Pacemaker

[Morch]

My parents went on a trip to Myanmar, Dad lost consciousness, was taken to hospital there and doctor advice is to go for a pacemaker (his doctor back hope concurs, waiting for insurance go ahead).

Insurance says pick of hospital in Bangkok (where I reside) is up to us. The usual place they refer to is Bangkok Hospital, but no hard sale or obligation to go there.

What I heard and read about said hospital over the years makes me doubt if it's indeed good (yes, I know it depends on on specific doctors etc), or more of a marketing machine. We had a less than great experience at Samitivej (over pricing, unneeded procedures, indifferent service) with my father in law, so that's out.

Any ideas or thoughts? Is Bumrungrad the same as those two? Are Chula or Siriraj ok? (if it's good enough for HRH...)

Thanks for any information.

[namoi]

Morch, as i don`t live in los i can`t help with a hospital, LOOK for a hospital that specialises in heart surgery, i had a pacemaker ( implantable cardiac device) after byepass surgery 3 years ago and have had no probs at all, i am in Aus and was done at the Prince Charles here in Bris, good luck to the old man mate and tell mum to look out for a new man when he recovers,lol

[lopburi3]

Bangkok Hospital (in Bangkok) should be as good as any and have a dedicated heart hospital facility. They are indeed top tier pricing but so is Bumrungrad and Samitivej. As you are not that concerned with cost having insurance see no need to use overworked government hospital (which is difficult for English speaker and no guarantee who will be treating you in most cases and even when you do it may be a team rather than the specific doctor) who may have some of the best doctors they often work part time at private facilities if you have specific doctor in mind. If insurance can directly pay Bangkok Hospital that might be a strong reason to use rather than having to pay in cash up front.

[Morch]

Bangkok Hospital (in Bangkok) should be as good as any and have a dedicated heart hospital facility. They are indeed top tier pricing but so is Bumrungrad and Samitivej. As you are not that concerned with cost having insurance see no need to use overworked government hospital (which is difficult for English speaker and no guarantee who will be treating you in most cases and even when you do it may be a team rather than the specific doctor) who may have some of the best doctors they often work part time at private facilities if you have specific doctor in mind. If insurance can directly pay Bangkok Hospital that might be a strong reason to use rather than having to pay in cash up front.

Thanks for the input Lopburi3.

The Old Man had an emergency operation last night, in Myanmar. Seems to be doing fine now, but will still be moved to Bangkok asap for a permanent pacer.

As far as I can understand from the insurance company, they would be dealing with the hospital regarding costs, payments and arrangements - so your advice is very relevant.

[Morch]

Morch, as i don`t live in los i can`t help with a hospital, LOOK for a hospital that specialises in heart surgery, i had a pacemaker ( implantable cardiac device) after byepass surgery 3 years ago and have had no probs at all, i am in Aus and was done at the Prince Charles here in Bris, good luck to the old man mate and tell mum to look out for a new man when he recovers,lol

heh, Mom's after one of those scary things herself, so guess they're kinda even now.

They will probably go on another trip within a year.

Wish (or maybe not) I'll this travel bug when I'm at they're age.

[itishothere]

A couple of years back my sister had a heart attack on her visit to Thailand. We took her to Bumrungrad. Her insurance covered everything.

The care she received was outstanding. Her son (a nurse) was with her and was amazed at the speed of treatment and the quality. Her only complaint was the food!

I am not saying they are the best, but for cardiac treatment, they were first rate.

Edited October 7, 2011 by itishothere

[InterestedObserver]

Had a single-chamber (VVIR) pacemaker replaced last month in Pattaya. Top notch service at BHP, one night stay, no complaints - except the usual, but then I got a few baht back from the agreed upon price.

[itishothere]

PS.

My father at the age of 70+ had a pacemaker fitted. His sister (my Aunt) had one at the age of 75. Both (if I remember) were out of hospital the next day. So this leads to me a few conclusions for the OP and his Dad.

1 The procedure is straightforward.

2 Location of hospital/user-friendliness etc (obviously after basic backgound medical checks) might play an important role in keeping the patient (Dad) comfortable with what is going on.

Apologies for the condescending/flippant approach, but bear in mind that my third conclusion is;

3 I am next, if family history (Dad, Aunt, Sister) is anything to go by!

Edited October 7, 2011 by itishothere

[Backwoods]

I just had my ICD replaced at Praram 9 and it was half the cost of Bangkok hospital , and the same surgeon, as he works at both! Hospital was 1st class and so was service! This is my 3rd replacement!!

[Morch]

Thanks for your input, everyone.

Insurance company sort of dictated Bangkok Hospital. Treatment was very professional, polite and caring.

Nurses were really nice, though spoken English level leaves something to be desired.

The operating doctor wasn't of Bangkok Hospital, so we're still left with the question of whether it would have been any different going through this at another place.

Operation went smoothly, though a few days later turned out one of the pacemaker leads went a bit out of place (meaning he'll have to do it all over again back home). Apparently, this sort of things happens and isn't considered negligence, malpractice or whatever.

Insurance was/is being difficult, so there was some financial pain involved. Hope we'll sort that out soon enough.