Seeing Dr At Ram Hospital.

[thaibeachlovers]

I need to see a specialist concerning hypertension, and see that Dr Patarapong is recommended in the sticky thread. Does anyone have a better suggestion?

Assuming that I do go to RAM Hospital, can I just turn up, or is there a need to book ahead?

Thanks for any helpful answers.

[Tywais]

He's the one I use and is the Director of Cardiology. As he is popular probably best to call ahead or you may have to wait a while if a walk in.

[thaibeachlovers]

He's the one I use and is the Director of Cardiology. As he is popular probably best to call ahead or you may have to wait a while if a walk in.

Thank you for your reply. Much appreciated.

[MilesCh]

Not knowing which cardio to see when I walked in, found that Dr. Wannakorn was working that day along with others, and that she would be available after a short wait. A bit later I spent quite some time in her office while she went through my extensive, but abbreviated USA cardio history, then took me upstairs for testing. She could not do the nuclear test (guess it's still called a thalium treadmill) because it was down that day. She did make another appointment for January when she will do that plus recheck the other things. She was quite thorough and regarding my medicines only slightly reduced the quantity of one because she thought my heart rate was slightly too slow. I would thoroughly recommend her, but of course it would be advisable to first make an appointment, unless it's an urgent matter -- but if it's that urgent doubtful you would be inquiring here! Oh, and FYI, I had first inquired of someone I know who works there who recommended Dr. Wannakorn.

[thaibeachlovers]

Not knowing which cardio to see when I walked in, found that Dr. Wannakorn was working that day along with others, and that she would be available after a short wait. A bit later I spent quite some time in her office while she went through my extensive, but abbreviated USA cardio history, then took me upstairs for testing. She could not do the nuclear test (guess it's still called a thalium treadmill) because it was down that day. She did make another appointment for January when she will do that plus recheck the other things. She was quite thorough and regarding my medicines only slightly reduced the quantity of one because she thought my heart rate was slightly too slow. I would thoroughly recommend her, but of course it would be advisable to first make an appointment, unless it's an urgent matter -- but if it's that urgent doubtful you would be inquiring here! Oh, and FYI, I had first inquired of someone I know who works there who recommended Dr. Wannakorn.

Thanks for that.

No, not urgent at the moment.

The main reason I want to consult a specialist is that my current meds cause tinnitus.

If I can ask, how much were all the tests? Cost is an issue for me.

[Mapguy]

Hypertension is not necessarily related to heart illness. Probably best to see a GP first.

Test costs are generally somewhat more expensive at Ram, but you could aggravate your hypertension more, possibly, shopping around to sve a few baht.

If your health care budget is extremely limited, as you seem to indicate, then you might best return to a health system where you receive more governmental support for the care you need.

[uptheos]

If your health care budget is extremely limited, as you seem to indicate, then you might best return to a health system where you receive more governmental support for the care you need.

I didn't get the impression that the OP's healthcare budget is extremely limited, he simply said cost is an issue and is looking for the best deal. What's wrong with that? Lots of people here compare costs of different hospitals/procedures etc.

[thaibeachlovers]

Hypertension is not necessarily related to heart illness. Probably best to see a GP first.

Test costs are generally somewhat more expensive at Ram, but you could aggravate your hypertension more, possibly, shopping around to sve a few baht.

If your health care budget is extremely limited, as you seem to indicate, then you might best return to a health system where you receive more governmental support for the care you need.

Ah, that's a conundrum. Go back to a country I don't particularly enjoy anymore ( for many reasons ) and live a long unhappy life in abject poverty because it's so dam_n expensive, or live a shorter but happier life in LOS. There's no choice for me!

I did indicate that I want to change my meds because the ones I'm on cause tinnitus, not because they don't work.

[thaibeachlovers]

If your health care budget is extremely limited, as you seem to indicate, then you might best return to a health system where you receive more governmental support for the care you need.

I didn't get the impression that the OP's healthcare budget is extremely limited, he simply said cost is an issue and is looking for the best deal. What's wrong with that? Lots of people here compare costs of different hospitals/procedures etc.

Thank you for a reasonable answer.

While I'm not down to having to choose between eating or meds, I dislike paying more than I have to for anything.

[TommoPhysicist]

If your health care budget is extremely limited, as you seem to indicate, then you might best return to a health system where you receive more governmental support for the care you need.

I didn't get the impression that the OP's healthcare budget is extremely limited, he simply said cost is an issue and is looking for the best deal. What's wrong with that? Lots of people here compare costs of different hospitals/procedures etc.

Thank you for a reasonable answer.

While I'm not down to having to choose between eating or meds, I dislike paying more than I have to for anything.

If you are short of money don't go to CM Ram, they charge x2 for foreigners (or foreigners paying for Thais).

[thaibeachlovers]

If your health care budget is extremely limited, as you seem to indicate, then you might best return to a health system where you receive more governmental support for the care you need.

I didn't get the impression that the OP's healthcare budget is extremely limited, he simply said cost is an issue and is looking for the best deal. What's wrong with that? Lots of people here compare costs of different hospitals/procedures etc.

Thank you for a reasonable answer.

While I'm not down to having to choose between eating or meds, I dislike paying more than I have to for anything.

If you are short of money don't go to CM Ram, they charge x2 for foreigners (or foreigners paying for Thais).

Thank you for that information. However, where else could I go that I don't get overcharged? I don't know.

[brommers]

I have used Ram for years and for different conditions and incidents. Never have I seen any evidence that there are double price lists in operation & I have never had charges more than 60 % of what I would have paid in my previous country of residence, which by the way is a so-called 3rd world country.

I will not shop around for my well-being like I would for a bag of rice, but I do look out for quality of delivery and value for money. Mark me down as a satisfied client who is in better health thanks to the various staff who have attended me at Ram.

[Tywais]

Never have I seen any evidence that there are double price lists in operation

Yep, same here and often the doctor will try and save me money. Thais I know, same price but yet the myth perpetuates.

[elektrified]

If your health care budget is extremely limited, as you seem to indicate, then you might best return to a health system where you receive more governmental support for the care you need.

I didn't get the impression that the OP's healthcare budget is extremely limited, he simply said cost is an issue and is looking for the best deal. What's wrong with that? Lots of people here compare costs of different hospitals/procedures etc.

Thank you for a reasonable answer.

While I'm not down to having to choose between eating or meds, I dislike paying more than I have to for anything.

If you are short of money don't go to CM Ram, they charge x2 for foreigners (or foreigners paying for Thais).

That's not true.