Finding A Chiang Mai Forum Recommended Hospital In Cnx

[eljuwa]

Hello Forum members

I am in Chiang Mai since January 2012. Coming here from BKK.

In BKK I went to Bumrungard (sorry about sp). I was informed that Chiang Mai Ram is the equivalent of Bumrungard. Today, I was told by my Insurance Agent that Rajavej is better; less expensive.

So, I am confused. I wish to ask the Chiang mai Forum for recommendations.

Presently I do not need a hospital. But, I wish to be ready.

Thanks very much

James

[uptheos]

My advice......search out a doctor/specialist for what you require first and go to wherever he/she practices.

[haybilly]

CM Ram is probably the best but their prices will almost equal Bumrungrad. Rajavej, MaCormick, Maharaj Floor 13 are all ok and definiitely cheaper; nothing will equal Bumrungrad, though.

[LawrenceChee]

CM Ram is best in this place . I asked for a tour of the place which they obliged

Going for my annual next week as I inspected both hospitals and found this to be the better one

[Sheryl]

Choose the doctor, not the hospital.

[Ulysses G.]

Sri Pat Hospital is also very good and usually cheaper, but - in my experience - a lot of waiting.

[DaamNaam]

Ram for sure. Hardly any waiting (usually), but pricey.

[MilesCh]

My limited experience at Maharaj was to see a doctor for tests and reports for medical insurance. Saw an American doctor who had been recommended and he had the needed tests taken and wrote the reports.

A month later I saw an orthopedist who happened to be a surgeon and he recommended physical therapy which I had for a week and was cured of low back pain.

Two months later called to have additional PT because the low back pain had returned. I was told my doctor was not available that day, but another ortho was so come in any time prior to 7 pm. I arrived in a half an hour in mid-afternoon and reception on the ground floor took 15 minutes finding me in the computer and I then took the elevator to the 13th floor where I was told the doctor was called out for emergency surgery. And I said OK, I'll see another ortho. The nurse told me they didn't have another one on duty and told me to come back tomorrow. I said "But I have pain today, not tomorrow, can I see another doctor?" The answer was negative.

So I drove a few blocks to Chiang Mai Ram where I had their PT 5 years prior subsequent to rotator cuff surgery in the USA and had excellent care. The counter checked me in in 2 minutes and I walked a few steps to another counter and 5 minutes later saw one of 4 orthos on duty who sent me to the 4th floor for PT. In 2 or 3 minutes I was on the gurney receiving back therapy the same as was given prior at Maharaj. Less than 2 weeks later with daily PT the pain was gone.

Four years ago took my GF there due to stomach complaints and irregular bleeding. The department head saw her and found the stomach cavity had filled with blood and immediately gave her a D&C through the stomach And he gave her an Rx and told her what to do when she returns home. He showed us the moving pics taken -- much more than I ever wanted to know about her, but I certainly recommend his ability and speed at taking care of this, not to mention his speaking in both English and Thai, plus the hospital's speed and care at getting the needed attention.

I leave it to you, but I certainly question Maharaj's procedural methods and lack of doctors on duty, and recommend Chiang Mai Ram even if it is more expensive.

[gamini]

Rajadev is very good and much cheaper. It has a Dr Statit there who is excellent and speaks perfect english. He formally worked at Bumrungrad

[muchogra]

My advice......search out a doctor/specialist for what you require first and go to wherever he/she practices.

Choose the doctor, not the hospital.

This is exactly what I told my wife today that we should do just that once we establish CM as our principal residence. I recall that Dr. Morgan has high regard from all the TV members, but I don't recall any mentioning about where she practices. Can anyone help to answer that? Thanks.

[uptheos]

My advice......search out a doctor/specialist for what you require first and go to wherever he/she practices.

Choose the doctor, not the hospital.

This is exactly what I told my wife today that we should do just that once we establish CM as our principal residence. I recall that Dr. Morgan has high regard from all the TV members, but I don't recall any mentioning about where she practices. Can anyone help to answer that? Thanks.

She's at the HCMC, almost opposite Tesco on Hang Dong Road.

Tel 053804405 for an appointment.

I don't think you will be disappointed.

[Tywais]

This is exactly what I told my wife today that we should do just that once we establish CM as our principal residence. I recall that Dr. Morgan has high regard from all the TV members, but I don't recall any mentioning about where she practices. Can anyone help to answer that? Thanks.

Google Maps

[naboo]

I am not able to recommend Rajavej after my experiences there.

McCormick have been good lately, Maharaj/Suan Dok/SriPat whatever else they call themselves even better.

Doctors at Ram are generally available at Suan Dok, difference is the level of luxury in the service from what I understand.

[muchogra]

uptheos, Tywais, thanks a lot.

[AJ Chiangmai]

I recently had to stay in the Mccormic and was not happy with the service, food and room, very dirty ! I checked out after 1 day and into the RAM...

The service in the RAM is VERY good with very clean accomodation and English speaking staff. "YES" it is more expensive but I consider my health more important than worrying about a few extra baht.

