Your Recommended Hospitals In Phuket?

[mja1906]

What are your recommendations for hospitals in Phuket? I need a biopsy on a gland. Bangkok hosp seems overpriced?, Mission seems to be reasonable in terms of quality and price?

Vachira is government, so I'm not sure how quickly they could do this and have the results ( if it's anything like how long the NHS in UK take, I'd probably skip that)

Any input would be much appreciated

Cheers

[chiang mai]

You've pretty much got it figured out from the looks of things, I've had dealings with all those hospitals over the years and Bangkok/Phuket would be the very bottom of my list, Mission or Vachira would be my choice, Vachira might be the best on quality grounds but you might have to wait a bit longer.

[merijn]

Both Mission and Vachira are both more then capable for this kind of things.

Normally the waiting time at Vachira is not too bad for a farang.

[kenny999]

You've pretty much got it figured out from the looks of things, I've had dealings with all those hospitals over the years and Bangkok/Phuket would be the very bottom of my list, Mission or Vachira would be my choice, Vachira might be the best on quality grounds but you might have to wait a bit longer.

I am assuming Vachira will be the cheapest option for a hospital, do they have all services available? looking for a hospital to register at, private is not an option for me, I have heard Mission is very good and reasonably priced...

[LivinginKata]

I am assuming Vachira will be the cheapest option for a hospital, do they have all services available? looking for a hospital to register at, private is not an option for me, I have heard Mission is very good and reasonably priced...

The Mission is a private hospital. Usually less expensive than the other 2 private hospitals Bangkok Phuket & Phuket International. Problem is that the Mission is very very busy as they handle all the people with the government health insurance cards.

[KarenBravo]

The best specialists don't work in public hospitals, they work in private hospitals.

More face, more money.

[katabeachbum]

Only hospital close to the hygenic standards we where taught in medical school is Bangkok-Phuket. At a price

Vachira is a simple slaughterhouse and morge.

Mission and Phuket International is not up to date neither on medical or hygiene, on the children I have followed there

Phuket International has a great team on plastic surgery/sex change tho

[chiang mai]

The best specialists don't work in public hospitals, they work in private hospitals.

More face, more money.

Not true at all, the best specialists work in the teaching (public) hospitals and certainly not in the private hospitals, as I'm now discovering in Chiang Mai. The doctors and technicians at Siripat Hospital (CMU) are in a totally different league to any I've ever met at Bumrungrad or Bangkok/Phuket, they actually care about medicine and healing rather than just fee income,

[katabeachbum]

The best specialists don't work in public hospitals, they work in private hospitals.

More face, more money.

Not true at all, the best specialists work in the teaching (public) hospitals and certainly not in the private hospitals, as I'm now discovering in Chiang Mai. The doctors and technicians at Siripat Hospital (CMU) are in a totally different league to any I've ever met at Bumrungrad or Bangkok/Phuket, they actually care about medicine and healing rather than just fee income,

True for CM and Sonkla. Not for the rest of the country

[stevenl]

Have you considered the private clinic of Vachira?

[chiang mai]

Only hospital close to the hygenic standards we where taught in medical school is Bangkok-Phuket. At a price

Vachira is a simple slaughterhouse and morge.

Mission and Phuket International is not up to date neither on medical or hygiene, on the children I have followed there

Phuket International has a great team on plastic surgery/sex change tho

BPH may be clean but I would not trust them to treat anything even slightly out of the boring everyday norm of medical complaints and even then I might limit the list to minor sprains and cuts shorter than an inch - their ENT, Ortho,and dermatology doctors are truly dire.

[dafyduck]

Have you considered the private clinic of Vachira?

A german orthopeadic surgeon is my consultant for my herniated disks there and thats where i do my tractions every other day,fee 120 baht per traction,consultation 80 baht first time then free. I dont know if you consider this private, i think they call it outpatient,call and ask for Sarina 0876217787 for more info fluent english very helpfull.if you dont like waitting 30mn for your turn then its not your cup of tea,this applies for my skin derma post as well.

[silsburyhill]

Have you considered the private clinic of Vachira?

A german orthopeadic surgeon is my consultant for my herniated disks there and thats where i do my tractions every other day,fee 120 baht per traction,consultation 80 baht first time then free. I dont know if you consider this private, i think they call it outpatient,call and ask for Sarina 0876217787 for more info fluent english very helpfull.if you dont like waitting 30mn for your turn then its not your cup of tea,this applies for my skin derma post as well.

