Rajavej Hospital - Good Or Bad Experience?

[hellodolly]

I was thinking he must have a death wish to I fight Muay Thai with that medical history.

I was wondering if he had told the doctor his history of concussions and bleeding in the brain.

If not sounds like an OK report to me if he did he had best get a second opinion, There is more than one doctor there he could get a second opinion from some one there I did.

[hellodolly]

So let's face it, questions like "Which hospital is best?" are of very little value as a posting subject unless qualified by an area of medicine.

Not even then. The worst recommendation I have ever had for my foot was at the Ram The best advice for it was another Doctor at the Ram.

Makes no difference where you go it is a crap shoot unless you know some thing of the doctor you are seeings record.

[sparkplug303]

Sorry, that was my first post and there were many more details I could have posted for further clarification. I guess I thought I posted enough to make the point that I was clearly misdiagnosed to a laughable degree. I say that literally, they told me a sinus infection and I really laughed. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. That was after an almost 30 minute conversation with the doctor regarding the history of the injury, all the details, treatments, meds, etc. Anyway, checking out Ram tomorrow, everyone told me it was better. I'm curious what they tell me.

[anselpixel]

A couple of years back, I had an experience with Ram that featured a laughably incorrect diagnosis.

The fact that I reported in with negligible Thai language skills, no medical history, and the office was full, may have had something to do with it. Still, I carried a chip on my shoulder about them for a very long time.

Medicine isn't a science: it's an art.

If you get the impression nobody's dancing with you at a particular hospital, it may be time to move along.

In my multiple years here, I've had the opportunity to observe just how good these people can be when given the chance, and Rajavej is no exception,

If one ignores the advice about Natasha on this thread, Rajavej can become an outer circle of hell for a foreigner. Do the homework, and you may be surprised at the quality of treatment you will receive.

[Ulysses G.]

Good point about going to a doctor with no records/no medical history. They are not miracle workers.

Edited April 8, 2013 by Ulysses G.

[uptheos]

If one ignores the advice about Natasha on this thread, Rajavej can become an outer circle of hell for a foreigner. Do the homework, and you may be surprised at the quality of treatment you will receive.

Absolutely agree about the outer circle of hell for foreigners.

Both Natasha and Saskia are excellent. The first thing anyone not acquainted with Rajavej should do, is go to the front desk and ask for one of these girls (unless you are fluent in Thai or fully confident). They will walk you through every step of the process, interpret everything, explain clearly what's happening etc. OK it's a bit like someone holding your hand, but when you're sick it feels good!

[Konini]

I can only say good things about Rajavej. I get my annual check up done there, have had an elective surgery procedure and a couple of months ago I had a bit of a funny turn which led to an ambulance and a night in intensive care. Natasha heard I had been admitted during the night and came to see me, just to make sure I was OK - she and Saskia make a huge difference in your confidence on your first visit when you're not sure if you're going to make yourself understood. Some staff don't speak English, but a lot do, I'd say most - even the ones who 'don't' (they claim they can't) can speak enough to know what is wanted a lot of the time. We never got around to the cause of my problem, but it wasn't for the want of trying. My GP in Aus had copies of everything emailed to her for the record and she told me I was in good hands. Dr Sutep, the intern who I'd seen a couple of weeks earlier for my annual check, speaks excellent English and has a few very funny comebacks for my wry observations on life. He stayed very late into the night waiting for CT scan results, then ordering another one because the first was inconclusive.

Everyone's experience of hospitals is going to be different, but I wouldn't have any qualms about going there again, including in another emergency situation.

[rob69]

Well a mixed bag of reviews for Rajavej Hospital, some good, some bad. I guess unfortunately the level of service you receive can differ greatly from patient to patient.

Well from peoples views and opinions on this thread, I am starting to think that if I was to have a serious medical condition, then perhaps I am better off going to Chiang Mai Ram or Sriphat. For things not so serious ill take my chance at Rajavej.

What about the other hospitals such as Chiang Mai Lanna or McCormack, does anyone have any experience at either of these places?

[chiang mai]

Well a mixed bag of reviews for Rajavej Hospital, some good, some bad. I guess unfortunately the level of service you receive can differ greatly from patient to patient.

Well from peoples views and opinions on this thread, I am starting to think that if I was to have a serious medical condition, then perhaps I am better off going to Chiang Mai Ram or Sriphat. For things not so serious ill take my chance at Rajavej.

What about the other hospitals such as Chiang Mai Lanna or McCormack, does anyone have any experience at either of these places?

