Bangkok Hospital (New One on Superhwy)

[jimmym40]

I believe it's been open for several months now. Has anyone been there to have any check-ups or doctor visits? Would be nice to hear any feedback (good or bad) about the experience.

[elektrified]

Don't know anyone personally who has been there, but it looks completely deserted every time I walk past it.

[uptheos]

Don't know anyone personally who has been there, but it looks completely deserted every time I walk past it.

I think a lot of people realise that although it looks swanky and is priced considerably higher, they pretty much rely on the very same doctors who do the 'rounds' of other Chiang Mai hospitals. I think the adage of find the doctor you want and then choose to go where he/she practices is the best way. The best equipment in the world won't help if the doctor is under par.

[vagabond48]

I need an MRI so I did my price shopping,

McCormick 8,000B

CM PC Imaging Center 8,000B

CM Ram 9,600B

and the winner for the most expensive MRI (so far) in the empty hospital (confirming OP #2)

Bangkok Hospital 13,200B

Someone forgot to tell the boss, THIS IS CHIANG MAI !!!

Edited November 17, 2014 by vagabond48

[uptheos]

I need an MRI so I did my price shopping,

McCormick 8,000B

CM PC Imaging Center 8,000B

CM Ram 9,600B

and the winner for the most expensive MRI (so far) in the empty hospital (confirming OP #2)

Bangkok Hospital 13,200B

Someone forgot to tell the boss, THIS IS CHIANG MAI !!!

If Bangkok Hospital is 13,200 I wonder how much extra it is for contrast?

Ram said 3,600 when I called, not sure about Mc Cormick, but CM PC is 2,500 Baht.

[Sparkles]

Bangkok Hospital, I was told by a RAM specialist, is actively seeking Drs with appropriate qualifications and nursing staff but they don't grow on trees.

Also mentioned was CM cashing in on medical tourism and judging by the increasing numbers of Chinese ,Korean and Japanese patients at RAM of late

that could well be the case.Bumangraad Hospital in Bangkok thrives on medical tourism and CM now having direct flights to China could see that happening here.

[kalbo123]

I have been there a few times now, do not understand why it's not busy yet.

very clean and modern hospital.

They give 50% discount on treatment and medicine bills.

I am very satisfied by their service, and even after they stop the discount will continue going there in case of medical problems,

[vagabond48]

I have been there a few times now, do not understand why it's not busy yet.

very clean and modern hospital.

They give 50% discount on treatment and medicine bills.

I am very satisfied by their service, and even after they stop the discount will continue going there in case of medical problems,

Apparently, the 50% discount does not extend to their hefty priced MRI. I did ask if the 13,200B was for both hips but alas, it was not.

[uptheos]

I have been there a few times now, do not understand why it's not busy yet.

very clean and modern hospital.

They give 50% discount on treatment and medicine bills.

I am very satisfied by their service, and even after they stop the discount will continue going there in case of medical problems,

Apparently, the 50% discount does not extend to their hefty priced MRI. I did ask if the 13,200B was for both hips but alas, it was not.

See PM.

[vagabond48]

I need an MRI so I did my price shopping,

McCormick 8,000B

CM PC Imaging Center 8,000B

CM Ram 9,600B

and the winner for the most expensive MRI (so far) in the empty hospital (confirming OP #2)

Bangkok Hospital 13,200B

Someone forgot to tell the boss, THIS IS CHIANG MAI !!!

Did you ask if they were all open scanners that Bangkok Hospital uses - I hate the closed type and would pay the extra bit for an open sanner any day!

I didn't but unless I was extremely claustrophobic, I wouldn't shell out an extra 5,600B for 30 minutes of minor discomfort.

[BarnicaleBob]

I've been there a few times and spent two days in ICU one of those times. Service seemed very good and the bill was reduced by 50% for cash or credit card payment vs insurance.

[uptheos]

I have been there a few times now, do not understand why it's not busy yet.

very clean and modern hospital.

They give 50% discount on treatment and medicine bills.

I am very satisfied by their service, and even after they stop the discount will continue going there in case of medical problems,

Apparently, the 50% discount does not extend to their hefty priced MRI. I did ask if the 13,200B was for both hips but alas, it was not.

The discount DOES extend to the MRI, as I had one done, and received the discount of 50%. It was also quite busy the 3 times I have been there…..

So I guess their VIP medical check up for men is only 5,860 baht about 2,000 baht less than Rajavej or Sripat?

[elektrified]

I would guess that they are somewhat desperate for business and thus are offering the discount. But it won't last forever....

