Getting operated at Bumrungrad hospital - advise needed

[Neole]

Hello,

I am getting my 63 year old mother operated at Bumrungrad hospital for an elective (non emergency) umbilical hernia surgery through laparoscopy along with a 2 cm mass removal from the stomach at the same time. The operating surgeon is Dr Theeraporn.The estimated cost for just the surgery (without stay medicines after care etc) is 500000 baht.I would be bearing the cost, as insurance won't cover it as an elective operation in a foreign country.


I would like some advise on these points-

1. Does their price sound standard for this hospital?

2. I want the best treatment regardless of the price- is this the correct hospital choice?

3. Has anyone received treatment under Dr Theeraporn (general surgeon) and can recommend him or another laproscopic surgeon?

4. Assuming a 2 days ICU stay and 1week ward stay, how Mich would you're estimate total cost apart from the 500000 surgery cost? The diagnostic tests and consultation fees (chest xray abdominal contrast ct scan and pulmonary functions tests) have come to 50000 baht.

Thanks in advance!

[Soutpeel]

Well let's put it this way a buddy on mine went to get a "stint " put in his heart and the cost was close to 800k, but he had medical insurance

What don't you get a second opinion/costing from say Bangkok group hospital and see the price they give you, if prices similar and this may be around the going rate for this type of surgery

[lopburi3]

Actually Bangkok Hospital and Bumrungrad are two of the most expensive hospitals available in Thailand - but I would indeed obtain a second opinion (and as appears to be not medically required at this time consider doing in home country with insurance as you seem to be talking about a major expense). Hospital should be able to provide an overall estimate of cost. As an example I paid 300k at Vejthani for heart angioplasty/stent that poster above seems to say costs about 800k - but perhaps there were issues as 800k seems very expensive. Do not believe seriously expensive operation that could become much more so if there are any issue is a good plan if medical insurance is available in home country.

1. Can't say - do the list anything similar on web site in the normal cost section?

2. Unless they are only place having equipment the doctor choice is key - do not believe there will be much difference other than perhaps food venders between most hospitals.

[Soutpeel]

Actually Bangkok Hospital and Bumrungrad are two of the most expensive hospitals available in Thailand - but I would indeed obtain a second opinion (and as appears to be not medically required at this time consider doing in home country with insurance as you seem to be talking about a major expense). Hospital should be able to provide an overall estimate of cost. As an example I paid 300k at Vejthani for heart angioplasty/stent that poster above seems to say costs about 800k - but perhaps there were issues as 800k seems very expensive. Do not believe seriously expensive operation that could become much more so if there are any issue is a good plan if medical insurance is available in home country.

1. Can't say - do the list anything similar on web site in the normal cost section?

2. Unless they are only place having equipment the doctor choice is key - do not believe there will be much difference other than perhaps food venders between most hospitals.

Lop on the example I gave don't know if there where complications or not, it was just the figure he gave to me, that was for everything start to finish including follow ups later on as well

[Neole]

Thanks I was expecting around that much (adding 300k to the 500k operating cost).

At Bumrungrad the surgeom dr theeraporn informed me that their price was much higher because of the JC (?) certification which strictly has a no reuse policy for many things like the gastric stapler they will use during the stomach Mass removal. Other hospitals reuse and the pricing is thus lower.

Anyone with experience within this surgeon?

Thanks!

[lopburi3]

This is the current list of JCI certified hospitals in Thailand (about 30 in Bangkok alone).

http://www.thailandmedtourism.com/FeaturedMedProvider/4753

• Bangkok Heart Hospital (Bangkok)
• Bangkok Hospital (Bangkok)
• Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin (Hua Hin)
• Bangkok Hospital Pattaya (Pattaya)
• Bangkok Hospital Phuket (Phuket)
• Bangkok Hospital Samui (Koh Samui)
• Bangkok International Dental Center (Bangkok)
• Bangpakok 9 International Hospital (Bangkok)
• BNH Hospital (Bangkok)
• Bumrungrad International (Bangkok)
• Central General Hospital (Bangkok)
• Chaophya Hospital (Bangkok)
• Chiangmai Ram Hospital (Chiang Mai)
• Chularat 3 Theparak Hospital (Samutprakarn)
• International Clinic Koh Chang by Bangkok Hospital Trat (Ambulatory Care) (Trat)
• Khonkaen Ram Hospital (Khonkaen)
• Kluaynamthai Polyclinic Branch Asoke (Ambulatory Care) (Bangkok)
• Mahachai Hospital (Samut Sakhon)
• Metta International Eye Center (Ambulatory Care) (Bangkok)
• Navamin 9 Hospital (Bangkok)
• Nonthavej Hospital (Bangkok)
• Phuket International Hospital (Phuket)
• Phyathai 2 Hospital (Bangkok)
• Pitsanuvej Hospital (Phitsanulok)
• Praram 9 Hospital (Bangkok)
• Rachvipa MRI Center (Ambulatory Care)
• Ramkhamhaeng Hospital (Bangkok)
• Saimai Hospital (Bangkok)
• Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital (Bangkok)
• Samitivej Sriracha Hospital (Choburi)
• Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital (Bangkok)
• Sikarin Hospital (Bangkok)
• Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital (Bangkok)
• Srisawan Hospital (Nakhon Sawan)
• Synphaet Hospital (Bangkok)
• Vejthani Hospital (Bangkok)
• Vibhavadi Hospital (Bangkok)
• Wattanosoth Cancer Hospital (Bangkok)
• Yanhee Hospital (Bangkok)

