to do a good job of advising patients on what tests to get. So you need to do your own homework first and come in knowing exactly what tests you need/want. It will often be more economical to get a low end package and "add on" specific tests than to go for a high end package which may still omit tests you should have while including many elaborate and unnecessary ones.

2. I have not found any major hospital that does not do a good job performing the tests, but I find most to be very deficient in the thoroughness and quality of the physician review of results. Personally I go to Samitivej for exactly that reason as they are thorough and thoughtful, analyzing results in the context of the individual's history etc. I haven't had any experience with Bkk Hospital (plus not sure which Bkk Hosp branch you are thinking of going to -- and they do differ dramatically in their quality of care and qualifications of their staff).

Anyhow, wherever go go, do not rely solely on what you are told, especially if it was a cursory discussion without much in the way of specifics. Go over each test report yourself and query any that show a result outside normal range. And if the answers you get seem vague, follow up with a relevant specialist.

3. Time and cost will both depend upon the specific tests that are done.

4. With a family history of cancer of the colon you should have a colonoscopy for sure if you are over 40 or in any way symptomatic. If younger and symptom free could still get a colonoscopy but at a minimum get a stool test for occult blood and a CEA (blood test for tumor marker) and then colonoscopy if either of those positive.

Colonoscopy will be the most costly of the tests and also the most time consuming. Costs range from 15,000 - 25,000+ baht depending on the hospital (sometimes a bit less if part of a check-ip package) and inclusive of the prepartion will take the better part of a full day. Several hours to cleanse the bowel via laxatives and then after the procedure, a few hours to recover from the sedation given during. Depending on what else you are getting done, might or might not be possible to do this and rest of check up in a single day.

Sheryl, I see that you attend Samitivej for your check-ups. I am a healthy 50 year old male, however because I was adopted at birth I have no family history to rely on. I looked on the Samitivej site and found a number of annual health check packages to choose from. Is there a particular package you could recommend or even better is there a tailored package you could suggest that would address my lack of family medical history? Lastly is there a Doctor that you could recommend that could head-up and review the results with me. Thank you so much for you contributions to this forum your wealth of knowledge is truly impressive.

[sabaijai]

While the actual procedure is a cakewalk, the preparation is not. Drinking a gallon of Colyte the night before gave me the chills.

http://www.gastro.com/Gastro/Colonoscopypreparation.aspx

http://digestive-system.emedtv.com/colonoscopy-preparation/bowel-prep.html

[SurfRider]

.

"Drinking a gallon of Colyte the night before gave me the chills"

The Doctor I went to at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya uses a product called "Swiff" - two small doses, one the night before and one in the morning. Very simple and none of the unpleasant effects that some people report from other prep methods.

http://drugs-about.c...gs-s/swiff.html

Also, There was some erroneous pricing for Bangkok Hospital Pattaya reported earlier in this thread. I contacted BHP for current data:

Dear Mr. (removed)

Further to your inquiry, please note that the cost of colonoscopy is 12,500

baht. The cost of polyp removal if needed, not extra charge but included.

The rest of costs you have obtained from Thaivisa.com are not our estimated prices.

However, for accurate assessment of cost, we strongly suggest you to have

initial consultation with our specialist.

Best regards,

(removed)

Bangkok Hospital Pattaya

301 Moo 6 Sukhumvit Road KM 143, Naklua

Banglamung

Chonburi 20150

.

[Sheryl]

Some places do the entire prep the morning of the test without anyhting the night before, that's what St Louis did, although they did advise that a low fiber diet for 1-2 days before hand would make the prep go faster, and not to take anything but water after a certain time the afternoon or evening before. otherwsie, it was all done that morning, in the hospital. just sit in a ward and drink the "potion" and keep running to the bathroom till it's clear.

Surfrider, one of the issues that seems to come up re pricing at BPH is that they apparently have separate prices for non-resident farang (i,.e. tourists) than for resident ones, and the cashiers often apply the tourist price automatically without checking or are unaware that resident expats get a different price.. Meanwhile the person may have gotten a quote that reflected the resident expat rate. At least, this seems to be what has gone on in several cases I've heard of where there was a large difference between rate quoted and rate charged, or even betweebn rate charged the same person for the same thing on different occasions.

My advice to anyone planning to go there who lives in Thailand would be to contact the billing office first , stating you are an expat resident in Thailand and get a quote. Print it out and bring it with you, and if the charge differs, do not pay, go straight to the billing office to get it resolved. Also -- and this applies to any hospital -- insist on an itemized bill and scrutinize it. Mistakes do happen.

[SurfRider]

.

