Current cost of hip replacement at Suan Dok and Sri Phat hospitals

[northernjohn]

The total cost for my new knee, including a week in the hospital and 'meals' was about 1/3 the current cost in Oz. The duralium and HD Poly knee is top of the market. Only good for 15 years though, so got to go back when I'm 90! Durn!!

How was it, what was the rehab process like?

Sorry, I missed this one. Well, I'm told that a new knee is a lot more involved than a new hip/femur.

It took me a few weeks of rest before being allowed to go upstairs again. Slowly increased the length of my walks.

However, the muscle above the knee had to be worked on, and I've been using an exercise bike the past couple of months. It's going to be a year before I think it's all ok. But far better than before the operation, having the thing aching most of the time, locking up, painful to go upstairs. I doubt that I could have managed another cold spell.

Just a problem with aging I guess. Thankfully my hearing is very good, but there are times when the dogs or the renovations above me could be turned down!

The knee is a real bugger compared with the hip. After having the hip replaced the first thing usually noticed is absence of pain. After a knee replacement first thing noticed is pain, lots of it. I am not aware of the hip but I am of the knee.

No comparison. Don't even know why people try to compare them.

[Saan]

Sorry, I missed this one. Well, I'm told that a new knee is a lot more involved than a new hip/femur.

It took me a few weeks of rest before being allowed to go upstairs again. Slowly increased the length of my walks.

However, the muscle above the knee had to be worked on, and I've been using an exercise bike the past couple of months. It's going to be a year before I think it's all ok. But far better than before the operation, having the thing aching most of the time, locking up, painful to go upstairs. I doubt that I could have managed another cold spell.

Just a problem with aging I guess. Thankfully my hearing is very good, but there are times when the dogs or the renovations above me could be turned down!

The knee is a real bugger compared with the hip. After having the hip replaced the first thing usually noticed is absence of pain. After a knee replacement first thing noticed is pain, lots of it. I am not aware of the hip but I am of the knee.

No comparison. Don't even know why people try to compare them.

Probably because they are the two most common types of prosthesis surgery. The hip operation seems much more intrusive but is actually less traumatic than a knee.

[Saan]

Another consideration on Maharaj vs. Sriphat is the wait time. You'll be in a queue at Majaraj and last time I checked it was several months for an elective hip replacement at Maharaj. Everyone I know who has had one there has had it because of trauma and even then, they often have to wait 3 or 4 days for a hip replacement after an accident. The lowest cost I've seen at Maharaj for a hip replacement after an accident (like a pedestrian slip and fall) was 110,000 baht -- normally more like 140,000, but admittedly the fellows I've assisted often aren't in the best of condition going into the surgery.

The ortho wards at Maharaj are crowded. Designed for 6 beds, but usually have 8 or 9, so you can reach out and touch the bed next to yours. No air con, but wouldn't be so bad this time of year. Food worse than Sriphat. No TV, wifi or privacy. But, the nurses and support staff are great (if you speak some Thai) and much attention with med students coming thru at all hours (of the day and night -- many interested in practicing their English patient interviewing skills)

It could be a good experience if you're flexible and adventuresome because the medical care is good. But the amenities are very, very basic.

I think Nancy has convinced me not to use Maharaj primarily because of the waiting time. I think I could hack basic amenities and might find the whole process one of interest. I can always disappear into my Kindle when I need to.

I was seeking the cheapest option as I have to fund the hip replacement, followed by a knee, myself. My insurance has denied coverage saying it was a pre-existing condition because I had a hip replacement about 14 years ago. There was no indication then that the other hip would need surgery. But that is insurance companies.

I wonder if there is much difference in the cost between Sri Phat and other private hospitals such as Rajavej.

[uptheos]

Another consideration on Maharaj vs. Sriphat is the wait time. You'll be in a queue at Majaraj and last time I checked it was several months for an elective hip replacement at Maharaj. Everyone I know who has had one there has had it because of trauma and even then, they often have to wait 3 or 4 days for a hip replacement after an accident. The lowest cost I've seen at Maharaj for a hip replacement after an accident (like a pedestrian slip and fall) was 110,000 baht -- normally more like 140,000, but admittedly the fellows I've assisted often aren't in the best of condition going into the surgery.

The ortho wards at Maharaj are crowded. Designed for 6 beds, but usually have 8 or 9, so you can reach out and touch the bed next to yours. No air con, but wouldn't be so bad this time of year. Food worse than Sriphat. No TV, wifi or privacy. But, the nurses and support staff are great (if you speak some Thai) and much attention with med students coming thru at all hours (of the day and night -- many interested in practicing their English patient interviewing skills)

It could be a good experience if you're flexible and adventuresome because the medical care is good. But the amenities are very, very basic.

I think Nancy has convinced me not to use Maharaj primarily because of the waiting time. I think I could hack basic amenities and might find the whole process one of interest. I can always disappear into my Kindle when I need to.

I was seeking the cheapest option as I have to fund the hip replacement, followed by a knee, myself. My insurance has denied coverage saying it was a pre-existing condition because I had a hip replacement about 14 years ago. There was no indication then that the other hip would need surgery. But that is insurance companies.

