Pattaya International Hospital

[spacebass]

Anyone have any experience of the Pattaya International Hospital on Soi 4 Beach Road, Any Pattaya experiences re Plastic surgery (breast augmentation, I know about don't do it!).

Thanks

[Humphrey Bear]

Only basic emergency treatment - they are OK there, but slow.

Prices reasonable - cheaper than Bangkok-Pattaya. But I wouldn't have serious surgery in Thailand.

[davethailand]

In the 4 years i've been to pattaya i've always used pattaya international, now only for 3 monthly blood tests (cholestorol, blood suger before you ask ) etc but i was in there for 3 days about 3 years ago with a broken shoulder, excellent.

For breast surgery go to Yanhee in BKK.

[barryofthailand]

Bangkok Pattaya hospital is the only hospital i trust in Pattaya. Everyone says it's more expensive, but that's a myth. It's the same price, but a much better facility. I've had surgery their, no problems.

Barry

[tripperj]

i Hurt my back in pattaya in juny my gf took me to hospital, it was on the road to Siricha i think it was Pattaya Bangkok not sure, but the treatment i recieved was excelent. Put the hospital's here in northern ireland to sahme.

[davethailand]

Siracha hospital is also supposed to be excellent.

I've got free health care at Pattaya Memorial

[Tufty]

I've got free health care at Pattaya Memorial  

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

How did you get that ?

[spacebass]

In the 4 years i've been to pattaya i've always used pattaya international, now only for 3 monthly blood tests (cholestorol, blood suger before you ask ) etc but i was in there for 3 days about 3 years ago with a broken shoulder, excellent.

For breast surgery go to Yanhee in BKK.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think Yanhee too, have an appointment with Dr Greechart seems to be the head honcho.

Thanks for advice guys.

[davethailand]

I've got free health care at Pattaya Memorial  

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

How did you get that ?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Social insurance payments, all staff etc get it.

[Artisan]

Siracha hospital is also supposed to be excellent.

I've got free health care at Pattaya Memorial  

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You're right about Sri Racha, especially if you're referring to the Samitivej Hospital. Another excellent hospital is the Navy Hospital (Queen Sirikit Hospital) in Sattahip.

[Artisan]

There has been an increasing number of postings relating to hospitals, the availability of pharmaceuticals and health insurance in Thailand. We should know that holding medical and accident insurance is crucial, yet many visitors and tourists, both short term and long term, still come to Thailand without any form of medical or accident insurance. It costs relatively little for complete peace of mind. The costs involved, should a visitor not have insurance, are significant and, probably, cannot be met by the immediate budget of the average traveller. Also, the various ‘under the table’ costs should not be forgotten.

My sister has just returned to the UK after several weeks on holiday here. She holds comprehensive annual travel insurance cover, as she travels frequently, and she had cause to call upon it last week.

She bought some strawberries from a local market in Jomtien, washed them thoroughly and ate them by the swimming pool in the evening. She was extremely ill that night and throughout the next morning. She needed to see a doctor and so I took her to a “reputable” hospital in Pattaya. (I won't name the hospital but it has something to do with this thread!). A doctor recommended that she be admitted to the hospital for twenty-four hours for observation and care. The Admissions Officer asked her if she had insurance and she confirmed this. My sister was asked to prepay 10,000 Baht to cover the hospital bill in advance; any surplus would be refunded to her on her discharge.

The following day my sister checked out of the ward and went to the cashier’s office to settle the bill. The total bill for a twenty-two hour stay was 16,109 Baht! The following is a summary of the bill: -

1 Drugs and Parental Nutrition 5,487 Baht

2 Medical Supplies 367 Baht

3 Lab Investigation and Pathology 1,100 Baht

4 Medical Equipment 300 Baht

5 Nursing Charge 1,200 Baht

6 Physician Services 4,300 Baht

7 Standard Inpatient Accommodation 3,000 Baht

8 Food 295 Baht

9 Other Hospital Charges 50 Baht

__________

Total 16,109 Baht

Pre-paid 10,000 Baht

Naturally, she was shocked and she queried the bill, especially items 1, 3, 4 and 8.