[inbangkok]

The pricing seems about right because it is Laprarosccopic. If you have the repair done traditionally, it will be cheaper.

[bentarm44]

1. Does their price sound standard for this hospital?

The BRG is probably the most expensive hospital in Thailand, from my research.

I have no knowledge of the surgery you mention, so can not say if I think the charge standard.

​My surgery there in August 2012 was under general anesthetic, removal of node from left armpit.

​The surgeon was Dr. Avtar Singh; and he was brilliant. His charges alone were 45,000 TB; the charge for the 24 hours total (surgeon, medical care,

bi-opsy, over night stay, etc, etc) were 96,000 TB.

2. I want the best treatment regardless of the price- is this the correct hospital choice?

That was my thinking too, in this country (certainly as much as anywhere else; and maybe at times more so), you get what you pay for.

​I paid top dollar in an attempt to buy an accurate diagnosis that I could have some faith in; and that's the way it turned out.

4. Assuming a 2 days ICU stay and 1week ward stay, how Mich would you're estimate total cost apart from the 500000 surgery cost? The diagnostic tests and consultation fees (chest xray abdominal contrast ct scan and pulmonary functions tests) have come to 50000 baht.

It's been said that (much as swampy is a shopping mall with airport attached) the BRG is a hotel with hospital attached. As you may know, guests; sorry; patients at BRG are offered a range of "accommodation" to choose from during their stay. Big price diff between single room, and share with 3 others. Some of the medicine costs are high, but you have the comfort of being pretty sure the drugs are "pukka". The BRG provided me with an estimate of gross costs before I requested the operation. The full estimated amount was payable upfront, on "check-in". Final bill was pretty close to estimate, +5%

If you're being quoted half a mill just for the surgery; the total bill could be getting up toward the 700,000 TB mark.

Your charges for services to date sound about right

I have had similar treatment carried out in the BKK Hosp. Korat, in May 2013. The charges there for all the "items" were all less; but the overall service and treatment were not much different to that I received at the BRG.

BUT the "clever stuff" had already been done at the BRG; and the JCI accreditation from BRG meant that all the results I obtained from there were accepted as accurate and sufficient by the UK NHS in 2014.

I can pm you loads more if you want !

[Sheryl]

That is high even for Bumrungrad. Even a laparscopic choelcystectomy there (which is more complex) would run about half that.

I would not in any case recommend having this done in Bumrungrad for someone with no insurance. It is almost the most expensive hospital in Thailand and more expensive when it comes to hospitals does not mean better quality. Juts more amenities/fluff.

Any large Bangkok hospital has the necessary facilities to do this surgery. The rest comes down to choice of surgeon. Many of whom have privileges at more than one hospital.

I suggest you consider one of the private non-profit hospitals for this like Bangkok Christian or St. Louis.

This doctor at Bkk Christian specializes in laparoscopic surgery and has published in itnernational journals:

Dr.Sopon Lerdsirisopon

Or this doctor at Phyathai 2 Hospital (which is for-profit but mid-sized and caters to the Thai middle class):

DR.POOCHONG TIMRATANA - US trained and highly qualified. He is also at Bumrungrad (and at Bangkok Hosp) and you can see his CV on the BRG website here https://www.bumrungrad.com/doctors/Poochong-Timratana but it will be far less expensive to have him do it at Phyathai.

BTW it is best not to arrange something like this through hospitals International Relations people as it marks you as a "medical tourist" and often leads to higher rates. Make a normal appointment for your Mom with the doc you are considering and discuss costs during the consultation.

[Robby nz]

I would question the time in ICU.

I had colorectal surgery (not at BRG) and after time in recovery, to come out of the anesthetic and observation, went back to my private room, the time from going into theater to room was 7 hours.

There is a difference between a recovery room and ICU and if there are no complications there should be no need for ICU. This may not be the case with some hospitals, if so I stand corrected.