I wonder if there is much difference in the cost between Sri Phat and other private hospitals such as Rajavej.

Why don't you decide on a surgeon first and then find out where you can have it done?

[NancyL]

Sriphat is a private hospital -- it's the "private" part of Maharaj. Same doctors and operating rooms. Different patient rooms, nursing staff, outpatient clinics. wait queues. If you see a doctor at Sriphat, you can inquire about what the current wait time is at Suan Dok.

Part of the problem with the queue system for an elective hip replacement at Suan Dok is that you won't receive a definite scheduled date -- they can give you a good "idea" of what the wait time is (and will discourage you from using Suan Dok and push you toward Sriphat because, after all, you're a rich foreigner), but elective surgeries at Suan Dok often get "bumped" out of the operating theater by trauma cases and cases from Sriphat, which have higher priority.

[portly]

The guy at Rajavej , also has a night clinic ,from Rajavej over the river turn right about 200 metres on right , Dr Chanakharn . Google him , I recall that besides other qualifications he worked at the Mayo clinic in U.S for 2 years .

My left knee really almost worn out , plenty of pain and immobility , he gave me a cortisone injection , its been very little trouble for 1 year now , expected 3-6 months , Arcoxia 120mg now and again helps ( they work slow , but they do work !), no complaints at all , swim a lot,and walk 5kms most days near the lake ,and cycle .

Obviously sooner or later I'll need another jab and or the eventual operation . Later is good .

Heard various numbers re cost , RAM I'm told by one who had it done there 320 ,000 baht .

180000 sounds better , where was that Sripat ?

[uptheos]

The guy at Rajavej , also has a night clinic ,from Rajavej over the river turn right about 200 metres on right , Dr Chanakharn . Google him , I recall that besides other qualifications he worked at the Mayo clinic in U.S for 2 years .

My left knee really almost worn out , plenty of pain and immobility , he gave me a cortisone injection , its been very little trouble for 1 year now , expected 3-6 months , Arcoxia 120mg now and again helps ( they work slow , but they do work !), no complaints at all , swim a lot,and walk 5kms most days near the lake ,and cycle .

Obviously sooner or later I'll need another jab and or the eventual operation . Later is good .

Heard various numbers re cost , RAM I'm told by one who had it done there 320 ,000 baht .

180000 sounds better , where was that Sripat ?

Dr, Chanakarn still visits Boston quite a bit and over the last year he has been heavily involved in China.

For the prices people are coming up with 170-200,000, personally I think that's the way to go at Rajavej and utliise their really good physio department too.

[Saan]

Dr, Chanakarn still visits Boston quite a bit and over the last year he has been heavily involved in China.

For the prices people are coming up with 170-200,000, personally I think that's the way to go at Rajavej and utliise their really good physio department too.

Not surprised he visits Boston as his CV shows he was born in Massachusetts.

His CV is very impressive but he does not seem to have specialised particularly on hip replacement. He says his area of interest is the knee and in his CV are references to a lot of papers on knee and shoulder surgery.

[uptheos]

Dr, Chanakarn still visits Boston quite a bit and over the last year he has been heavily involved in China.

For the prices people are coming up with 170-200,000, personally I think that's the way to go at Rajavej and utliise their really good physio department too.

Not surprised he visits Boston as his CV shows he was born in Massachusetts.

His CV is very impressive but he does not seem to have specialised particularly on hip replacement. He says his area of interest is the knee and in his CV are references to a lot of papers on knee and shoulder surgery.

I guess it's search for satisfied customers (who you believe).

I do know 2 people who had hip replacements done by Dr. Sattaya Rojanasthien and they are doing very well.

[anselpixel]

Rajavez is the place for me. Two years ago, I had a very complicated replacement of a badly decayed left hip there, and came away with a bill that was 50% below anything I'd been quoted at other hospitals. The surgeon was a top notch man, and well-trained in the US. The facilities are spotlessly clean and very well-managed. Even the food was decent, and we all know how often that happens in a hospital.

[Saan]

Rajavez is the place for me. Two years ago, I had a very complicated replacement of a badly decayed left hip there, and came away with a bill that was 50% below anything I'd been quoted at other hospitals. The surgeon was a top notch man, and well-trained in the US. The facilities are spotlessly clean and very well-managed. Even the food was decent, and we all know how often that happens in a hospital.

I am vacillating between Rajavej and Sri Phat. Do you mind telling me the cost and the name of the surgeon. Tomorrow's-Day for me when I will choose a surgeon.

[northernjohn]

Rajavez is the place for me. Two years ago, I had a very complicated replacement of a badly decayed left hip there, and came away with a bill that was 50% below anything I'd been quoted at other hospitals. The surgeon was a top notch man, and well-trained in the US. The facilities are spotlessly clean and very well-managed. Even the food was decent, and we all know how often that happens in a hospital.

I am vacillating between Rajavej and Sri Phat. Do you mind telling me the cost and the name of the surgeon. Tomorrow's-Day for me when I will choose a surgeon.

