New Medical Services

[RajavejChiangmai]

To mark its 16th birthday on June 9th, Rajavej Chiangmai Hospital now offers allergy testing, acupuncture, solutions to snoring problems and check-ups for babies at the 150-bed facility opposite the Holiday Inn.

After a year in which the proportion of foreign clients rose by 30%, the Dental Clinic has been expanded to 3 full time and 2 part time English speaking dentists; Chiropractic treatment in English and Thai by British Chiropractor Philip Parry is available on Tuesdays and Fridays, and consultations and treatment in fluent German is available from Dr Jit Jiraratsatit.

The Rajavej VIP Member Card, costing 100b per person for 12 months, is believed to be unique in Chiang Mai as it gives a 10% discount off in-patient rooms and all medications.

A wide range of Check-Ups for all ages is available at low cost, and leaflets are available from our Reception and International Relations Department, and all Rimping Superstores.

Thanks go to Tywais for his recent update here on tv, showing many other Doctors and facilities.

[JimSiam]

Do you have a scan or pdf of the leaflet you mention that you could post for us?

[uptheos]

A good thing about Rajavej is the international liaison officer Natasha. It used to be officers, but Saskia no longer works there i believe. I have had good experiences there and not so good. It seems that with most services it a pot luck who you get, unless you are going to see someone you already know like Prof Kannika, Dr Chanakarn (Fridays only) or the very good physio department. They like everyone else are after money, though at the moment less than a certain other hospital. I recall a couple of years ago I had to go in for an overnight investigation, which was booked in advance. Although I had insurance I had requested a basic private room, after all it was only overnight. When I arrived and showed my BUPA card I heard them chattering and the outcome was 'all the rooms are booked, we only have the suite', to which I replied OK, give me a call when you have a 1,600 baht room available and it coincides with the doctors schedule'. After a little more chattering, they realised there was a room available and I was admitted. I don't see why I should have a suite for one night just because the insurance will pay for it, no wonder premiums go up!

[vagabond48]

I am not sure if this is common practice.

I had a knee operation last year at Rajavej and I was quoted by the knee doctor the total price of about 100K.

I did not mention that I had insurance to the doctor.

When I arrived for the op and they had me sign a release letter quoting 120K to 140K.

I wasn't in a position to discuss this with the surgeon before the op.

[Saan]

I am not sure if this is common practice.

I had a knee operation last year at Rajavej and I was quoted by the knee doctor the total price of about 100K.

I did not mention that I had insurance to the doctor.

When I arrived for the op and they had me sign a release letter quoting 120K to 140K.

I wasn't in a position to discuss this with the surgeon before the op.

Was your knee op a replacement? If so how did it go?

I can feel one coming on.

[vagabond48]

I am not sure if this is common practice.

I had a knee operation last year at Rajavej and I was quoted by the knee doctor the total price of about 100K.

I did not mention that I had insurance to the doctor.

When I arrived for the op and they had me sign a release letter quoting 120K to 140K.

I wasn't in a position to discuss this with the surgeon before the op.

Was your knee op a replacement? If so how did it go?

I can feel one coming on.

No. It was an operation to repair a torn ligament and cartilage.

[orang37]

(a collective) Sawasdee Khrup, Khun Kon Rajavej,

In my humble opinion there are a few things you could do to enhance your attractiveness to farang expats living in Chaing Mai (you may already be doing them, but I'll mention them anyway).

1. Provide, in writing, the standard generic names of any medication your doctors prescribe, on request by your patients.

2. Acknowledge, in writing, that your patients have the right not to purchase the medications at your own pharmacy, if they wish.

3. State in writing which insurance plans you accept, and any possible exclusions of conditions unique to any specific insurance plan.

4. A more difficult concept:

a. in many cases, like exploratory surgery, after scan/biopsy, etc., indicate its required, the final cost of treatment can't be estimated exactly, since, depending on what's done in surgery, the recovery period, the extent of further in-hospital treatment, etc., cannot be determined in advance. similarly, someone with dengue fever may go into severe hemorrhagic pathology requiring multiple blood-transfusions.

b. however, in many cases of more common procedures, I believe it's possible for you to estimate a "cap," a possible maximum fee.

