Chiang Mai Ram, Complete Rip Off

[mogoso]

Ram does give a 20% discount to senior citizens without the savings card

[bangmai]

It seemed like first time patients were charged more at Mccormick for outpatient services.....might be a one time fee built into the first billing. The big insurance companies have a working relationship with the hospitals. The hospitals want to remain on their list of preferred providers. Also, there is an international billing system, similar to SWIFT, where hospitals are often paid before the patient leaves. Unless you are in most severe trauma, the cashiers window is a good place to start. I can call my insurance company collect and speak to a doctor, who I can put on the phone with RAM. RAM gives their email, they get a letter of guarantee, I get out of their without being out of pocket. For a US based insurance company, the amounts are usually a pittance.

[elektrified]

Where do you get the cards pls?

They told me that it is not necessary to pay for a card, that if you ask you will automatically get 10% to start. Depending on how good your negotiating skills are, it's more after the 10%.

[AnotherOneAmerican]

The fees charged by the Ram are all negotiable. Up to 40% discounted on large bills. Better for them to get something than nothing.

Are they?

Yes they are.. Rooms and nursing discounted a lot more than operating room and stuff..

You get 10% discount cards for a couple hundred baht.. That applies to meds and others but not everything. Then you can push some more..

I doubt you can get 40% off a total bill, if operations and stuff I think up to about 20% on the lot seems to be where they dig their heels in, My recent one was high teens for cash after pushing 2 or 3 rounds on different deductions. In an emergency they also offer a credit plan, I didnt know this but they can take a deposit, and put the rest on layaway with a credit company too. Unsure if that applies only for Thais.

They charge 40% more for foreigners (or female Thais with foreigner surnames).

Maybe you can argue them out of the dual pricing.

[Sparkles]

Have just been to RAM dermatology dept for an annual check up. The young doctor was thorough and froze 6 potential skin cancers. Only had to wait 3 hours due to only 1 doctor on site. Happy with service.

The charge was :

Doctors fee 900 bht

Hospital fees were just over 600 bht.

Interested to hear from sparkles as to whether his checkups are cheaper because a) . I wasn't a registered patient regular patient discount c) Thai citizen d) ??

Interested for future reference.

Regards

Allan

My bills over 6 years have varied, from memory, 900 b to 1,600 b. I haven't kept copies but obviously relate to how much work was done.I am a chronic skin cancer "victim" (typical Australian) due to too much surfing etc in my younger days.I am, and always have been registered.I don't show my discount card as its noted on the computer file.

Basically you are paying the doctor and nursing fee, charge for the "freezing" liquid used,application of such, fee,and hospital charge.I have no idea if I am on a "bulk" rate but I am there about every 10 weeks,making the next appointment when work is finished

My original request to the Dr was "just do your best to keep me alive" as I have had 2 melanomas operated on while living in Oz,so far she has been successful

2,000 people die in Oz every years due to melanoma invasion so if the fees at RAM were doubled I would still be knocking on their door.

[uptheos]

The fees charged by the Ram are all negotiable. Up to 40% discounted on large bills. Better for them to get something than nothing.

Are they?

Yes they are.. Rooms and nursing discounted a lot more than operating room and stuff..

You get 10% discount cards for a couple hundred baht.. That applies to meds and others but not everything. Then you can push some more..

I doubt you can get 40% off a total bill, if operations and stuff I think up to about 20% on the lot seems to be where they dig their heels in, My recent one was high teens for cash after pushing 2 or 3 rounds on different deductions. In an emergency they also offer a credit plan, I didnt know this but they can take a deposit, and put the rest on layaway with a credit company too. Unsure if that applies only for Thais.

They charge 40% more for foreigners (or female Thais with foreigner surnames).

Maybe you can argue them out of the dual pricing.

I'd like to see this statement backed up with proof.

[Sparkles]

The fees charged by the Ram are all negotiable. Up to 40% discounted on large bills. Better for them to get something than nothing.

Are they?

Yes they are.. Rooms and nursing discounted a lot more than operating room and stuff..