Item 1: During her brief stay in hospital, she was given a total of 12 pills; she counted them individually. She was told that the drugs were imported, very specialised and very expensive. She said to the cashier that the cost of these 12 pills (5,487 Baht) was probably more than the cashier’s salary!

Item 3: The explanation of this cost was that a sample of her blood had been checked in the laboratory. No blood had been removed from her body throughout the stay! The cashier contacted the Admissions Officer by telephone and was told that, whilst my sister was being admitted, a saline/glucose drip had been inserted into her arm and a sample of her blood had been withdrawn at the same time. This was NOT SO as I had watched the application of this drip and no blood was taken! A further phone call was made and a new explanation was given that stool investigation was done. My sister is adamant that this didn't happen and she should know!!!!

Item 4: This cost was associated with the use of the drip applicator. Apparently, it was equivalent to a rental charge on the applicator!

Item 5: In her condition, food was the last thing on her mind but she tried to eat some chicken soup in the morning. The cost of a bowl of soup was 295 baht! A passing doctor told my sister that the hospital had to cover their investment!

She paid the remaining money and asked if she could have a medical certificate confirming her illness and ‘treatment’. The medical certificate would be available for collection six days later. (This delay was because the doctor, who recommended admission, was away on my sister’s discharge and my sister had planned to be in Bangkok for a few days). Six days later, the medical certificate had not been prepared and the following conversation went something like this: -

Hospital Receptionist: - “Can you come back tomorrow as the doctor is not here?”

Sister: - “Sorry, that’s not possible as I am flying to London tonight”.

HR: - “OK, could you come back in two hours?”

S: - “Sorry, but I have a prior appointment and, after all, you’ve had six days already in which to prepare it. Here is the collection note”.

HR: - “OK, can you wait one hour?”

S: - “OK, but would it be possible to have a duplicate certificate as I need one for my employer and the other to submit to my insurance company? Photocopies are not acceptable”.

HR: - “OK, but it will cost you 1,000 Baht for a second certificate and there is no doctor available at the moment”.

S: - “I don’t think so! Can I speak to your supervisor or another person in authority? I have paid more than enough already for really very little”.

HR: - “Yes, please wait”. (Short telephone call made by the HR).

HR: - “You want a photocopy”?

S: - “No, as I have told you, photocopies are not acceptable”.

HR: - “OK, but you will have to pay for another certificate and the charge is 500 baht”. (previously 1,000 baht!)

S: - “I’m sorry but I would like to talk to a doctor or someone in charge”.

HR: - “You will have to wait”. (HR now getting angry and plainly resentful).

After a few minutes, the HR whispered to a colleague (non-medical staff) through a hatchway. The colleague peered around the side of the hatchway and quickly pulled back as she realized that she had been spotted. At this time the computer on the reception desk started printing out a duplicate certificate which was then signed by the colleague behind the hatchway and given to my sister.

It appeared that my sister perhaps had spoiled some little scam and when she asked to see someone in charge the ‘cost’ was reduced from 1,000 baht to 500 baht! When my sister insisted, the HR printed out, begrudgingly, another certificate. The printing took all of 2 minutes and it was not a doctor who signed it.

NOTE: It is interesting that BUPA (British United Provident Association) Blue Cross Insurance doesn't include this particular hospital on its approved hospital list.

[Digger]

There has been an increasing number of postings relating to hospitals, the availability of pharmaceuticals and health insurance in Thailand. We should know that holding medical and accident insurance is crucial, yet many visitors and tourists, both short term and long term, still come to Thailand without any form of medical or accident insurance. It costs relatively little for complete peace of mind. The costs involved, should a visitor not have insurance, are significant and, probably, cannot be met by the immediate budget of the average traveller. Also, the various ‘under the table’ costs should not be forgotten.

My sister has just returned to the UK after several weeks on holiday here. She holds comprehensive annual travel insurance cover, as she travels frequently, and she had cause to call upon it last week.

