Health Exam Sriphat Hospital

[chiang mai]

During one of my recent visits to Sriphat Hospital I stumbled upon the Health Check centre and looked at one of their flyers of programs and costs. From what I see it looks like the tests represent extremely good value by comparison to any that I've had done before at RAM and Bumrungrad and the tests look like they're sensible and appropriate. For those of you who are interested I list below details of their most expensive exam (there's half a dozen or so different programs starting at THB 1,700, the most expensive is THB 4,600).

Physical Exam

Complete Blood Count

Platelet Count

Urinalysis

Fasting Bllod SUgar - Glucose

Kidney Function Tests - BUN, Creatinine

Uric Acid

Lipid Profile - Cholesterol, Triglyceride, High Density Lipoprotein, Low Density Lipoprotein, Very Low Density Lipoprotein.

Liver Function Test - Total Protein, Total Billrubin, Direct Billrubin, AST, ALT, ALP

Chest X-ray

EKG

Total Calcium, Inorganic Phospherus, Calcium, PO4

Hep B surface antigen detection - HbsAg

Hep B surface Antibody detection - Anti Hbs

Alpha-fetoprotein - AFP

Carcinoembrionic - CEA

Prostrate Specific Antigen - PSA

Thyroid Funtion Test - Thyroid FT3, FT4, TSH

[Ulysses G.]

Do you know what they use to check your heart when excercising? The guy that I usually go to has you run up and down his stairs while he is seeing other patients and then electrodes are attached and then he checks you when he has time. I am concerned that so much time passes before he looks at the results. I like this guy a lot,usually, but this test seems somewhat iffy as to the conclusions that are found.

[Semper]

The guy that I usually go to has you run up and down his stairs while he is seeing other patients

Could get rather crowded in the stairs, if he have many patients doing the test at the same time.

[chiang mai]

I have no idea, but I do know there are typically two types of EKG, one taken at rest and one whilst the body is put under stress, I suggest that the one in the package above is done at rest and the one you describe is an uncontrolled attempt at a stress test. It's worth noting that there are internationally accepted standards (protocols) for cardiac stress tests that allow them to be replicated, the degree of effort (speed and incline) are pre determined in ranges and it doesn't sound like your run up the stairs falls into that category, so perhaps need to, ahem, exersise caution!

Do you know what they use to check your heart when excercising? The guy that I usually go to has you run up and down his stairs while he is seeing other patients and then electrodes are attached and then he checks you when he has time. I am concerned that so much time passes before he looks at the results. I like this guy a lot,usually, but this test seems somewhat iffy as to the conclusions that are found.

[zippydedodah]

last ekg i had done in USA i was unable to reach the proper rate on a treadmill so they laid me down and show me up on something (adrenline?) and waited for my heart to reach certain levels and recorded as needed... so more than one way to get the job done...

[Ulysses G.]

it doesn't sound like your run up the stairs falls into that category, so perhaps need to, ahem, exersise caution!

Thanks.Your guess sounds right to me too.

[uptheos]

Do you know what they use to check your heart when excercising? The guy that I usually go to has you run up and down his stairs while he is seeing other patients and then electrodes are attached and then he checks you when he has time. I am concerned that so much time passes before he looks at the results. I like this guy a lot,usually, but this test seems somewhat iffy as to the conclusions that are found.

I've been there too - if I had known at the time I would have taken Nike's, instead of flip flops.

I know over 60 health insurance asks for stress test with doppler, so there must be a particular guideline for the stress test.

[chiang mai]

Do you know what they use to check your heart when excercising? The guy that I usually go to has you run up and down his stairs while he is seeing other patients and then electrodes are attached and then he checks you when he has time. I am concerned that so much time passes before he looks at the results. I like this guy a lot,usually, but this test seems somewhat iffy as to the conclusions that are found.

I've been there too - if I had known at the time I would have taken Nike's, instead of flip flops.

I know over 60 health insurance asks for stress test with doppler, so there must be a particular guideline for the stress test.

It's called the BRUCE protocol, the following link describes.

http://www.topendsports.com/testing/tests/bruce.htm

In my particular case I'm known to have a degree of change at BRUCE stage III which means that the finding can be described accurately to other medical professionals and closelty defines the potential problem area.

[vagabond48]

I do the same test at that office and I have thought the way the test is conducted it is a bit less than profession. I normally continue to climb the stairs beyond what he asks me to do since it takes a lot more exercise to get my heart beat higher. I guess riding my bicycle daily keeps my heartbeat slow and steady.

[elektrified]

I like Sripat and think the specialists are excellent for the most part, but the thing that really bothered me about the 2 health checks I took there in 2007 and 2008 was that the Doctor (no names but he is the most popular cardiologist there, has many, many patients and a private clinic that looks like a palace) never once got out of his chair during the so-called physical exam - both times. He relied solely on what he saw on the computer. Never cracked out the stethoscope, no checking of the body, no prostate exam, nothing.

Maybe the other Doctors are more thorough. I did try and schedule an exam with the American Doctor one time but he was not available the day I went. But overall I think Sripat is very good. The Specialists took excellent care of my child when he was sick after he was born and the Specialists I've seen there were all excellent. The Nurses and technicians are very well trained.