You get 10% discount cards for a couple hundred baht.. That applies to meds and others but not everything. Then you can push some more..

I doubt you can get 40% off a total bill, if operations and stuff I think up to about 20% on the lot seems to be where they dig their heels in, My recent one was high teens for cash after pushing 2 or 3 rounds on different deductions. In an emergency they also offer a credit plan, I didnt know this but they can take a deposit, and put the rest on layaway with a credit company too. Unsure if that applies only for Thais.

They charge 40% more for foreigners (or female Thais with foreigner surnames).

Maybe you can argue them out of the dual pricing.

Nonsense....... my Thai wife and I have on 2 occasions,3 years apart, had eyes checked at the same time, by the same specialist,the bills were identical.

Care to provide some proof of your accusation?

[AnotherOneAmerican]

They charge 40% more for foreigners (or female Thais with foreigner surnames).

Maybe you can argue them out of the dual pricing.

Nonsense....... my Thai wife and I have on 2 occasions,3 years apart, had eyes checked at the same time, by the same specialist,the bills were identical.

Care to provide some proof of your accusation?

Your wife has a foreigner surname, and her ID card will have recorded she is married to a foreigner, and she arrived with you, so you both get charged the higher price.

Edited February 18, 2015 by AnotherOneAmerican

[LivinLOS]

The fees charged by the Ram are all negotiable. Up to 40% discounted on large bills. Better for them to get something than nothing.

Are they?

Yes they are.. Rooms and nursing discounted a lot more than operating room and stuff..

You get 10% discount cards for a couple hundred baht.. That applies to meds and others but not everything. Then you can push some more..

I doubt you can get 40% off a total bill, if operations and stuff I think up to about 20% on the lot seems to be where they dig their heels in, My recent one was high teens for cash after pushing 2 or 3 rounds on different deductions. In an emergency they also offer a credit plan, I didnt know this but they can take a deposit, and put the rest on layaway with a credit company too. Unsure if that applies only for Thais.

They charge 40% more for foreigners (or female Thais with foreigner surnames).

Maybe you can argue them out of the dual pricing.

Thats simply not true.

I have gone and had precisely the same things as my wife (who goes by her Thai name).. The 2 separate bills prepared as individuals are precisely the same for doctors fees nursing fees, specialist fees, tests, lab work, etc.. Also when she had emergency treatment her surgery and specialist care was charged exactly the same as mine was. Same room costs, same doctors cost, same anesthetists same operating rooms, etc etc.. Same everything all through it.

The hospital I used to use on Phuket did dual price.. RAM has charged the exact same fee even when I wasnt any where near the process and her paying cash with a Thai only name.

[LivinLOS]

They charge 40% more for foreigners (or female Thais with foreigner surnames).

Maybe you can argue them out of the dual pricing.

Nonsense....... my Thai wife and I have on 2 occasions,3 years apart, had eyes checked at the same time, by the same specialist,the bills were identical.

Care to provide some proof of your accusation?

Your wife has a foreigner surname, and her ID card will have recorded she is married to a foreigner, and she arrived with you, so you both get charged the higher price.

No where does it say on a Thai persons ID card they are married to a non Thai..

[AnotherOneAmerican]

They charge 40% more for foreigners (or female Thais with foreigner surnames).

Maybe you can argue them out of the dual pricing.

Nonsense....... my Thai wife and I have on 2 occasions,3 years apart, had eyes checked at the same time, by the same specialist,the bills were identical.

Care to provide some proof of your accusation?

Your wife has a foreigner surname, and her ID card will have recorded she is married to a foreigner, and she arrived with you, so you both get charged the higher price.

No where does it say on a Thai persons ID card they are married to a non Thai..

Quite a lot of information is on the smart ID cards, we live in the electronic age, you can't see lots of your info on your bank cards or passport either.

[chiang mai]

Just in case anyone's missed it, AOA is winding you all up on the 40% business, stop nibbling the bait.

[robertmueller]

Where do you get the cards pls?

You go to the cashier counter and present any ID and ask for the discount card.