5. in any case, the patient, not in ICU, should be given a written statement prior to admission describing the per diem costs of room, standard monitoring by nurses of vital signs.

6. in cases where the patient, for whatever reason, is unable to communicate with you, please consider providing all the information described above to the family members, or those legally responsible for the patient.

If you distinguish yourself among Chiang Mai hospitals by your effort to be as transparent as possible about costs, and your doctors get good reviews by expats, like those here on ThaiVisa Chiang Mai forum, and potential medical tourists abroad ... then, may you live-long and prosper.

~o:37;

[RajavejChiangmai]

Our thanks go to posters who have praised our services.

Criticisms are best made directly to our International Relations staff (now 4 English and 4 Japanese speaking) at the time of the incident or as soon as possible afterwards. However, we assure tv users that all criticisms here (and one received as a pm) are being addressed internally.

We don't wish to take up more tv space by posting the Check-Up leaflet as we now have 7 options ranging from 1,300 baht to 6,700 baht. The leaflets are currently being delivered to every branch of Rimping Superstores, and of course inquiries are very welcome at our Reception.

Full details will appear on the www.rajavejchiangmai.com site which is being expanded. The insurers with which we deal are already listed there.

As has been correctly asserted here, it is often impossible to accurately predict the cost of a procedure as it will depend on the extent of the treatment - and period of recuperation - which can only be determined by the Doctor once he has begun. No procedure would be halted prematurely because a spending limit had been imposed at the outset.

[Thighlander]

How much for a teeth cleaning?

[Rooo]

Off topic posts & reples removed.

[uptheos]

Our thanks go to posters who have praised our services.

Criticisms are best made directly to our International Relations staff (now 4 English and 4 Japanese speaking) at the time of the incident or as soon as possible afterwards. However, we assure tv users that all criticisms here (and one received as a pm) are being addressed internally.

We don't wish to take up more tv space by posting the Check-Up leaflet as we now have 7 options ranging from 1,300 baht to 6,700 baht. The leaflets are currently being delivered to every branch of Rimping Superstores, and of course inquiries are very welcome at our Reception.

Full details will appear on the www.rajavejchiangmai.com site which is being expanded. The insurers with which we deal are already listed there.

As has been correctly asserted here, it is often impossible to accurately predict the cost of a procedure as it will depend on the extent of the treatment - and period of recuperation - which can only be determined by the Doctor once he has begun. No procedure would be halted prematurely because a spending limit had been imposed at the outset.

One of the best hospital experiences for me has been with Prof. Kannika at Rajavej. She is so knowledgeable and also a gentle caring person. Also, I have nothing but high praise for the physiotherapy dept and my personal experience is with Khun Took, who knows her stuff. The two international reps I used Natasha and Saskia were really fantastic, I know Saskia has left how about Natsha?

I think I understand what you are saying about criticisms being directed to the international staff which is good practice, but at the same time I'm sure you will agree that there will be comments both positive and negative that should be made on this forum, just the same as comments are made for Ram, Sripat, Lanna, McCormick, Klaimor etc. I hope that Rajavej, whom I have used personally from the time you opened, would not want criticism's stifled after all it's only by getting both the positive and negative messages out to a large audience does our choice become wider, health care choices more accessible and people do like/need to share experiences regarding their health care, which is probably the single most important factor for anyone living in Thailand. The wonderful pinned list of doctors added to frequently by members of this forum is a typical example of how seriously we view health care.

In conclusion I'm happy to see Rajavej as a sponsor on TV and hopefully in your role as sponsor, you will ready and willing to answer peoples queries here as they arrive from time to time.

Good luck.

