Bad Medical Practices

[Burl Ives]

Took the cat to the vets with sore paw, after painkilling injection and x ray nothing broken. So 3 day's painkillers and off you go.

Treatment, xray and drugs 1000THB. Additional medicine ( 50 Krill oil tablets) 900THB when asked what they were for they said anti inflammatory, but it's just an omega 3 health supplement, so nice con, no wonder they all smiled!

Later the same day, went to Bangkok Hospital Pattaya for a medical examination, including a fancy EEG test. When I asked about the cost they said ca 4,000THB, OK go ahead.

Examination complete Specialist recommended I stop taking certain medication, no need to take anything new. So off to the cashier....

"Please pay 6,300THB", why I asked, "4,000 for the examination and 2,300 for new medication"! When challenged about the medication, which was not related to my condition, they withdrew it immediately.

So twice in one day the expensive Pharmacy con, the moral of the story is get them to print out the bill as they ask you for the money and closely check for scam medicine!

[Sheryl]

This almost always happens at the "upscale" private hospitals. Even if a medication was indicated and discussed with you by the doctor, they will often add in a few more, typically paracetemol (expensive proprietary brand) and vitamins (ditto).

Doctors at these hospitals are under heavy pressure from the hospital administration to maximize drug prescriptions. In addition, Thai patients equate the number of drugs given to the quality of care so giving "only one" medication is thought unworthy of a high class hospital and to give none at all, doubly so and down right insulting to the patients.

It can help to tell doctors clearly that you do not want any medications prescribed (or any that are not absolutely necessary). Believe it or not this will be a surprise to many of them who will assume the opposite.

And unless you have a valiud need for a medication not sold over the counter, never buy any medication at a hospotal pharmacy, the mark-up can be well over 100%.