Doctor Visits

[iamylem]

I've been battling a bit of a skin infection for a while now, got some antibiotics from a few different pharmacys but they don't seem to be that effective. It seems that every pharmacist I speak to tells me something different. I think at this point it would be good to go and see an actual doctor, I just don't know what the procedure is. Should I go to a clinic or to a hospital? I have insurance but would rather not file a claim for something that isn't all that serious, given that if I do further coverage will be revoked. What type of costs should I expect to pay?

[lopburi3]

I pay under 500 at Vejthani Hospital in Bangkok for skin doctor visits - medications/tests would be additional. Expect you can find a range from about 300-1500 baht at various hospitals/doctors. I would consider most clinics on the same scale as what you have tried with the pharmacist visits.

[Sheryl]

Agree, will not run much over 1000 baht and may be quite a bto less depending on the hospital and the doctor. that is the consultation fee. If you make the mistake of buying medication(s) at the hospital pharmacy that will jack up the cost unnecessarily. Find out the name of what was ordered and buy it at an outside pharmacy.

If it proves necessary to do a skin scraping for microscopic analysis there will be an added charge for that, but in most cases it is not necessary.

You should definitely see a proper dermatologist and stop relying on the recommendations of pharmacists (most of whom were likely not full fledged pharmacists anyhow...the person behind the counter often isn't).

[iamylem]

Thanks for your replies!

[marstons]

I use a pharmacist purely as a supplier not for advice. My local pharmacist used to be a nurse and decided to open a pharmacy!. I once relied on a pharmacist for weeks on end for a stomach problem, a blood test at hospital showed parasites in my intestines and 2 medications were issued and problem cured. For me if I am not sure what it is, hospital and test every time.