Lanna Hospital is now owned by RAM and whilst today you may get to see some of the same doctors there as might be seen at RAM, historically it has been a poor relation meant for local rural Thai's. McCormak is something of a mystery, when we sought the names of CM's best doctors for the pinned list, not a single person recommended anyone from McC. Historically it's the Christian hospital since it's located East of the river and many people recommend it solely for that reason. Personally I prefer to find thje best doctor rather than what people think is the best hospital since building tend not to treat ailments but specialists do! In that context, perhaps it's worth you changing your approach and trying to identify specialists? Have you looked at the pinned list of doctors in the CM forum?

[TravelLightNow]

Rajavej Hospital vs. Ram Hospital

Why choose one over the other?

I will be having surgery performed by Dr. Chanakarn. Every reference to him on the forum is positive. My situation was diagnosed first by Dr. Sudhee at Ram, who referred me to Dr. Chanakarn. Dr. Chanakarn reviewed the x-rays from Ram and examined me at his private clinic. Both doctors concurred on the need and the solution.

So, for those who have had experience at either hospital (or both), which would you choose and why? Given that I have the right surgeon, which hospital is likely to be more pleasant for me as a patient. It will probably just be a 2-3 day stay.

I appreciate anyone's input.

[uptheos]

Rajavej Hospital vs. Ram Hospital

Why choose one over the other?

I will be having surgery performed by Dr. Chanakarn. Every reference to him on the forum is positive. My situation was diagnosed first by Dr. Sudhee at Ram, who referred me to Dr. Chanakarn. Dr. Chanakarn reviewed the x-rays from Ram and examined me at his private clinic. Both doctors concurred on the need and the solution.

So, for those who have had experience at either hospital (or both), which would you choose and why? Given that I have the right surgeon, which hospital is likely to be more pleasant for me as a patient. It will probably just be a 2-3 day stay.

I appreciate anyone's input.

I wasn't aware that Dr. Chanakarn ever did surgery at Ram, he never used to it was exclusively Rajavej because of family ties & Sripat. I guess he must have added Ram.

[hellodolly]

Rajavej Hospital vs. Ram Hospital

Why choose one over the other?

I will be having surgery performed by Dr. Chanakarn. Every reference to him on the forum is positive. My situation was diagnosed first by Dr. Sudhee at Ram, who referred me to Dr. Chanakarn. Dr. Chanakarn reviewed the x-rays from Ram and examined me at his private clinic. Both doctors concurred on the need and the solution.

So, for those who have had experience at either hospital (or both), which would you choose and why? Given that I have the right surgeon, which hospital is likely to be more pleasant for me as a patient. It will probably just be a 2-3 day stay.

I appreciate anyone's input.

I wasn't aware that Dr. Chanakarn ever did surgery at Ram, he never used to it was exclusively Rajavej because of family ties & Sripat. I guess he must have added Ram.

I have seen him and he was talking about doing the surgery at Rajave. I asked him about doing it at Ram and he said yes he does it just costs more.

[uptheos]

Rajavej Hospital vs. Ram Hospital

Why choose one over the other?

I will be having surgery performed by Dr. Chanakarn. Every reference to him on the forum is positive. My situation was diagnosed first by Dr. Sudhee at Ram, who referred me to Dr. Chanakarn. Dr. Chanakarn reviewed the x-rays from Ram and examined me at his private clinic. Both doctors concurred on the need and the solution.

So, for those who have had experience at either hospital (or both), which would you choose and why? Given that I have the right surgeon, which hospital is likely to be more pleasant for me as a patient. It will probably just be a 2-3 day stay.

I appreciate anyone's input.

I wasn't aware that Dr. Chanakarn ever did surgery at Ram, he never used to it was exclusively Rajavej because of family ties & Sripat. I guess he must have added Ram.

I have seen him and he was talking about doing the surgery at Rajave. I asked him about doing it at Ram and he said yes he does it just costs more.

OK, thanks for that.

[TravelLightNow]

Rajavej Hospital vs. Ram Hospital

Why choose one over the other?

I will be having surgery performed by Dr. Chanakarn. Every reference to him on the forum is positive. My situation was diagnosed first by Dr. Sudhee at Ram, who referred me to Dr. Chanakarn. Dr. Chanakarn reviewed the x-rays from Ram and examined me at his private clinic. Both doctors concurred on the need and the solution.

So, for those who have had experience at either hospital (or both), which would you choose and why? Given that I have the right surgeon, which hospital is likely to be more pleasant for me as a patient. It will probably just be a 2-3 day stay.

I appreciate anyone's input.

I wasn't aware that Dr. Chanakarn ever did surgery at Ram, he never used to it was exclusively Rajavej because of family ties & Sripat. I guess he must have added Ram.

I have seen him and he was talking about doing the surgery at Rajave. I asked him about doing it at Ram and he said yes he does it just costs more.

OK, thanks for that.