For what it is worth I had my hip replaced by Dr. Chanakarn Phornphutkul at Rajavez. I had a private room not the fancy one but more than adequate TV fridge hot water kettle. I was in for 4 days could have done less but was in no hurry to go for a walk. The total cost was 183,000 baht. Yes the food was good. The breakfast was good but basic.

I had received a 10% off for a card I paid 100 baht for. It covered medicine and the room. Not the surgery.

The doctor was educated here in Thailand and worked for about 4 years in Michigan. His bio showed several hospitals he was associated with there. Dr Sudhee a highly respected doctor had recommended him to me a few years earlier when I was thinking about arthoscopic surgery for my knee. He had Dr Chanakarn as a student and said he was the best in Thailand at arthoscopic. He travels and lectures.

[uptheos]

Rajavez is the place for me. Two years ago, I had a very complicated replacement of a badly decayed left hip there, and came away with a bill that was 50% below anything I'd been quoted at other hospitals. The surgeon was a top notch man, and well-trained in the US. The facilities are spotlessly clean and very well-managed. Even the food was decent, and we all know how often that happens in a hospital.

I am vacillating between Rajavej and Sri Phat. Do you mind telling me the cost and the name of the surgeon. Tomorrow's-Day for me when I will choose a surgeon.

You have one day left to make a decision about a surgeon and you don't even know the name of one or the cost?

Edited December 8, 2014 by uptheos

[Saan]

Rajavez is the place for me. Two years ago, I had a very complicated replacement of a badly decayed left hip there, and came away with a bill that was 50% below anything I'd been quoted at other hospitals. The surgeon was a top notch man, and well-trained in the US. The facilities are spotlessly clean and very well-managed. Even the food was decent, and we all know how often that happens in a hospital.

I am vacillating between Rajavej and Sri Phat. Do you mind telling me the cost and the name of the surgeon. Tomorrow's-Day for me when I will choose a surgeon.

You have one day left to make a decision about a surgeon and you don't even know the name of one or the cost?

I have the name of several surgeons thanks to TV members, you included. I have a general idea of the cost but wanted to pin down bed charges at the two of hospitals mentioned. I have done that.

I have decided that I will go to Dr Charnakhan and have the operation at Rajavej.

Does anyone have a recent telephone number for Dr Charnakhan? I have tried two. One rings out and the other is no longer in use.

[uptheos]

Rajavez is the place for me. Two years ago, I had a very complicated replacement of a badly decayed left hip there, and came away with a bill that was 50% below anything I'd been quoted at other hospitals. The surgeon was a top notch man, and well-trained in the US. The facilities are spotlessly clean and very well-managed. Even the food was decent, and we all know how often that happens in a hospital.

I am vacillating between Rajavej and Sri Phat. Do you mind telling me the cost and the name of the surgeon. Tomorrow's-Day for me when I will choose a surgeon.

You have one day left to make a decision about a surgeon and you don't even know the name of one or the cost?

I have the name of several surgeons thanks to TV members, you included. I have a general idea of the cost but wanted to pin down bed charges at the two of hospitals mentioned. I have done that.

I have decided that I will go to Dr Charnakhan and have the operation at Rajavej.

Does anyone have a recent telephone number for Dr Charnakhan? I have tried two. One rings out and the other is no longer in use.

Call him on his mobile 0896361155

All the best with the surgery.

[Saan]

I am vacillating between Rajavej and Sri Phat. Do you mind telling me the cost and the name of the surgeon. Tomorrow's-Day for me when I will choose a surgeon.

You have one day left to make a decision about a surgeon and you don't even know the name of one or the cost?

I have the name of several surgeons thanks to TV members, you included. I have a general idea of the cost but wanted to pin down bed charges at the two of hospitals mentioned. I have done that.

I have decided that I will go to Dr Charnakhan and have the operation at Rajavej.

Does anyone have a recent telephone number for Dr Charnakhan? I have tried two. One rings out and the other is no longer in use.

Call him on his mobile 0896361155

All the best with the surgery.

Thanks. I have spoken to him and am seeing him this week.

I will give a progress report, for anyone who is interested, after the op.

Thank you to all those who contributed with advice.

[northernjohn]

Rajavez is the place for me. Two years ago, I had a very complicated replacement of a badly decayed left hip there, and came away with a bill that was 50% below anything I'd been quoted at other hospitals. The surgeon was a top notch man, and well-trained in the US. The facilities are spotlessly clean and very well-managed. Even the food was decent, and we all know how often that happens in a hospital.

I am vacillating between Rajavej and Sri Phat. Do you mind telling me the cost and the name of the surgeon. Tomorrow's-Day for me when I will choose a surgeon.

You have one day left to make a decision about a surgeon and you don't even know the name of one or the cost?

I have the name of several surgeons thanks to TV members, you included. I have a general idea of the cost but wanted to pin down bed charges at the two of hospitals mentioned. I have done that.

I have decided that I will go to Dr Charnakhan and have the operation at Rajavej.

Does anyone have a recent telephone number for Dr Charnakhan? I have tried two. One rings out and the other is no longer in use.

Good choice. All the best. Sending you a PM.