[NancyL]

I've had an opportunity to assist older expats in several hospitals in Chiang Mai and Rajavej is my favorite private hospital. I agree they sometimes go over the estimate for a procedure, but all the private hospitals do that. But, if they're very good about telling a patient when that's happening and why, unlike other private hospitals who can't give you running estimates of your charges and then hand you a bill higher than expected at check-out and leave the poor cashier clerk to deal with you in sticker shock.

Surprisingly, I've found just the opposite happens at the government hospital -- Suan Dok. They'll give an estimate that's on the high side and most times the actual bill is less than what they'd estimated. Apparently, it's a different philosophy about managing patient expectations.

I had occasional to talk with Natasha a couple weeks ago and I assume she's still very much there at Rajavej. Also, there are some newer international customer service reps who are good, too.

[chiang mai]

In many cases the choice of hospital will come down to cost, on that point I have a series of blood tests that I get done every two months and since there is not really a quality issue associated with the choice of hospital when it comes to blood tests, price and service is my criteria. I recently tried McCormick Hospital for these tests, it being the only one that I haven't yet tried and I was thoroughly impressed, the cost of the tests alone was THB 1,255 vs up to THB 4,500 at other local labs and the results were ready in one hour fifteen minutes (one of the larger hospitals actually takes six days for an A1C test), how do you fare? Here's the tests:

FBS

A1C

Lipids

liver panel

Creatinine/BUN

[binjalin]

I still believe Chiang Mai would really benefit from an STD clinic (set apart not part of another department or at least having special clinic times etc.) - I think no such thing exists in Chiang Mai

[chiang mai]

I still believe Chiang Mai would really benefit from an STD clinic (set apart not part of another department or at least having special clinic times etc.) - I think no such thing exists in Chiang Mai

The Red Cross operates an annonymous patients clinic, across from the river and just North of the Flower Market (South of the US consulate).

[uptheos]

In many cases the choice of hospital will come down to cost, on that point I have a series of blood tests that I get done every two months and since there is not really a quality issue associated with the choice of hospital when it comes to blood tests, price and service is my criteria. I recently tried McCormick Hospital for these tests, it being the only one that I haven't yet tried and I was thoroughly impressed, the cost of the tests alone was THB 1,255 vs up to THB 4,500 at other local labs and the results were ready in one hour fifteen minutes (one of the larger hospitals actually takes six days for an A1C test), how do you fare? Here's the tests:

FBS

A1C

Lipids

liver panel

Creatinine/BUN

McCormick Hospital seldom gets a mention but in fact they are quite good with certain things. Blood tests as mentioned above is a good example at the basic end of things. I have found their blood test prices to always be very reasonable.

They also have a new MRI machine installed in their x-ray department and I believe the prices are competitive.

I don't think Rajavej has an MRI machine, so I would like to know where they send you if an MRI is recommended, or is it simply patient choice and a Rx written for what needs to be x-rayed?

[chiang mai]

The MRI costs at McCormick are not much below the charges of other RAM/Sriphat, Rajavej refers their patients for MRI to McCormick.

[millwall_fan]

I still believe Chiang Mai would really benefit from an STD clinic (set apart not part of another department or at least having special clinic times etc.) - I think no such thing exists in Chiang Mai

I would have thought that most sufferers would prefer the 'clap clinic' to be located as anonymously as possible within an existing hospital.

[vagabond48]

The MRI costs at McCormick are not much below the charges of other RAM/Sriphat, Rajavej refers their patients for MRI to McCormick.

Last year I was referred to Sripat MRI.

[chiang mai]

The MRI costs at McCormick are not much below the charges of other RAM/Sriphat, Rajavej refers their patients for MRI to McCormick.

Last year I was referred to Sripat MRI.

That's probably because McCormick didn't have their MRI machine installed last year, it's fairly new.

[Thighlander]

Seems a bit strange, that the OP can write 2000 words about their hospital, but can't answer simple questions about teeth cleaning, blood work, etc.. Another TV sponsor I will certainly give a miss, too.

[uptheos]

The MRI costs at McCormick are not much below the charges of other RAM/Sriphat, Rajavej refers their patients for MRI to McCormick.