Also the out patient dept is very good with completely automated Pharmacy and Accounts departments with no queing and highly professional staff who explained all my medication 100%. RAM hospital every time for me.....

[NancyL]

It's a matter of, yes, picking the doctor, but also picking the location of the hospital. Most of the specialists in CM practice at more than one hospital. So, if someone were living at, say, Riverside Condo, it would make the most sense for them to get to know the doctors at Rajavej Hospital. Conversely, CM Ram or Sripat makes more sense for someone living on the other side of town.

You'll find people who just love or absolutely hate specific hospitals. But, in general, there is a pattern of people complaining about long waits at Sripat and commenting on quick service, but high prices at CM Ram. In many cases, these people are seeing the same doctors, but at different hospitals.

Dr. Morgan, out near Hang Dong has an excellent reputation as a "family doctor" or generalist. She works with many older patients and is very good at managing multiple medical conditions. However, no one can ever really tell me what hospital she works with. I'd be interested in where she tells her patients to go if it's evident they need a specialist and hospitalization.

[TheFishman1]

Hello Forum members

I am in Chiang Mai since January 2012. Coming here from BKK.

In BKK I went to Bumrungard (sorry about sp). I was informed that Chiang Mai Ram is the equivalent of Bumrungard. Today, I was told by my Insurance Agent that Rajavej is better; less expensive.

So, I am confused. I wish to ask the Chiang mai Forum for recommendations.

Presently I do not need a hospital. But, I wish to be ready.

To answer ur question I have been to CM RAM and thought it to be very good.When last year for check up the next day they gave me a book telling me all the info. on myself etc. Your agent recommened a cheaper Hospital wonder why?

[eljuwa]

I am the originator of this topic.

The CM Forum is so quick to respond and with excellent advice. Thanks to all 16 of you.

The edge on your recommendations went CM Ram with the caveat of their high cost.

Two members said: Pick the Doctor and not the hospital.

I live in the Nimmankemin area and I believe that Ram is the closest to my place.

One member recommended a good doctor at Rajavej.

Does anyone recommend an Internal Medicine doctor at Ram?

Thankfully I am in excellent health and do not need specialists at this time.

Once again, thanks very much to one and all

James

[uptheos]

However, no one can ever really tell me what hospital she works with. I'd be interested in where she tells her patients to go if it's evident they need a specialist and hospitalization.

It's a good question. When I needed something that was beyond her area of expertise, she asked me if there was anyone in particular I would prefer, which there was. If I didn't know, it would have been interesting to know who she referred me to, as it was a bit of a surprise when I came up with the specialist that I preferred. I do know that she has referred people to Dr Chanakarn and Dr Paiboon (both orthopods), but again, I believe the names were put forward by the patient......which is OK.

I agree, she is very good at handling multiple medical conditions.

[elektrified]

It's a matter of, yes, picking the doctor, but also picking the location of the hospital. Most of the specialists in CM practice at more than one hospital. So, if someone were living at, say, Riverside Condo, it would make the most sense for them to get to know the doctors at Rajavej Hospital. Conversely, CM Ram or Sripat makes more sense for someone living on the other side of town.

You'll find people who just love or absolutely hate specific hospitals. But, in general, there is a pattern of people complaining about long waits at Sripat and commenting on quick service, but high prices at CM Ram. In many cases, these people are seeing the same doctors, but at different hospitals.

Dr. Morgan, out near Hang Dong has an excellent reputation as a "family doctor" or generalist. She works with many older patients and is very good at managing multiple medical conditions. However, no one can ever really tell me what hospital she works with. I'd be interested in where she tells her patients to go if it's evident they need a specialist and hospitalization.

Dr. Morgan likes Sripat and she also likes Rajavej. But she recommends the specialist and tells you that they practice in several hospitals.

[Mapguy]

It's a matter of, yes, picking the doctor, but also picking the location of the hospital. Most of the specialists in CM practice at more than one hospital. So, if someone were living at, say, Riverside Condo, it would make the most sense for them to get to know the doctors at Rajavej Hospital. Conversely, CM Ram or Sripat makes more sense for someone living on the other side of town.

You'll find people who just love or absolutely hate specific hospitals. But, in general, there is a pattern of people complaining about long waits at Sripat and commenting on quick service, but high prices at CM Ram. In many cases, these people are seeing the same doctors, but at different hospitals.

Dr. Morgan, out near Hang Dong has an excellent reputation as a "family doctor" or generalist. She works with many older patients and is very good at managing multiple medical conditions. However, no one can ever really tell me what hospital she works with. I'd be interested in where she tells her patients to go if it's evident they need a specialist and hospitalization.

Dr. Morgan likes Sripat and she also likes Rajavej. But she recommends the specialist and tells you that they practice in several hospitals.

+1

[moe666]

I had a 10 day stay at Ram about 2 years ago. The nurses and assistants where fantastic, very nice and helpful. The daily stay was about 100dollars for everything but antibiotics were the killer. Total bill around 4,000dollars 3,000 for antibiotics 1,000 for hospital stay. no complaints from me other than the Dr. could have been more agressive treating the infection.