So . . . differences between the hospitals other than costs?

[hellodolly]

I wasn't aware that Dr. Chanukah ever did surgery at Ram, he never used to it was exclusively Rajavej because of family ties & Sripat. I guess he must have added Ram.

I have seen him and he was talking about doing the surgery at Rajave. I asked him about doing it at Ram and he said yes he does it just costs more.

OK, thanks for that.

So . . . differences between the hospitals other than costs?

Ram has better accommodation available.

If Dr. Sudhee referred you to Dr. Chanukah it was because he feels he is the best in Chiang Mai. I have several physical conditions and he recommended some one else for the other one.

So if it was me I would just go with what Dr. Chanukah recommends. He has worked at both hospitals and knows the equipment and if you are looking for a 3 star room go to the Ram How long are you going to be in the hospital? Myself I would just go to Rajavej

[TravelLightNow]

Thanks! Should only be a few days in the hospital, then a week or so in a hotel before I can travel again.

[chiang mai]

I have seen him and he was talking about doing the surgery at Rajave. I asked him about doing it at Ram and he said yes he does it just costs more.

OK, thanks for that.

So . . . differences between the hospitals other than costs?

Dr Chanakarn is the son of Dr Kanika (gastroenterologist and Professor Emeritus) and Charlee, the GM of Rajavej Hospital, Rajavej seems to me at least to be slightly less mercenary when it comes to patient charges although arguably RAM has slightly better facilities than Rajavej, patient rooms being one area - given your situation I would probably just go for Rajavej.

[uptheos]

I would go to Rajavej in this instance.

Also, you have the advantage of calling down to the international service, and ask for either Natasha or Saskia. They will come and help you seek answers, translate forms so you know what you're signing......in fact help you from start to finish, they are a wonderful asset and you will have no need to ever not know what's going on if you seek their help.

When you're mobile hop over to the Holiday Inn buffet.

All the best

[vagabond48]

I had knee surgery done by Dr. Chanakarn last July. He also gave me the option of 3 hospitals, the 2 above and Sripat. Although, I am covered by insurance, I chose, Rajavej, because, 1st, it is his home turf and 2nd, it would be about 20% lower in cost than Ram. The accommodations were acceptable for the 2 nights. Of course, Natasha was just wonderful.

[Ambrosia]

So what would be the recommendation for x-ray and basic broken bones? I injured my toe over a month ago and have been ignoring it but it's not healing.

[hellodolly]

So what would be the recommendation for x-ray and basic broken bones? I injured my toe over a month ago and have been ignoring it but it's not healing.

For that I would just go to my regular doctor.

don't know what your injury was but I have broken a toe twice once in the states and once in Canada. In the states they taped it to the toe next to it. In Canada I had my boy tape it to the toe next to it.

Worked like a charm.

[Mapguy]

Well a mixed bag of reviews for Rajavej Hospital, some good, some bad. I guess unfortunately the level of service you receive can differ greatly from patient to patient.

Well from peoples views and opinions on this thread, I am starting to think that if I was to have a serious medical condition, then perhaps I am better off going to Chiang Mai Ram or Sriphat. For things not so serious ill take my chance at Rajavej.

What about the other hospitals such as Chiang Mai Lanna or McCormack, does anyone have any experience at either of these places?

Lanna Hospital is now owned by RAM and whilst today you may get to see some of the same doctors there as might be seen at RAM, historically it has been a poor relation meant for local rural Thai's. McCormak is something of a mystery, when we sought the names of CM's best doctors for the pinned list, not a single person recommended anyone from McC. Historically it's the Christian hospital since it's located East of the river and many people recommend it solely for that reason. Personally I prefer to find thje best doctor rather than what people think is the best hospital since building tend not to treat ailments but specialists do! In that context, perhaps it's worth you changing your approach and trying to identify specialists? Have you looked at the pinned list of doctors in the CM forum?

Some very good advice here. It is very, very difficult to measure hospital performance: Do you measure "comfort" by English-speaking capability? Do you measure confidence by how often the nurses look at you? There are many factors. All in all, your get what you pay for --- and that is not to be critical of caring staff at public health hospitals.

But it is more than that. This forum in particular hosts people who have generally come from countries with greater capacity for financing health care than this one. First, one, America, is bizarre: it does not even have a comprehensive health care system. Others, like the national health services of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the UK, are wrestling with serious problems of cost. Everyone wants to live forever! So many on this forum seem to want to pay for living forever and expect that in Thailand when their own home countries are having difficulty wrestling with this problem.

It is truly remarkable that any foreigners should be treated here any better just because they demand care they might have found where they came from.

So, to some people I don't say "go home," which maybe the best idea, but I do say grow up and begin to understand the reality of where you are --- as a guest.