[Sheryl]

Oops - just re-read this and noticed the "2 cm mass" part. It's not just a hernia.

OP - has there been a work-up for metastasis?

[Thanyaburi Mac]

I went to Vibhavadi Hospital for gall stones, result, including no ICU and two nights in a private room:

26 June 2007 Vibhavadi Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gall bladder)

b109,550 $3,341.49

Surgeon was Dr Thanes Puapornpong: http://www.vibhavadi.com/en_doctorprofile215.html

Profile

Dr.Tanes Puapornpongse, M.D. Surgeon

- Doctor of Medicine, Siriraj, Mahidol University

- Diplomate, Thai Board of General Surgery

- Master of Business Administration (MBA), Chulalongkorn University

- Diplomate, Thai Board of Family Medicine

- Certificate Clinical Fellowship in Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Surgery (Imperial College University of London, UK)

- Certificate Clinical Fellowship in Breast Surgery (Imperial College, University of London, UK)

- Clinical Attachment Course on Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery (Imperial College, University of London, UK)

- Present : General Surgeon at Vibhavadi Hospital

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

He did a good job, I'm still here. He also plays guitar if that makes difference....

As mentioned by others, second opinion is highly recommended.

Mac

[ezzra]

Here is my 2 cents worth from some one who had a metal bar inserted in the arm..

make sure they quote you full price for the procedure, no add on no surprises later,

if any deviation from original quotation, ask to be informed ahead of time,

you can bargain the fees down, be firm and they will drop the fees,

make sure your mom get attentive care, those nurses on the ward tend to 'forget'

you and not quick on the mark if you buzz them, strangely enough, the ward with

50 beds or so have only 3-4 nurses on duty, while at the hospital it self, you can't

walk 10 paces with out bumping into a gaggle of nurses doing nothing...

remember, you pay a lot of money for this, make sure you get your money worth..

[bkkbudddy]

Neole,

Stop immediately and go back to your home country to have elective surgery! If it's emergency surgery, yes, have it done at Bumrungrad Hospital, since you have no other choice! I had simple torn meniscus surgery at Bumrungrad, operated by one of their top surgeon and post up care was terrible and suffered agonizing pain for approximately 6 months! Bumrungrad will ripped you off buy prescribing numerous medicines that you don't need, they just wants to make a big profit from you!

Bottom line is emergency surgery have it in Thailand, elective surgery have it done at your home country!

My concern is not the cost of the surgery since I have Blue Cross and Blue Shield medical insurance from USA. My major concerns are quality of medical, surgical and post op care and efficacy of prescribed medication!

Edited January 12, 2015 by bkkbudddy

[Naroge]

Check with your insurance company. Even if they do not pay for the operation, they might have price information from different hospitals to share with you.

[dannywla]

I had orthoscopic surgery done at that Hospital. It was very expensive and they charged a additional 35 percent to quoted price, agreed too. Since your insurance is not paying, I would look at the other Dr listed above my post and get a second Opionion.

In any event be sure to ask for final price, as you do not want any surprise as was in my case. It was done successfully but my Amex travel insurance footed the entire bill.

[Balance]

A friend of mine just had laparoscopic surgery to remove his gall bladder. It was done at RAM hospital in Chiang Mai. Two surgeons - two days in hospital. Total cost was under B100,000. The surgery your mother needs sounds roughly equivalent.

B500,000 sounds ridiculous, and I would get several quotes from various hospitals including the public hospitals attached to the medical schools in Bangkok. Ramathibodi is one of them. You have to wait a little longer, but the care is as good or better than any of the private hospitals.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramathibodi_Hospital

[Dublin]

If it is any help I had spinal surgery there last April, 3 1/2 hour operation 3 night stay bill came to 367,686 THB all in..

[benidormpaul]

Try the costing in Siriraj hospital bkk. It's a super modern and it's where the King goes when he's ill.

[uptheos]

Cholecystectomy done by laparoscopy in the most expensive hospital in Chiang Mai, by a very good surgeon would be up to 100,000 baht.

The price OP has been quoted is ridiculous!

[drand11]

She is in good hands. This is the best hospital she can attend. Same time, the most expensive in Thailand. I still say " A good choice".

[jackh]

I had elective surgery at BMG 12/08 for a ventral hernia. Single room 1 week stay. Dr. Chanuit Tanphiphat. Excellent care and work.

My total cost was 200,000 baht. Unless costs have gone crazy the last few years, I would say that sounds on the high side.

[drand11]

Get other pricing.. seems high. In USA, I was quoted $9000 usd to repair a herniated abdominal muscle that was 12" long! Get 3 more prices. There are many excellent hospitals in Bangkok.