[Mapguy]

The marketing people at the hospital are very pleasant, and they have a lot of slick marketing materials (sort of). From my limited knowledge, Bangkok Hospital prices are calculated to be alluring or at least competative for SOME things but not all. Whatever. Argue some bhat here, some bhat there! They opened in this market, I will hazard to guess, to attract "medical tourists" as a group to exploit as well as the increasingly populous expat community of Chiangmai that somehow wants to be assured that they get the same quality of care as "Western" hospitals --- usually expressed in how well the medical staff speak English, not professional qualifications. Private hospital marketers read the marketing ads about Chiang Mai as well as understand the Bangkok market where medical tourism has been active a long time. They are not fools.

If you know anything about elementary economics, the supply (arguably) is here but the cost will rise essentially because of increased demand. So, don't come here on a wish and a prayer for a cheapo place if you are abroad! And I would not be surprised if more long-settled and more acculturated people here would not begin to demand higher standards for immgration as well as native Thais!

[northernjohn]

I have been there a few times now, do not understand why it's not busy yet.

very clean and modern hospital.

They give 50% discount on treatment and medicine bills.

I am very satisfied by their service, and even after they stop the discount will continue going there in case of medical problems,

So there full price for the MRI is 26,400 baht?

Or is it 13,200 baht and them half price 6,700 baht?

[northernjohn]

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I need an MRI so I did my price shopping,

McCormick 8,000B

CM PC Imaging Center 8,000B

CM Ram 9,600B

and the winner for the most expensive MRI (so far) in the empty hospital (confirming OP #2)

Bangkok Hospital 13,200B

Someone forgot to tell the boss, THIS IS CHIANG MAI !!!

Did you ask if they were all open scanners that Bangkok Hospital uses - I hate the closed type and would pay the extra bit for an open sanner any day!

I didn't but unless I was extremely claustrophobic, I wouldn't shell out an extra 5,600B for 30 minutes of minor discomfort.

I am a little claustrophobic and the one I had done in Canada they gave me a very mild tranquilizer for it. Came out fine.

Edit

I just realized what all does a MRI cover? When I had mine it was for one ear. What if a person wanted a full body one? Or at least the Ankles, Knees and Hips?

Edited November 17, 2014 by northernjohn

[jimmym40]

to northern john: When I inquired about a full body MRI, I was told that it would be done in three sections, therefore three times the cost. Upper, middle, and lower. However, that was a couple years ago, and they may even divided it up in to 4 or 5 sections.

[seesip]

Apparently the discount at BK Hospital is through the end of this year as a Grand Opening kind of thing. I've been a few times, the prices are higher in general but they definitely have a higher level of customer service.

Regarding MRI you might look at the MRI clinic in Mae Rim, it's near City Hall. Called "Chiang Mai PC Imaging Center" or Goolge MRI Thailand--their website will direct you to the CM location. Never used them before but it might be a good place to get another price.

[uptheos]

Apparently the discount at BK Hospital is through the end of this year as a Grand Opening kind of thing. I've been a few times, the prices are higher in general but they definitely have a higher level of customer service.

Regarding MRI you might look at the MRI clinic in Mae Rim, it's near City Hall. Called "Chiang Mai PC Imaging Center" or Goolge MRI Thailand--their website will direct you to the CM location. Never used them before but it might be a good place to get another price.

Post 1 Mentions Chiang Mai PC Imaging Centre.

I was there yesterday for an MRI on my knee.

Very good service, came away with films and CD.

Comprehensive report emailed to me in the afternoon and they faxed a copy to Dr.

Price 8,000 baht

[Frank James]

Re: Mapguy, Post # 16:

"And I would not be surprised if more long-settled and more acculturated people here would not begin to demand higher standards for immgration as well as native Thais!"

I wonder if you could expand on this statement? I have read it several times, and cannot understand what you mean. Is this along the lines of seeking only "quality (medical) tourists"?

[Dante99]

Re: Mapguy, Post # 16:

"And I would not be surprised if more long-settled and more acculturated people here would not begin to demand higher standards for immgration as well as native Thais!"

I wonder if you could expand on this statement? I have read it several times, and cannot understand what you mean. Is this along the lines of seeking only "quality (medical) tourists"?