Whereabouts is the Private Clinic in the Vachira Hospital? The locals refer to the Vachira Government Hospital as The Slaughterhouse, so wouldn't mind paying a few extra baht for an upgrade. The Bangkok International is a Mill.

[stevenl]

Whereabouts is the Private Clinic in the Vachira Hospital? The locals refer to the Vachira Government Hospital as The Slaughterhouse, so wouldn't mind paying a few extra baht for an upgrade. The Bangkok International is a Mill.

Corner Chao Fa Road-Bangkok Road, directly after the Esso station.

Dufy ir correct BTW, not private but outpatient facility.

[F1fanatic]

I doubt there is any 'true' answer to this question - it all depends on your luck.

I knew someone that went to Phuket International when he became v ill, but was 'treated' by a doctor resident at the Vachira - apparently he visited the Int a couple of half days a week or something.

A touch irrelevant as the person spent a few weeks in the Int, was told he was better only to be sick again a couple of months later.

Long story short, he spent a week or so more at the hospital, but ended up going back to the UK as he could no longer afford the treatment and, they STILL hadn't come up with an answer to what was wrong - despite all the tests - including a bone marrow test.

When he went to a NHS hospital they told him what was wrong.... He died in the hospital soon after.

[Felt 35]

Bit of topic but its your health. Go to Bangkok and either Siriraj Hospital or Ramathibodi Hospital, both Mahidol university hospitals used by they we are not are allowed to mention on TV.

[chiang mai]

I doubt there is any 'true' answer to this question - it all depends on your luck.

I knew someone that went to Phuket International when he became v ill, but was 'treated' by a doctor resident at the Vachira - apparently he visited the Int a couple of half days a week or something.

A touch irrelevant as the person spent a few weeks in the Int, was told he was better only to be sick again a couple of months later.

Long story short, he spent a week or so more at the hospital, but ended up going back to the UK as he could no longer afford the treatment and, they STILL hadn't come up with an answer to what was wrong - despite all the tests - including a bone marrow test.

When he went to a NHS hospital they told him what was wrong.... He died in the hospital soon after.

That's a tragic story but I suspect strongly that similar ones are commonplace here - decent medical care is readily available as long as the medical problem is common, easily identifiable and comprises one of the many run of the mill ailments that people suffer from, breaks, lacerations, flu and the like, unfortunately, the more unusual or complex the symptoms the more unlikely it becomes that they will be accurately diagnosed and diagnosed. But that's true anywhere I hear people say. Indeed, the difference here though is that a patient with a complex medical condition is more likely to be sold an incorrect diagnosis without the benefit of follow on investigation. and I speak from first hand experience in that respect.

I have had the misfortune to spend the past year trying to reach a diagnosis on a condition that involves multiple symptoms in the same region of the body and in trying to find answers I've consulted with more than a dozen different specialists at five different private hospitals - I've had doctors in the large private hospitals of Bangkok examine and consult without even comming round to my side of the desk and provide all knowing answers such as, you're using the computer too much, that's why your neck hurts and is swollen. I've had other specialists look at an MRI that I've demanded and after seeing multiple lymph node activity in the neck respond by saying, don't worry, be happy! Never once has one of those twelve or so specialists ever said, I don't know or, I'm going to refer you to another specialist - despite those things their bills have been paid which I guess must exceed THB 100k thus far (including MRI's and CAT scans).

The good news in this story is that I now have my answers and the condition to which I refer is one that I suspected at the outset and tried to sell to various doctors unsuccessfully. Fortunately, I found a very capable GP here in Chiang Mai who did buy into my diagnosis and having referred me to local specialists at the teaching hospital, the problem is on the path to being resolved. The reasons I have arrived at this point is due in part to my perseverance, my unwillingness to accept clearly inappropriate diagnosis and my good fortune in finding a GP who understands the difference between the nature of doctors in private hospitals and those that work in the teaching hospitals.

[KarenBravo]

Misdiagnoses happen all over the world, not just here in Thailand.

My mother saw a British GP numerous times over a period of months about problems with swallowing. By the time it was correctly diagnosed as cancer of the oesophagus, it was too late.

Of the hospitals available here in Phuket, I would only ever go to the Bangkok hospital. Expensive, yes, but, I have always had excellent experiences there with a variety of interesting diseases and conditions.

Edited October 25, 2011 by KarenBravo

[chiang mai]

Misdiagnoses happen all over the world, not just here in Thailand.

My mother saw a British GP numerous times over a period of months about problems with swallowing. By the time it was correctly diagnosed as cancer of the oesophagus, it was too late.