[paulfr]

St Louis Hospital at the Surasak BTS stop is a good farang friendly hospital

I need an umbilical hernia operation and was quoted 70,000 baht with mesh

by a surgeon I interviewed there.

You might want to talk to a surgeon there before committing to the expensive

Bumrungrad option.

[scorecard]

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That is high even for Bumrungrad. Even a laparscopic choelcystectomy there (which is more complex) would run about half that.

I would not in any case recommend having this done in Bumrungrad for someone with no insurance. It is almost the most expensive hospital in Thailand and more expensive when it comes to hospitals does not mean better quality. Juts more amenities/fluff.

Any large Bangkok hospital has the necessary facilities to do this surgery. The rest comes down to choice of surgeon. Many of whom have privileges at more than one hospital.

I suggest you consider one of the private non-profit hospitals for this like Bangkok Christian or St. Louis.

This doctor at Bkk Christian specializes in laparoscopic surgery and has published in itnernational journals:

Dr.Sopon Lerdsirisopon

Or this doctor at Phyathai 2 Hospital (which is for-profit but mid-sized and caters to the Thai middle class):

DR.POOCHONG TIMRATANA - US trained and highly qualified. He is also at Bumrungrad (and at Bangkok Hosp) and you can see his CV on the BRG website here https://www.bumrungrad.com/doctors/Poochong-Timratana but it will be far less expensive to have him do it at Phyathai.

BTW it is best not to arrange something like this through hospitals International Relations people as it marks you as a "medical tourist" and often leads to higher rates. Make a normal appointment for your Mom with the doc you are considering and discuss costs during the consultation.

This doctor at Bkk Christian specializes in laparoscopic surgery and has published in itnernational journals:

Dr.Sopon Lerdsirisopon

Or this doctor at Phyathai 2 Hospital (which is for-profit but mid-sized and caters to the Thai middle class):

DR.POOCHONG TIMRATANA - US trained and highly qualified. He is also at Bumrungrad (and at Bangkok Hosp) and you can see his CV on the BRG website here https://www.bumrungr...chong-Timratana but it will be far less expensive to have him do it at Phyathai.

I've used both of these hospitals several time (BKK Christian, Soi Convent, and Phya Thai hospital) but I don't remember the doctors names for myself and family members and very happy every time.

We have in the past used the hospital mentioned by the OP but never again because of mistakes, Example 1 - wrong drugs given to 2 year old daughter plus rudeness and arrogance when the head nurse was queried on the drugs. Example 2 - full MRI scan, at great cost, next doctor (same hospital) said in the case concerned the MRI scan was definitely not needed and in fact produced no aligned information.

[Sheryl]

I think need to understand that this is not just a hernia operation (I too made that mistake on first reading). Apparently she has a mass in the stomach as well, which is far more serious. These are often malignant and require extensive surgery, far more than can be done laparoscopically.

OP please clarify the details of this stomach mass and results of tests to date. If she has cancer of the stomach, more than a single laparoscopic surgery is involved, costs can run easily into hundreds of thousands of dollars and also (I am sorry to say) run into end of life care issues. In such a case if at all possible she should seek treatment back home where depending on nationality it would be covered under a national health scheme or medicare.

[JimHuaHin]

I cannot comment on most points you raised, but.

I had an elective (non emergency) umbilical hernia surgery through laparoscopy 3 years ago in Australia, when I was 56 years young.

I spent two days in hospital post op, in a general post op surgical ward - it would have been one day, but I was living alone at the time and the doctor thought it best I spend an extra day in hospital, just in case.

Have no idea why your mother needs to be in an ICU, unless there are complications, as the procedure is fairly straighfoward and standard these days. Looks like the hospital is wanting to get more money out of you!!!

[Sheryl]

Again - not just a hernia operation. Removal of a mass in the stomach as well.

As so many miss this, I have edited original post to highlight this.

[flyingdoc]

Bumrungrad is without doubt the most expensive hospital in Thailand, if not Asia. A colleague of mine was in there for 2 days last week, and I would say that the figure you are quoting is too low! Extra expenses appear on the bill regardless, and they are high. The most expensive is not necessarily the best, so look around and get further advice. Whilst many of the doctors and surgeons are good, you are paying for a plethora of nurses, many of whom appear to have little training. The admissions staff and payment sections however are excellent at their job,, and are trained to collect every single baht possible!

[DGS1244]

I have had multiple operations at BRG when I lived in Bangkok, fortunately all covered by insurance, now I have to pay, too old for insurance, I prefer to use the Ram hospital in Chiang Mai where I now reside, only a third of the cost.

The prices at BRG are very high and nearly always increase from the estimate where at the Ram the final price actually was less than estimated, I except that the room quality is a little below that of the BRG but still quite acceptable and the staff have been great. Shop around before you make a decision.