She bought some strawberries from a local market in Jomtien, washed them thoroughly and ate them by the swimming pool in the evening. She was extremely ill that night and throughout the next morning.  She needed to see a doctor and so I took her to a “reputable” hospital in Pattaya. (I won't name the hospital but it has something to do with this thread!). A doctor recommended that she be admitted to the hospital for twenty-four hours for observation and care. The Admissions Officer asked her if she had insurance and she confirmed this. My sister was asked to prepay 10,000 Baht to cover the hospital bill in advance; any surplus would be refunded to her on her discharge.

The following day my sister checked out of the ward and went to the cashier’s office to settle the bill. The total bill for a twenty-two hour stay was 16,109 Baht! The following is a summary of the bill: -

1      Drugs and Parental Nutrition                    5,487  Baht

2      Medical Supplies                                        367  Baht

3      Lab Investigation and Pathology              1,100  Baht

4      Medical Equipment                                      300 Baht

5      Nursing Charge                                      1,200 Baht

6      Physician Services                                  4,300 Baht

7      Standard Inpatient Accommodation          3,000 Baht

8      Food                                                          295 Baht

9      Other Hospital Charges                                50 Baht

__________

Total          16,109      Baht

Pre-paid      10,000 Baht

Naturally, she was shocked and she queried the bill, especially items 1, 3, 4 and 8.

Item 1:      During her brief stay in hospital, she was given a total of 12 pills; she counted them individually. She was told that the drugs were imported, very specialised and very expensive. She said to the cashier that the cost of these 12 pills (5,487 Baht) was probably more than the cashier’s salary!

Item 3:      The explanation of this cost was that a sample of her blood had been checked in the laboratory. No blood had been removed from her body throughout the stay! The cashier contacted the Admissions Officer by telephone and was told that, whilst my sister was being admitted, a saline/glucose drip had been inserted into her arm and a sample of her blood had been withdrawn at the same time. This was NOT SO as I had watched the application of this drip and no blood was taken! A further phone call was made and a new explanation was given that stool investigation was done. My sister is adamant that this didn't happen and she should know!!!!

Item 4:      This cost was associated with the use of the drip applicator. Apparently, it was equivalent to a rental charge on the applicator!

Item 5:      In her condition, food was the last thing on her mind but she tried to eat some chicken soup in the morning. The cost of a bowl of soup was 295 baht! A passing doctor told my sister that the hospital had to cover their investment!

She paid the remaining money and asked if she could have a medical certificate confirming her illness and ‘treatment’. The medical certificate would be available for collection six days later. (This delay was because the doctor, who recommended admission, was away on my sister’s discharge and my sister had planned to be in Bangkok for a few days). Six days later, the medical certificate had not been prepared and the following conversation went something like this: -

Hospital Receptionist: - “Can you come back tomorrow as the doctor is not here?”

Sister: - “Sorry, that’s not possible as I am flying to London tonight”.

HR: - “OK, could you come back in two hours?”

S: - “Sorry, but I have a prior appointment and, after all, you’ve had six days already in which to prepare it. Here is the collection note”.

HR: - “OK, can you wait one hour?”

S: - “OK, but would it be possible to have a duplicate certificate as I need one for my employer and the other to submit to my insurance company?  Photocopies are not acceptable”.

HR: - “OK, but it will cost you 1,000 Baht for a second certificate and there is no doctor available at the moment”.

S: - “I don’t think so! Can I speak to your supervisor or another person in authority? I have paid more than enough already for really very little”.

HR: - “Yes, please wait”. (Short telephone call made by the HR).

HR: - “You want a photocopy”?

S: - “No, as I have told you, photocopies are not acceptable”.

HR: - “OK, but you will have to pay for another certificate and the charge is 500 baht”. (previously 1,000 baht!)

S: - “I’m sorry but I would like to talk to a doctor or someone in charge”.

HR: - “You will have to wait”. (HR now getting angry and plainly resentful).

After a few minutes, the HR whispered to a colleague (non-medical staff) through a hatchway. The colleague peered around the side of the hatchway and quickly pulled back as she realized that she had been spotted. At this time the computer on the reception desk started printing out a duplicate certificate which was then signed by the colleague behind the hatchway and given to my sister.