The more long-settled and more acculturated people here are mostly smart enough to know that they are in no position to demand anything unless they are daft. =>=>

[jarhead50200]

changed all my medical issues (heart, ortho, diabetes,) to new bkk hosp from cm ram. wow dont have to drive 5 stories parking and then wait 20 min to find an empty space; i park by the front door and within 2 minutes i am at my doctors doors; pristine cleanliness with all the latest equipment; lost of english speaking employees; presently doing cardio rehab and physical therapy for my knee replacement something ram did not offer. of course my insurance pays for my medical bills. a little leery to say to much on here as this is closely monitored by all the negative cynics who live in one room all day and do not go outside. yes in summary l really like the new hospital.

[northernjohn]

The marketing people at the hospital are very pleasant, and they have a lot of slick marketing materials (sort of). From my limited knowledge, Bangkok Hospital prices are calculated to be alluring or at least competative for SOME things but not all. Whatever. Argue some bhat here, some bhat there! They opened in this market, I will hazard to guess, to attract "medical tourists" as a group to exploit as well as the increasingly populous expat community of Chiangmai that somehow wants to be assured that they get the same quality of care as "Western" hospitals --- usually expressed in how well the medical staff speak English, not professional qualifications. Private hospital marketers read the marketing ads about Chiang Mai as well as understand the Bangkok market where medical tourism has been active a long time. They are not fools.

If you know anything about elementary economics, the supply (arguably) is here but the cost will rise essentially because of increased demand. So, don't come here on a wish and a prayer for a cheapo place if you are abroad! And I would not be surprised if more long-settled and more acculturated people here would not begin to demand higher standards for immgration as well as native Thais!

The marketing people are slick enough to know that a lot of people think the more they pay the better it is. For ease of service and class of rooms they are. But a bad doctor is still a bad doctor in any hospital.

[Sparkles]

Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok are a classic example of slick marketing.They have convinced 1000's of people,here and overseas, that they offer services which no other hospital in Thailand can match.They charge like wounded bulls.

While working in Bangkok I fell for the pitch and was mis diagnosed with a melanoma problem which could have proved fatal. As someone mentioned the doctor is the important issue not the

hospital they work in.

Bumrungrad do have there own in house Mc Donalds though I don't think anyone can match that

[jko]

Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok are a classic example of slick marketing.They have convinced 1000's of people,here and overseas, that they offer services which no other hospital in Thailand can match.They charge like wounded bulls.

While working in Bangkok I fell for the pitch and was mis diagnosed with a melanoma problem which could have proved fatal. As someone mentioned the doctor is the important issue not the

hospital they work in.

Bumrungrad do have there own in house Mc Donalds though I don't think anyone can match that

I 'walked in' to Bumrunrad last year worried about a neuro-related problem I had.

Slickly handled registration, with perfect parrot-English speaking staff, remniscent of the fake hospitality of most 5-star hotels.

Lots of 'sirs'

Finally saw an aging neurologist who, since I was not a BKK resident and in transit somwhere else, so no future shekels to be had, could hardly give me the time of day.

Cursory 45-second examination of my reflexes, then show tongue, look in eyes, nothing wrong, and out in the street again, minus 1750 Baht.

A disgrace.

[elektrified]

Right. Slick marketing with English speaking staff. Ready for the medical tourists. I imagine the Chinese will eventually make it over there. They have already over-run Chiang Mai Ram with lots of unhappy Thais complaining because they have to wait in long queues while the Chinese get routine care (vaccinations and so forth). Hey, they are paying customers too.

I wouldn't bother with a place like Bangkok Hospital. I really don't understand the mentality of some foreigners who go somewhere and don't know anything about the doctors they see. They would not do that in the West. Everybody goes to the doctor they have been referred to. Where that doctor practices is secondary. I've met foreigners here who don't even know the name of the doctor they saw, let alone what their qualifications are!

One thing I noticed on the list of doctors practicing at the new hospital is that about 50% of them have been in practice for only about 5 years.

I recognized one of the doctors; Ajarn Sompong Trungtawatchai, who delivered my child at Sriphat and I can't say enough good things about him. His CV on the hospital website is most impressive. But he can still be seen at his old style, tiny clinic across from the President Hotel for a heck of a lot less than the new hospital. But no English spoken there.

[binjalin]

love it - full exec check up in new, sparkling clean hospital with little wait time and spotted something Ram did not at my last check-up there 3 years ago

[blueyeshk]

I was there for a check up waiting times are sometimes annoying price and service are same like in the other private hospitals around so where is the edge?

[uptheos]

love it - full exec check up in new, sparkling clean hospital with little wait time and spotted something Ram did not at my last check-up there 3 years ago

Maybe it wasn't there 3 years ago?

[blueyeshk]

By sparkling u don't mean all the unfinished or poorly done paint work and waiting times are the longest I experienced in a Thai hospital