Last year I was referred to Sripat MRI.

That's probably because McCormick didn't have their MRI machine installed last year, it's fairly new.

I had an MRI on my cervical disc area in April 2011. (Mc Cormick)

Very nice facilities, give you both the film, CD + report of course.

[Saan]

Seems a bit strange, that the OP can write 2000 words about their hospital, but can't answer simple questions about teeth cleaning, blood work, etc.. Another TV sponsor I will certainly give a miss, too.

They sound pretty good to me and as they have gone to the trouble of trying to cultivate farangs by supporting Thai Visa I think I will give them a go. No other hospital has bothered.

[chiang mai]

Seems a bit strange, that the OP can write 2000 words about their hospital, but can't answer simple questions about teeth cleaning, blood work, etc.. Another TV sponsor I will certainly give a miss, too.

They sound pretty good to me and as they have gone to the trouble of trying to cultivate farangs by supporting Thai Visa I think I will give them a go. No other hospital has bothered.

My ten cents worth is that patients should identify a good/the right doctor/specialist first and then go to where ever he/she practices, regardless of which hospital that might be.

[chiang mai]

The MRI costs at McCormick are not much below the charges of other RAM/Sriphat, Rajavej refers their patients for MRI to McCormick.

Last year I was referred to Sripat MRI.

That's probably because McCormick didn't have their MRI machine installed last year, it's fairly new.

I had an MRI on my cervical disc area in April 2011. (Mc Cormick)

Very nice facilities, give you both the film, CD + report of course.

In which case I must be mistaken, it's just that I also had an MRI of my back done there earlier this year and the machine and the room still had that new car smell about them.

[uptheos]

"In which case I must be mistaken, it's just that I also had an MRI of my back done there earlier this year and the machine and the room still had that new car smell about them".

At least they took the plastic wrapping off after taking delivery.

Maybe they aren't yet getting the amount of referrals as the other hospitals, which is a pity as it's a very nice, relaxed and very clean department.

[uptheos]

Seems a bit strange, that the OP can write 2000 words about their hospital, but can't answer simple questions about teeth cleaning, blood work, etc.. Another TV sponsor I will certainly give a miss, too.

They sound pretty good to me and as they have gone to the trouble of trying to cultivate farangs by supporting Thai Visa I think I will give them a go. No other hospital has bothered.

My ten cents worth is that patients should identify a good/the right doctor/specialist first and then go to where ever he/she practices, regardless of which hospital that might be.

I second that as very sound advice.

[uptheos]

Seems a bit strange, that the OP can write 2000 words about their hospital, but can't answer simple questions about teeth cleaning, blood work, etc.. Another TV sponsor I will certainly give a miss, too.

I think if you call Rajavej and ask to speak to one on the international liaison officers, they will find out the price for you and probably call you back. You could call and ask for the dental dept too, but as you know teeth cleaning can range from a simple clean to an intensive deep clean depending on the state of your teeth and the health of your gums, so prices can vary. Blood work is also variable, but again if it's straight forward like a Fasting Glucose and Lipid profile, someone at the hospital should be able to tell you the cost.

[FolkGuitar]

Seems a bit strange, that the OP can write 2000 words about their hospital, but can't answer simple questions about teeth cleaning, blood work, etc.. Another TV sponsor I will certainly give a miss, too.

Have you considered the possibility that the OP didn't see your post? Or that being so many different concepts of 'teeth cleaning' running the gamut from just a quick polish to multi-visit periodontal work, your question may be been too broad for him to give a quick answer and he has to check out the info himself? Why not just call the hospital and ask directly rather than limit your future options simply because you didn't get an answer here?

[Thighlander]

Probably 8 dentist on the moat, that have the prices posted for cleaning, and of course that doesn't include deep cleaning. Standard blood exam would be CBC, and last time I went to McCormick it was 140 THB, and urine exam was 70 THB. How fresh is the beer in the mini-mart? Is there a place for patients to grab a smoke; assuming they aren't in for heart/lung problems?