It appeared that my sister perhaps had spoiled some little scam and when she asked to see someone in charge the ‘cost’ was reduced from 1,000 baht to 500 baht! When my sister insisted, the HR printed out, begrudgingly, another certificate. The printing took all of 2 minutes and it was not a doctor who signed it.

NOTE: It is interesting that BUPA (British United Provident Association) Blue Cross Insurance doesn't include this particular hospital on its approved hospital list.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have said this before, that Pattaya Hospitals are more expensive than the top flight one's in BKK such as Bumrungrad and BNH. This just confims my view. Most of their business comes from holidaymakers who are insured and they take full advantage of the situation.

Imported pills for a stomach upset - whatever next ??? Sounds like a very expensive soup by the way - no doubt that was imported too !!!!

Incidentally Physician services at over 4,000 baht is an absolute scam - At Bumrungrad, its 500/600 baht a time they come and visit you as an inpatient, unless they are doing something like a surgical procedure or a radiologists fee - at 4,000 baht, sounds like the doctor was permanently attached to the bed offering 24 hr care which of course its not going to be the case.

[edh]

I believe a friend of mine was at the same hospital mentioned below.

He was admitted there after getting hit by a car while driving his small motorbike north up on Naklua road. He was treated for cuts and bruises for a day or two.

Second day the hospital said they wanted to do a surgery to his shoulder (fixating his collarbone with screws etc.) eventhou the x-ray plates did not show any crack or dislocation. Don't remember the price they were going to charge but it was astronomical.

I told my friend to skip this operation as these usually only deterioate the damages. Told him to wait a week or two for the initial pain to go away and maybe get a second opinion if the pain persisted.

Three weeks after the accident his shoulder was fine again!! - NO operation...

This hospital seem to like to "experiment" on different and unecessary treatments on patients for some reason.

I now never use this one anymore and go to the one on Sukhumwit if I need to see a doctor.

edh

There has been an increasing number of postings relating to hospitals, the availability of pharmaceuticals and health insurance in Thailand. We should know that holding medical and accident insurance is crucial, yet many visitors and tourists, both short term and long term, still come to Thailand without any form of medical or accident insurance. It costs relatively little for complete peace of mind. The costs involved, should a visitor not have insurance, are significant and, probably, cannot be met by the immediate budget of the average traveller. Also, the various ‘under the table’ costs should not be forgotten.

My sister has just returned to the UK after several weeks on holiday here. She holds comprehensive annual travel insurance cover, as she travels frequently, and she had cause to call upon it last week.

She bought some strawberries from a local market in Jomtien, washed them thoroughly and ate them by the swimming pool in the evening. She was extremely ill that night and throughout the next morning.  She needed to see a doctor and so I took her to a “reputable” hospital in Pattaya. (I won't name the hospital but it has something to do with this thread!). A doctor recommended that she be admitted to the hospital for twenty-four hours for observation and care. The Admissions Officer asked her if she had insurance and she confirmed this. My sister was asked to prepay 10,000 Baht to cover the hospital bill in advance; any surplus would be refunded to her on her discharge.

The following day my sister checked out of the ward and went to the cashier’s office to settle the bill. The total bill for a twenty-two hour stay was 16,109 Baht! The following is a summary of the bill: -

1      Drugs and Parental Nutrition                    5,487  Baht

2      Medical Supplies                                        367  Baht

3      Lab Investigation and Pathology              1,100  Baht

4      Medical Equipment                                      300 Baht

5      Nursing Charge                                      1,200 Baht

6      Physician Services                                  4,300 Baht

7      Standard Inpatient Accommodation          3,000 Baht

8      Food                                                          295 Baht

9      Other Hospital Charges                                50 Baht

__________

Total          16,109      Baht

Pre-paid      10,000 Baht

Naturally, she was shocked and she queried the bill, especially items 1, 3, 4 and 8.

Item 1:      During her brief stay in hospital, she was given a total of 12 pills; she counted them individually. She was told that the drugs were imported, very specialised and very expensive. She said to the cashier that the cost of these 12 pills (5,487 Baht) was probably more than the cashier’s salary!