[hellodolly]

Do you know what they use to check your heart when excercising? The guy that I usually go to has you run up and down his stairs while he is seeing other patients and then electrodes are attached and then he checks you when he has time. I am concerned that so much time passes before he looks at the results. I like this guy a lot,usually, but this test seems somewhat iffy as to the conclusions that are found.

I would imagine your heart and body are in pretty good shape if you can run up and down stairs that long. If not checked immediately after completion the test is worthless. The last time I was tested they put me on a treadmill and cranked up the incline while I was attached to monitors.

[uptheos]

I had my last annual medical done by Dr. Morgan and was very pleased with the time she took, to point out everything in detail, did a physical and was patient with answering my questions (that can go on a bit).Having the test details are good, but if a Dr. doesn't explain or do any hands on examination, then it sort of negates the check up to a certain degree.

[amexpat]

I like Sripat and think the specialists are excellent for the most part, but the thing that really bothered me about the 2 health checks I took there in 2007 and 2008 was that the Doctor (no names but he is the most popular cardiologist there, has many, many patients and a private clinic that looks like a palace) never once got out of his chair during the so-called physical exam - both times. He relied solely on what he saw on the computer. Never cracked out the stethoscope, no checking of the body, no prostate exam, nothing.......

+1 I experienced the same.

How can that be called a complete physical? Rajavej was thorough. Similar cost.

[chiang mai]

I also have a problem with the hands off physical exam and I've encountered it at many hospitals, I think the problem is that some doctors want to use the blood tests and chest x-ray as the first indicator rather than their own personal observations, unfortunately, the normal run of the mill blood tests don't indicate things like skin cancer, hernia's and the like and doctors know this - it's just laziness really and almost certainly varies from doctor to doctor rather than hospital to hospital.

[Ulysses G.]

Do you know what they use to check your heart when excercising? The guy that I usually go to has you run up and down his stairs while he is seeing other patients and then electrodes are attached and then he checks you when he has time. I am concerned that so much time passes before he looks at the results. I like this guy a lot,usually, but this test seems somewhat iffy as to the conclusions that are found.

I would imagine your heart and body are in pretty good shape if you can run up and down stairs that long. If not checked immediately after completion the test is worthless. The last time I was tested they put me on a treadmill and cranked up the incline while I was attached to monitors.

That is what I am looking for.

[THAIPHUKET]

I always insist on a physical prostate check, PSA test should be taken with a grain of salt, see 7 +8

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/detection/PSA

[chiang mai]

Do you know what they use to check your heart when excercising? The guy that I usually go to has you run up and down his stairs while he is seeing other patients and then electrodes are attached and then he checks you when he has time. I am concerned that so much time passes before he looks at the results. I like this guy a lot,usually, but this test seems somewhat iffy as to the conclusions that are found.

I would imagine your heart and body are in pretty good shape if you can run up and down stairs that long. If not checked immediately after completion the test is worthless. The last time I was tested they put me on a treadmill and cranked up the incline while I was attached to monitors.

That is what I am looking for.

Be careful what you wish for UG, you will break a sweat at least - the facilities described here are fairly common these days, any of the hospitals should have cardio stress test equipment, I know that Sriphat does and Dr Patarapong at RAM has a mini version next to his consulting room. If you want the bees knees then go to Bangkok/Phuket Hospital where the nurse/overseer/task master has a heavy hand on the controls, good fun if you're in shape but very hard work towards the end.

[chiang mai]

I always insist on a physical prostate check, PSA test should be taken with a grain of salt, see 7 +8

http://www.cancer.go...t/detection/PSA

Give me grain of salt over a large rubber clad widget up my bum most days!

[Ulysses G.]

Do you know what they use to check your heart when excercising? The guy that I usually go to has you run up and down his stairs while he is seeing other patients and then electrodes are attached and then he checks you when he has time. I am concerned that so much time passes before he looks at the results. I like this guy a lot,usually, but this test seems somewhat iffy as to the conclusions that are found.

I would imagine your heart and body are in pretty good shape if you can run up and down stairs that long. If not checked immediately after completion the test is worthless. The last time I was tested they put me on a treadmill and cranked up the incline while I was attached to monitors.

That is what I am looking for.

Be careful what you wish for UG, you will break a sweat at least - the facilities described here are fairly common these days, any of the hospitals should have cardio stress test equipment, I know that Sriphat does and Dr Patarapong at RAM has a mini version next to his consulting room. If you want the bees knees then go to Bangkok/Phuket Hospital where the nurse/overseer/task master has a heavy hand on the controls, good fun if you're in shape but very hard work towards the end.

I do an hour of elliptical machine/swimming/weights pretty much every day despite my girth. I want to know if I am going to give myself a heart attack one of these days.

[chiang mai]

UG: Then don't hesitate, get over to one of the hospitals and get it done soon then you'll know the answer, you'll feel loads better afterwards I'm sure.

[Tywais]

I know that Sriphat does and Dr Patarapong at RAM has a mini version next to his consulting room.