Except Karen that here it's become more than just an acceptable level of human error, here misdiagnosis/non diagnosis/fobbed off has become a standard for non-trivial complaints, in the private hospitals - how can I complete the loop they ask themselves, how can I close with this patient, write him far too many unnecessary prescriptions and collect my fees and move onto the next one in line. BTW:most of my negative experiences I've described thus far have been at your favorite hospital and that other large private hospital in Bangkok.

Edited October 25, 2011 by chiang mai

[KarenBravo]

Misdiagnoses happen all over the world, not just here in Thailand.

My mother saw a British GP numerous times over a period of months about problems with swallowing. By the time it was correctly diagnosed as cancer of the oesophagus, it was too late.

Except Karen that here it's become more than just an acceptable level of human error, here misdiagnosis/non diagnosis/fobbed off has become a standard for non-trivial complaints, in the private hospitals - how can I complete the loop they ask themselves, how can I close with this patient, write him far too many unnecessary prescriptions and collect my fees and move onto the next one in line. BTW:most of my negative experiences I've described thus far have been at your favorite hospital and that other large private hospital in Bangkok.

Well........my experiences have been very different from yours.

[grumpyoldman]

Misdiagnoses happen all over the world, not just here in Thailand.

My mother saw a British GP numerous times over a period of months about problems with swallowing. By the time it was correctly diagnosed as cancer of the oesophagus, it was too late.

Of the hospitals available here in Phuket, I would only ever go to the Bangkok hospital. Expensive, yes, but, I have always had excellent experiences there with a variety of interesting diseases and conditions.

I'm going to second this.

One of my best friends had a blood test in the U.S. and they found signs of cancer. As he was in his late fifties, they assumed prostate, did a biopsy etc. They couldn't seem to figure it out and after six months my friend started having back problems. Ends up the doctors never did a full chest xray (for my physical at Bangkok Phuket they did full chest xray) and my pal ended up having a mass in his lungs that had then spread. Had they caught it right away, he would be here again visiting, but luck would have it that I'll now see my pal in the next life.

I've always been impressed with Bangkok Phuket and recommend it.

[chiang mai]

I'm pleased that both GOM and Karen have found somewhere they have confidence in and that has worked for them thus far, long may it continue, may your symptoms always be easily diagnosed also which I think is probably one of the keys, luck being another.

[F1fanatic]

I doubt there is any 'true' answer to this question - it all depends on your luck.

I knew someone that went to Phuket International when he became v ill, but was 'treated' by a doctor resident at the Vachira - apparently he visited the Int a couple of half days a week or something.

A touch irrelevant as the person spent a few weeks in the Int, was told he was better only to be sick again a couple of months later.

Long story short, he spent a week or so more at the hospital, but ended up going back to the UK as he could no longer afford the treatment and, they STILL hadn't come up with an answer to what was wrong - despite all the tests - including a bone marrow test.

When he went to a NHS hospital they told him what was wrong.... He died in the hospital soon after.

That's a tragic story but I suspect strongly that similar ones are commonplace here - decent medical care is readily available as long as the medical problem is common, easily identifiable and comprises one of the many run of the mill ailments that people suffer from, breaks, lacerations, flu and the like, unfortunately, the more unusual or complex the symptoms the more unlikely it becomes that they will be accurately diagnosed and diagnosed. But that's true anywhere I hear people say. Indeed, the difference here though is that a patient with a complex medical condition is more likely to be sold an incorrect diagnosis without the benefit of follow on investigation. and I speak from first hand experience in that respect.

I have had the misfortune to spend the past year trying to reach a diagnosis on a condition that involves multiple symptoms in the same region of the body and in trying to find answers I've consulted with more than a dozen different specialists at five different private hospitals - I've had doctors in the large private hospitals of Bangkok examine and consult without even comming round to my side of the desk and provide all knowing answers such as, you're using the computer too much, that's why your neck hurts and is swollen. I've had other specialists look at an MRI that I've demanded and after seeing multiple lymph node activity in the neck respond by saying, don't worry, be happy! Never once has one of those twelve or so specialists ever said, I don't know or, I'm going to refer you to another specialist - despite those things their bills have been paid which I guess must exceed THB 100k thus far (including MRI's and CAT scans).

The good news in this story is that I now have my answers and the condition to which I refer is one that I suspected at the outset and tried to sell to various doctors unsuccessfully. Fortunately, I found a very capable GP here in Chiang Mai who did buy into my diagnosis and having referred me to local specialists at the teaching hospital, the problem is on the path to being resolved. The reasons I have arrived at this point is due in part to my perseverance, my unwillingness to accept clearly inappropriate diagnosis and my good fortune in finding a GP who understands the difference between the nature of doctors in private hospitals and those that work in the teaching hospitals.

