"A visit to Pattaya International Hospital".

[Bagwain]

Having a phlegm problem for 3 months I started a raw juice regime for the last 3 weeks which reduced it by 80%. However I still had a niggling cough and a phlegm problem plus my chest was hurting and pain shooting into my right shoulder. My friend has TB and on talking to him he recommended a visit to P.I.H. and stated that I should get a Dr consultation, ex-ray & phlegm test for around 1000 baht. Ok: I though best not be complaisant!! Got the blood pressure & weight done (Standard) blood slightly high! (Due to high sodium in juices & expected) Saw the Thai doctor who was "very cute indeed". She was very clinical to say the least and really didn't want to listen too much to what I said. (I have a fair amount of training in natural therapies). I was asked if my throat hurt (No) ex-ray showed nothing on my chest or heart (Thanks Buddha). The pain was coming from muscles from all the coughing. So antibiotics was recommended. Of the pharmacy and payment. "2800" baht and enough pills to knock out a horse. I week antibiotics. Antihistamines, Antiallergics, 14 Acetin for phlegm & Nuropen for sore throat (Which I told her I didn't have). I suspect that the pills where the bulk of the bill. Although relieved with the results I couldn't help feeling that I went through a process line!!

- but - "It's all about the money, money, money"

Fair play to the Thai support staff though!!! (They where great)!!!

[NanLaew]

So this is all about, "My worried friend recommended I get my undiagnosed condition checked at a private medical facility but didn't offer to pay." Right?

[Bagwain]

So this is all about, "My worried friend recommended I get my undiagnosed condition checked at a private medical facility but didn't offer to pay." Right?

I suppose you pay for all your friends medical expenses??? 5555555 I think not!

We where discussing my condition via a chat program when I mentioned going to our mutual Dr. In all fairness he did state that I would end up needing ex-rays. So it was common sense to recommend the hospital since he has had a lung infection here and now is dealing with TB. (We all know how expensive BPH is)!!! I know dozens of cases of lung / respiratory infection with Farang & Thai alike here in Pattaya & BKK. The air is shit with 3 industrial / refinery ares surrounding Pattaya!

[Bluetongue]

Your bill should have had a breakdown but I feel they do make a lot of profit on medicines. I prefer the system where you get a prescription and can buy (or not buy)your medicines where you like but they don't have that here, the Doctors sell the drugs, therefore if you go to one you always get lots of it.

[Bagwain]

Your bill should have had a breakdown but I feel they do make a lot of profit on medicines. I prefer the system where you get a prescription and can buy (or not buy)your medicines where you like but they don't have that here, the Doctors sell the drugs, therefore if you go to one you always get lots of it.

At least the Nuropen can be stored for later on.

Yes I would have liked a breakdown.

At least I am relieved it wasn't something worse!!

The pain I have is the chest muscles from constant coughing.

I prefer the little pain as when it goes it shows the medication is working!!

[wym]

I always get the doc to write the list out, tell him I'm buying from the pharmacy of my choice, never had a problem.

Sometimes the markup is 10x

[huangnon]

I always get the doc to write the list out, tell him I'm buying from the pharmacy of my choice, never had a problem.

Sometimes the markup is 10x

Yep. Unless you firmly specify otherwise, BPH will load you up with bags of medicine that you can easily source yourself at local pharmacies. For a fraction of the BPH prices. They are a money-making machine first, a hospital second.

[KhunBENQ]

Much words at the rural doctors here.

Their peasant patients just get some small plastics bags with exactly counted pills (dosage written/marked on the bag).

Absolutely no hint in what the pills are.

No real education about the diagnosis etc. ("inflammation").

Medical care for the masses still on 3rd world level.

90% of all visits, you will have some antibiotics in the bag.