Excessive Hospital Charges

[rickb]

Be careful when you receive you hospital bill and review and understand it thoroughly before you pay. I recently went to a hospital to have a small growth on my nose looked at. I wanted to know if it could be easily removed. I initially saw a skin doctor who immediately said I needed to see a plastic surgeon. So I next was taken to see a plastic surgeon. I consulted with him and after being advised my options, I made an appointment to return to have the growth removed. I then went to check out and pay my bill. When I received the bill I noticed that I was charged for two doctors' fees, at 600 baht each, plus 1,250 baht of supplies. I was also charged very nominal fees for nurses care and facilities usage, which are normal and acceptable. I did question, however, the first doctor's fees, as he did nothing but send me to another doctor, and I questioned the charge for supplies as none were used at any time by either doctor. The billed supplies included a box of gauze pads, cotton ball, alcohol, disposable syringes, etc., etc.. After getting nowhere with the cashier, I finally got to speak to a manager who immediately removed the first doctor's fee and the charge for the unused supplies. Had I not reviewed and questioned the bill, I would have paid about 2,000 too much. So, beware when checking out and review your bill thoroughly.

[tropo]

I really scrutinize my hospital bills. All the addons can really add up. If I'm going in for a basic consultation and I don't believe body weight and blood pressure checks are of any significance, I ask them to skip that. That saves about 250 baht.

I did notice a big difference between specialist's fees. For example, one gynecologist at my local hospital in Pattaya (PIH) charged 500 baht and another 1000 baht. As it happened we prefered the cheaper one.