Item 3:      The explanation of this cost was that a sample of her blood had been checked in the laboratory. No blood had been removed from her body throughout the stay! The cashier contacted the Admissions Officer by telephone and was told that, whilst my sister was being admitted, a saline/glucose drip had been inserted into her arm and a sample of her blood had been withdrawn at the same time. This was NOT SO as I had watched the application of this drip and no blood was taken! A further phone call was made and a new explanation was given that stool investigation was done. My sister is adamant that this didn't happen and she should know!!!!

Item 4:      This cost was associated with the use of the drip applicator. Apparently, it was equivalent to a rental charge on the applicator!

Item 5:      In her condition, food was the last thing on her mind but she tried to eat some chicken soup in the morning. The cost of a bowl of soup was 295 baht! A passing doctor told my sister that the hospital had to cover their investment!

She paid the remaining money and asked if she could have a medical certificate confirming her illness and ‘treatment’. The medical certificate would be available for collection six days later. (This delay was because the doctor, who recommended admission, was away on my sister’s discharge and my sister had planned to be in Bangkok for a few days). Six days later, the medical certificate had not been prepared and the following conversation went something like this: -

Hospital Receptionist: - “Can you come back tomorrow as the doctor is not here?”

Sister: - “Sorry, that’s not possible as I am flying to London tonight”.

HR: - “OK, could you come back in two hours?”

S: - “Sorry, but I have a prior appointment and, after all, you’ve had six days already in which to prepare it. Here is the collection note”.

HR: - “OK, can you wait one hour?”

S: - “OK, but would it be possible to have a duplicate certificate as I need one for my employer and the other to submit to my insurance company?  Photocopies are not acceptable”.

HR: - “OK, but it will cost you 1,000 Baht for a second certificate and there is no doctor available at the moment”.

S: - “I don’t think so! Can I speak to your supervisor or another person in authority? I have paid more than enough already for really very little”.

HR: - “Yes, please wait”. (Short telephone call made by the HR).

HR: - “You want a photocopy”?

S: - “No, as I have told you, photocopies are not acceptable”.

HR: - “OK, but you will have to pay for another certificate and the charge is 500 baht”. (previously 1,000 baht!)

S: - “I’m sorry but I would like to talk to a doctor or someone in charge”.

HR: - “You will have to wait”. (HR now getting angry and plainly resentful).

After a few minutes, the HR whispered to a colleague (non-medical staff) through a hatchway. The colleague peered around the side of the hatchway and quickly pulled back as she realized that she had been spotted. At this time the computer on the reception desk started printing out a duplicate certificate which was then signed by the colleague behind the hatchway and given to my sister.

It appeared that my sister perhaps had spoiled some little scam and when she asked to see someone in charge the ‘cost’ was reduced from 1,000 baht to 500 baht! When my sister insisted, the HR printed out, begrudgingly, another certificate. The printing took all of 2 minutes and it was not a doctor who signed it.

NOTE: It is interesting that BUPA (British United Provident Association) Blue Cross Insurance doesn't include this particular hospital on its approved hospital list.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[think_too_mut]

Siracha hospital is also supposed to be excellent.

I've got free health care at Pattaya Memorial  

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You're right about Sri Racha, especially if you're referring to the Samitivej Hospital. Another excellent hospital is the Navy Hospital (Queen Sirikit Hospital) in Sattahip.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My doctor from Bangkok-Pattaya hospital, who came from the Navy Hospital, told me that there are no doctors left, the world class equipment is idling as all who knew how to operate the things have left, including himself.

Disclaimer: he may have his own agenda to keep me with BKK-Pattaya.

Another poster may also be right - tourists on full insurance do not care what BKK-Pattaya charges. I have never missed a chance to get something checked while on holidays.

[barryofthailand]

Bangkok pattaya hospital is included on Bupa's approved list and this is the only hospital in Pattaya that all the insurance comianies send their clients for pre insurance physicals in the case you are over 61 years old.

Doesn't that tell you something.

Barry