"BPH ... they apparently have separate prices for non-resident farang (i,.e. tourists) than for resident ones"

That's the first I've heard that. I've had three friends come in from the States and one from Qatar - they were charged the same prices as I was at BPH. A lady who formerly worked in their customer service dept. told me that whenever a Farang has a question about their bill ( or anything else ), they should immediately have the cashier call the International Dept. and they will send someone to resolve it.

One tip that might come in handy for Farangs who use BPH regularly-- it's possible to get a 10% discount on all medications. Go to the Pattaya Expat Club meeting on Sundays at the Grand Sole Hotel on 2nd Rd. and buy a lifetime membership card for 600 Baht. It's also good for 10% discount on hospital rooms and a few other items, but not for doctor's fees or other normal everyday items and services.

It's saved me over 400 baht just in the past 60 days at BPH and has paid for itself many times over in the past 4 years. It's also good for 10% to 20% discounts at over 200 other merchants and restaurants around the Pattaya/Jomtien area.

.

[twix38]

Just popped back and good to see a current price check was sought.

It's possible the nurse at reception desk had little idea of the basic cost structure of her specialised dept and my friend (who woke up after having a General Anesthetic during the procedure) and who paid just under 15,000 Baht total bill also needs a memory test, but as they say "for accurate assessment of cost, we strongly suggest you to have

initial consultation with our specialist", so can't be a flat charge of 12,500 Baht, as that would be a simply flat fee. period.

"the rest of costs...are not our estimated prices" What rest of costs I wonder. Isn't it 12,500 incl polyp removal?

Does sound to me like reality would be more than 12,500 Baht with some add-ons. Of course the nurse fee (weigh, blood pressure check etc) will be one add-on to this core price and any meds recommended. Maybe that's all, maybe more.

Find me one patient who only paid 12,500 total at the cashiers desk and there should be many of them to choose from. As a minimum when asking for a Colonoscopy price, wouldn't it be nice to be told it excluded nurse fee, meds and whatever else on top, as when I ask for a price and get told 12,500 for a Colonoscopy that's what I expect to pay. Of course I know to add on the nurse fee, but here I think there is scope for more add-ons to accrue and the email response is hinting at that possibility, but is defensive as the reason for enquiry makes clear it is to check (against) prices. BKK Pattaya I think know full well they have a reputation with some/many on this issue.

I only know of 2 guys going to BKK Pattaya and both reporting waking up in pain during the Colonoscopy, after a G.A. One remembers the total price was a little under 15,000 Baht and that was around a year ago very roughly.

I have not heard of tourist price versus Thai or ex-pat price structure, though can't say that's too impressive, but I have not heard of it. Doubtless that sort of dual pricing would not be advertised if it was an adopted procedure and I wouldn't dismiss it out of hand...not being a fan of this Hospital, as is obvious.

.

"Drinking a gallon of Colyte the night before gave me the chills"

The Doctor I went to at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya uses a product called "Swiff" - two small doses, one the night before and one in the morning. Very simple and none of the unpleasant effects that some people report from other prep methods.

http://drugs-about.c...gs-s/swiff.html

Also, There was some erroneous pricing for Bangkok Hospital Pattaya reported earlier in this thread. I contacted BHP for current data:

Dear Mr. (removed)

Further to your inquiry, please note that the cost of colonoscopy is 12,500

baht. The cost of polyp removal if needed, not extra charge but included.

The rest of costs you have obtained from Thaivisa.com are not our estimated prices.

However, for accurate assessment of cost, we strongly suggest you to have

initial consultation with our specialist.

Best regards,

(removed)

Bangkok Hospital Pattaya

301 Moo 6 Sukhumvit Road KM 143, Naklua

Banglamung

Chonburi 20150

.

Edited October 16, 2010 by twix38

[JSixpack]

Find me one patient who only paid 12,500 total at the cashiers desk and there should be many of them to choose from.

OK, here's one: me. I only paid 12,500 except that I ordered the DVD as an extra; it was about 400 baht. This was a few months ago.

Very professional job, done under GA. No complaints whatsoever.

As a minimum when asking for a Colonoscopy price, wouldn't it be nice to be told it excluded nurse fee, meds and whatever else on top, as when I ask for a price and get told 12,500 for a Colonoscopy that's what I expect to pay.

I was told that price and that's what I paid.

However, my understanding was that if they needed to cut polyps and biopsy, that would be extra--which makes sense. But I figured I didn't have any polyps and indeed I didn't, so I paid the one fee.

What was shocking was that the billing office much-touted Phyathai in Siricha quoted me 48,000 all-inclusive after a nurse told me the charge would be about 12,000. And I could spend the night in a room thereafter for an additional 10,000.