I think you're right - if the diagnosis is simple, you'll receive first class care in any of the hospitals.

The situation changes when the problem is more unusual.

I always go to the Phuket Bangkok as one doesn't have to hang around so long to see someone - but....a) they are the most expensive hospital on the island they didn't do a terribly good job on the one occasion I needed an op (it needs to be done again....) and c) I gather that the 'top' consultants/surgeons 'visit' from the Vachira to earn extra money.

[silsburyhill]

I think you're right - if the diagnosis is simple, you'll receive first class care in any of the hospitals.

The situation changes when the problem is more unusual.

I always go to the Phuket Bangkok as one doesn't have to hang around so long to see someone - but....a) they are the most expensive hospital on the island they didn't do a terribly good job on the one occasion I needed an op (it needs to be done again....) and c) I gather that the 'top' consultants/surgeons 'visit' from the Vachira to earn extra money.

I believe you've been misinformed. There's absolutely nothing wrong with the consultants and surgeons at the Vachira. They don't operate at the private hospitals to earn 'extra money'. It's the other way around insofar as that they are obliged to put time in at government hospitals as part of their having received their training from government run universities.

This applies all over Thailand and in many other countries, including the UK.

[thaiIand]

The best specialists don't work in public hospitals, they work in private hospitals.

More face, more money.

Not true at all, the best specialists work in the teaching (public) hospitals and certainly not in the private hospitals, as I'm now discovering in Chiang Mai. The doctors and technicians at Siripat Hospital (CMU) are in a totally different league to any I've ever met at Bumrungrad or Bangkok/Phuket, they actually care about medicine and healing rather than just fee income,

i had a surgery done at public vachira a while ago.

I was sat into a room of 50 people on bed then transfered to the operating room which was a very open room with no AC and i was laid down on a cheap wooden table.. nothing seemed clean and i would know i worked a few months in my youth as a operating room clean up guy. Thank god i was transfered to bangkok hospital right after the surgery and i wont ever go back to vachira even for cold medecine.

but then again.. i saw a spine specialist at bangkok hospital who knew less about spines than an highschool student would, he sure knew a lot about trying to squeeze payments and physical rehab(<deleted>? for a spinal question?)

and i also had a terrible time with a bitch pediatrician at mission who wouldn't let us take the kid home with swine flu when the hospital is WAY too dirty for a good recovery. I had to scream at her and put her back in the kitchen where she belongs

i still prefer mission above all else though.. other pediatrician are good, dentist is good and the general doctors are very good even with all the dust and germs everywhere

Edited October 26, 2011 by thaiIand

[grumpyoldman]

The best specialists don't work in public hospitals, they work in private hospitals.

More face, more money.

Not true at all, the best specialists work in the teaching (public) hospitals and certainly not in the private hospitals, as I'm now discovering in Chiang Mai. The doctors and technicians at Siripat Hospital (CMU) are in a totally different league to any I've ever met at Bumrungrad or Bangkok/Phuket, they actually care about medicine and healing rather than just fee income,

I had to scream at her and put her back in the kitchen where she belongs

Maybe clubbing her over the head and dragging her by the hair back to the cave would have been more effective?

[F1fanatic]

I think you're right - if the diagnosis is simple, you'll receive first class care in any of the hospitals.

The situation changes when the problem is more unusual.

I always go to the Phuket Bangkok as one doesn't have to hang around so long to see someone - but....a) they are the most expensive hospital on the island they didn't do a terribly good job on the one occasion I needed an op (it needs to be done again....) and c) I gather that the 'top' consultants/surgeons 'visit' from the Vachira to earn extra money.

I believe you've been misinformed. There's absolutely nothing wrong with the consultants and surgeons at the Vachira. They don't operate at the private hospitals to earn 'extra money'. It's the other way around insofar as that they are obliged to put time in at government hospitals as part of their having received their training from government run universities.

This applies all over Thailand and in many other countries, including the UK.

My post was saying that the consultants and specialist surgeons are based at the Vachira, NOT the private hospitals - so I was not putting down the Vachira at all!

[chiang mai]

Unless things have changed recently I believe that the vast majority of "consultants" at BPH work for the government hospitals and are on call as needed, a quick look at the list of medical doctors at the BPH web site will confirm that only very few are present on a regular basis.

[Rickster]

I've had a biopsy done in Mission Hospital this year in April, excellent all round and highly recommend