If you go to Rajavej ask for natash she works in the business office and speaks very good english and can help you thru the system. She is Dr. Smiths neice this is Dr. Smith of Smith residence.

From my experience the staff at Ram speak better english and more of the staff are proficient

[uptheos]

If you go to Rajavej ask for natash she works in the business office and speaks very good english and can help you thru the system. She is Dr. Smiths neice this is Dr. Smith of Smith residence.

There are two liaison people, Natasha and Saskia, both are excellent.

[cheeryble]

I had a 10 day stay at Ram about 2 years ago. The nurses and assistants where fantastic, very nice and helpful. The daily stay was about 100dollars for everything but antibiotics were the killer. Total bill around 4,000dollars 3,000 for antibiotics 1,000 for hospital stay. no complaints from me other than the Dr. could have been more agressive treating the infection.

From my experience the staff at Ram speak better english and more of the staff are proficient

Moe are you really suggesting your antibiotics cost $3000? Is that really possible? It might have been the right drug, hey, it might or may not have saved you from much worse illness, but could that sort of expense ethically be given without a warning and some reasoning shared with you behind the choice?

WERE you given a warning Moe?

Edited August 31, 2012 by cheeryble

[uptheos]

I had a 10 day stay at Ram about 2 years ago. The nurses and assistants where fantastic, very nice and helpful. The daily stay was about 100dollars for everything but antibiotics were the killer. Total bill around 4,000dollars 3,000 for antibiotics 1,000 for hospital stay. no complaints from me other than the Dr. could have been more agressive treating the infection.

From my experience the staff at Ram speak better english and more of the staff are proficient

Moe are you really suggesting your antibiotics cost $3000? Is that really possible? It might have been the right drug, hey, it might or may not have saved you from much worse illness, but could that sort of expense ethically be given without a warning and some reasoning shared with you behind the choice?

WERE you given a warning Moe?

Something like non generic Linezolid can be very expensive, but only moe knows how serious his condition was.

I agree that the patient should be given information before administrating something like this and told the reason why a particular drug is necessary.

[elektrified]

I had a 10 day stay at Ram about 2 years ago. The nurses and assistants where fantastic, very nice and helpful. The daily stay was about 100dollars for everything but antibiotics were the killer. Total bill around 4,000dollars 3,000 for antibiotics 1,000 for hospital stay. no complaints from me other than the Dr. could have been more agressive treating the infection.

From my experience the staff at Ram speak better english and more of the staff are proficient

Moe are you really suggesting your antibiotics cost $3000? Is that really possible? It might have been the right drug, hey, it might or may not have saved you from much worse illness, but could that sort of expense ethically be given without a warning and some reasoning shared with you behind the choice?

WERE you given a warning Moe?

Indeed some IV antibiotics can cost that much.

[uptheos]

I had a 10 day stay at Ram about 2 years ago. The nurses and assistants where fantastic, very nice and helpful. The daily stay was about 100dollars for everything but antibiotics were the killer. Total bill around 4,000dollars 3,000 for antibiotics 1,000 for hospital stay. no complaints from me other than the Dr. could have been more agressive treating the infection.

From my experience the staff at Ram speak better english and more of the staff are proficient

Moe are you really suggesting your antibiotics cost $3000? Is that really possible? It might have been the right drug, hey, it might or may not have saved you from much worse illness, but could that sort of expense ethically be given without a warning and some reasoning shared with you behind the choice?

WERE you given a warning Moe?

Indeed some IV antibiotics can cost that much.

And with certain conditions, one would be glad to pay that much to be cured!

[Loaded]

I just heard that the large building site on the superhighway between Big C Extra and Macro will be a branch of the highly respected Bangkok Hospital.

[cheeryble]

It raises an important subject....

I seem to remember hearing that the Ram (and it has six other sister hospitals) for all it's high prescription pricing uses only imported Brand name drugs, which may some years ago have been called most reliable. I may have even been told this by the Ram pharmacy, but am not sure in my facts here. However when it comes to generic companies of the highest repute like Cipla who make Linezolid at a fraction of the cost (and somehow my heart can never bleed for the predatory Pfizer) I personally would go for the saving even in a life emergency because there is simply no difference in the molecule or delivery medium.

Not to go on supposition, do any readers KNOW the Policy of the CM Ram and other Thai hospitals vis a vis generics?

As a matter of important detail, is there some sort of "rating agency" for generics or generic companies?

Cheeryble

ps: as a side issue Cipla was arguably BETTER than the Brand Companies when it combined three drugs into one very efficacious antiretroviral......the three separate original manufacturers couldn't bring themselves to work together on a combination. So much for the so called "free market" so vaunted by defenders of non-single-payer system in the US.

pps: Are quality generics available for the extremely expensive chemotherapeutic drugs?

Edited September 2, 2012 by cheeryble

[elektrified]

Can't answer that but was told by a doctor friend that government hospitals use the absolute cheapest quality generics available. These are made in factories that supply the government hospitals and are not exported. Some generic brands in Thailand are quite good quality and are exported.