That's my cardiologist, previously it was a very lovely lady doctor with a lot of patience to answer and explain everything. Unfortunately she left for continuing training to Bangkok so on recommendation started seeing Dr Patarapong. My experience has been very good with him as he also will take the time to explain everything and doesn't beat around the bush.

I've had PVCs that come and go most of my life and had got a bad case of them when I went to see him. My blood pressure was at the low end of considering to be high and he 'tuned' my medications to get it in line. He also recommended I buy my meds at a pharmacy as it is cheaper. I asked him about a CAT scan as they had signs all over promoting it at the time. He again said if it got to a point that further investigation was needed it would be better to just jump to an angiogram as if something showed on the CAT they would need to do the angio anyway for clearer view and could perform a stint at the same time. He considered the CAT scan too expensive for my specific need and not necessary.

Since my PVCs are not often enough to verify with a stethoscope and didn't show on the EKG in the short period it was connected he recommended a stress test. Not sure what was meant by a 'mini' tread mill, the one I used next to his office was a full blown professional machine like the one in the photo below with full computerized monitor that I can watch and the logging computer/monitor he tracked it with and motorized grade control. And indeed the PVCs did show up. He made a series of recommendation, both med and lifestyle and so far so good.

BTW - they supply the appropriate shoes so no need to BYO.

[Tywais]

BTW, the stress test including consultation fee, lab, etc was about 3,000 Baht. Believe the stress test itself was 2000 Baht which I thought a bit high. Just out of curiosity I just checked US costs for the same. Average cost is $3,800 USD!! Stress test costs.

[chiang mai]

I like Dr Patarapong and as you say Tywais, he doesn't beat around the bush. He gave me exactly the same advice regarding the CAT scan vs angiogram but sadly I didn't listen, he was of course correct but it took me spending X to realize!

[uptheos]

BTW - they supply the appropriate shoes so no need to BYO.

Running shoes size 11 UK?

[Tywais]

BTW - they supply the appropriate shoes so no need to BYO.

Running shoes size 11 UK?

They have Velcro latches. But a good point - there was a moderately large selection and these are pretty nice shoes. Mine are size 10 US and seems I stepped into ones too big at first.

[hellodolly]

BTW - they supply the appropriate shoes so no need to BYO.

Running shoes size 11 UK?

They have Velcro latches. But a good point - there was a moderately large selection and these are pretty nice shoes. Mine are size 10 US and seems I stepped into ones too big at first.

Ha guys I fee lost is this doctor a general practitioner who just happens to have a room full of equipment for checking the Heart and stress tests or is he a heart specialist. I kind of got lost back there when one poster couldn't figure out why the Heart specialist wasn't checking his prostate.

My idea of a complete physical is either go to a GP and get the normal cursory check up or after having seen the GP see heart specialist Kidney specialist Liver specialist well you get the drift.

[Tywais]

Ha guys I fee lost is this doctor a general practitioner who just happens to have a room full of equipment for checking the Heart and stress tests or is he a heart specialist. I kind of got lost back there when one poster couldn't figure out why the Heart specialist wasn't checking his prostate.

He is a cardiologist, actually the director of the cardiology department. Guess we got off track switching to specialists rather than GPs.

[hellodolly]

Ha guys I fee lost is this doctor a general practitioner who just happens to have a room full of equipment for checking the Heart and stress tests or is he a heart specialist. I kind of got lost back there when one poster couldn't figure out why the Heart specialist wasn't checking his prostate.

He is a cardiologist, actually the director of the cardiology department. Guess we got off track switching to specialists rather than GPs.

Thank God for that I was thinking I might have to go t a urologist to get my head checked.

[clokwise]

I had the "Silver" health check there, just this morning. The EKG was resting, on my back, took about 4 minutes. I also got a chest xray, peed in a cup, and a blood test. I'd have preferred a little more interest in my status from the doctor, such as check my reflexes, check my eyes, or listen to my chest, but that didn't happen. In fact the doctor left his chair and just read the report, glanced at my x-ray, and said everything as fine. Upon completion I got a nice 4 page book with all the stats, but no copy of the xray. Upon closer examination of the book I noticed my HDL was high (has been for a while) but he didn't notice that apparently.

[hellodolly]

I had the "Silver" health check there, just this morning. The EKG was resting, on my back, took about 4 minutes. I also got a chest xray, peed in a cup, and a blood test. I'd have preferred a little more interest in my status from the doctor, such as check my reflexes, check my eyes, or listen to my chest, but that didn't happen. In fact the doctor left his chair and just read the report, glanced at my x-ray, and said everything as fine. Upon completion I got a nice 4 page book with all the stats, but no copy of the xray. Upon closer examination of the book I noticed my HDL was high (has been for a while) but he didn't notice that apparently.

It would seem that there has been no satisfactory check ups there. I know. Kind of hard to sort it all out. Actually it would seem that the lack of response to the original post would mean not many people have any experience with a physical check up there. Lots about the heart but that was not on the list.

For what it's worth I went their to have my eyes checked and I might as well have gone to a witch doctor.