[SurfRider]

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"my understanding was that if they needed to cut polyps and biopsy, that would be extra"

The only additional fee I paid above the 12,500 at Bangkok-Pattaya was the lab fee for biopsy of 12 polyps. There was no charge for the removal of the polyps and no additional charges-- such as were erroneously reported earlier in this thread. In my case, the DVD was included in the basic cost - I suspect that option may be at the discretion of the Doctor.

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[twix38]

"However, my understanding was that if they needed to cut polyps and biopsy, that would be extra--which makes sense. But I figured I didn't have any polyps and indeed I didn't, so I paid the one fee."

That's exactly what I was told too and just what I reported here. The BKK Pattaya email reply posted, being rather cagey about addressing all extras without stating a definite full answer as such and with a come in and see us approach to the final total cost potential. I saw right through that immediately.

Strange we both got told polyps, biopsy extra and other stuff (clip, I think she said) if needed is extra too, I was told! Perhaps someone there is giving out misleading info on a regular basis or probably it's correct.

Well, seems we can now ALL agree that biopsys are extra, so we are getting there and that's not going to be a 12,500 flat fee at the cashiers desk. There are extra charges and it should be made clear up front, just as was explained to me and Jsixpack. It then simply comes down to making a decision on the full facts, which I maintain is not usually straight forward at BKK Pattaya and is perhaps why so many (imho) customers end up disagreeing their final bill!

I opted for Memorial as I'd had a positive Stool Occult blood test and felt it likely I would have polyps. In the end I didn't, so BKK Pattaya may have been a cheaper option. However I was also put off by tales of waking up whilst under general anesthetic from the only 2 personal reports I have. I didn't have a G.A. (thanks go to Surfrider) and was fine and pain free at Memorial, viewed my colon on the monitor during examination and drove home myself about 40 minutes later, telling the wife who had come to pick me up that she didn't need to drive.

Couldn't have been easier when it finally came to it and the worst part was the Swiff laxative.

Glad you were Polyp free too and it sounds all went well.

Edited October 20, 2010 by twix38

[dsfbrit]

I was interested in this thread regarding 'check-ups' in general. I dont mind having a 'full check-up', but I only really want certain areas of concern checked.

I have high blood pressure and would like a heart 'check-up' and I would like my blood sugar level checked for any signs of diabetes.

I have to have a hip operation next year and after lots of research and meeting the doctor who would do the operation, I have chosen the Bumrungrand in Bangkok.

That will be around next March at the earliest, so I thought I would have a check up now and if there are problems, maybe get 'everything' fixed at the same time as the hip is 'fixed'.

So I thought it would be best to have any check up at the Bumrungrand and was in the process of booking a check-up with them. However I live in Pattaya and after reading this thread it has made me think it would be just as good to go to Pattaya Memorial hospital for the heart check-up and the test for diabetes rather than do everything at Bumrugrand.

What do you think???

I hate needles - is it possible to have a test for diabetes without a blood test???

In fact I hate anything to do with hospitals, so I am looking for method that would involve the least amount of time at a hospital - if I could have just the heart test and the daibetes test that would be enough fr me for sure!!!

Thanks for any advice...

[ktamp]

I just want to update that i had another colonoscopy at bph last week. I was quoted a price of 22,000 thb before hand not including pathology. I paid 25,000thb total with medicine and pathology so upfront pricing was consistant with what they quoted me.

As I have stated before I had colon cancer earlier this year. I appreciate how proactive bph was when I walked in and complained of stomach pain lasting several days. Because I had not eaten, I was able to have the colonoscopy that day. I drank the swiff which successfully emptied me in 3 hours. They found a growth which ended up being inflammation and an ulcer at the internal incision site. I did sent the images to my surgeon in the US who could find no fault with the diagnosis given nor treatment prescribed. I did wake up during the colonoscopy back in feb and I told them what had happened and to please give me more medicine than they did last time which they did. I had some vomiting after the procedure and was promptly given an injection that took care of. I am overall pleased with the way they handled everything and especially appreciate how sensitive they were to the fact I've already had cancer and getting everything done so quickly.

Not all my experiences with bph have been as good but I have always had good dealings with the GI department. No doubt I paid more than I might have at another hospital but I will continue to go to bph for my GI needs as they have always been good to me.

[rott]

I am contemplating a colonoscopy, but first a stool sample test. I have had a few of these over the past four years and they have always been clear, but can somebody clarify for me:- if there is a problem would blood always show up in a sample, or only from time to time? i.e. how accurate/reliable is the test.

Thanks in advance for any and all replies.