For the time being they sell the 20% discount card - on selected items; not the doctor fee etc. - for B100.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/749767-chiangmai-ram-discount-card-20/?p=8212830&hl=%2Bchiangmai+%2Bram+%2Bdiscount+%2Bcard

My wife could use my card for her latest bill, they said that the card is valid for people living in the same household.

[NancyL]

Just in case anyone's missed it, AOA is winding you all up on the 40% business, stop nibbling the bait.

Yes, someone really should bring what he's saying to the attention of CM Ram's customer service department. He shouldn't be posting such nonsense in a public forum.

Edited February 19, 2015 by NancyL

[evenstevens]

My bills over 6 years have varied, from memory, 900 b to 1,600 b.

Basically you are paying the doctor and nursing fee, charge for the "freezing" liquid used,application of such, fee,and hospital charge.I have no idea if I am on a "bulk" rate but I am there about every 10 weeks,making the next appointment when work is finished

thats more like it, your previous post of 300 baht + was light yrs ago

my specialist at ram starts at 500 baht for consulation and examanation , then rises accordingly with how mutch work she has to do, plus medical costs etc etc

i was in attendance last tuesday, for my routine quartly check up ,my bill was around 2200 baht, had approx 25 burn offs done

during her examanation, she spotted a black spot below my shoulder blade, took a pic, show it to me,and had it immediately cut out and a biopsy is now being done, get the results on 27 feb

she is very confident that we have caught it at a very early stage cost will be around 2000 baht

my appointment was at 10.30 am,done all the above and paid my bill ,and cantered out of the ram at 11.45 am

straight for a lovely graze at the hot chilli restaruant with a beerlao dark for entree and desert

allan and brynda your bill was on the money

[laolover88]

Sadly, you are in the 'wrong place'. 20 stitches to an eyelid and their removal at McCormick Chiang Mai. Instant attention; 6000B (last year) But I think general rule is to avoid private hospitals in LOS, if you can! My mate had his leg broken. Mended in government hospital +drugs+6 days private room 50000B..Estimates from Samitivej and Bumrungrad 150000B up+20000 transport from upcountry.

[onthedarkside]

Off topic post removed.

[Leonardo Madison]

What's the meaning of LOS?

[uptheos]

What's the meaning of LOS?

It's an outdated abbreviation.

Land of Smiles.

[Boo]

One post removed. Please remember the following rule:

8) You will not post disruptive or inflammatory messages, vulgarities, obscenities or profanities.

[blueyeshk]

I just came out of Bangkok hospital- my second time and I promise my last. Waiting time even few customers unacceptable long with 6 nurses standing around at the counter for a simple blood test I have to see doctor twice just a money drain once u r in their hands. Very unpleasant experience and charges- not for me anymore

[uptheos]

I just came out of Bangkok hospital- my second time and I promise my last. Waiting time even few customers unacceptable long with 6 nurses standing around at the counter for a simple blood test I have to see doctor twice just a money drain once u r in their hands. Very unpleasant experience and charges- not for me anymore

Bangkok Hospital in Chiang Mai will become a White Elephant in time.

[Oscar2]

They charge 40% more for foreigners (or female Thais with foreigner surnames).

Maybe you can argue them out of the dual pricing.

what a joke from the forum joker! they do not charge any different; whether Thai or falang.

[Sparkles]

My bills over 6 years have varied, from memory, 900 b to 1,600 b.

Basically you are paying the doctor and nursing fee, charge for the "freezing" liquid used,application of such, fee,and hospital charge.I have no idea if I am on a "bulk" rate but I am there about every 10 weeks,making the next appointment when work is finished

thats more like it, your previous post of 300 baht + was light yrs ago

my specialist at ram starts at 500 baht for consulation and examanation , then rises accordingly with how mutch work she has to do, plus medical costs etc etc

i was in attendance last tuesday, for my routine quartly check up ,my bill was around 2200 baht, had approx 25 burn offs done

during her examanation, she spotted a black spot below my shoulder blade, took a pic, show it to me,and had it immediately cut out and a biopsy is now being done, get the results on 27 feb

she is very confident that we have caught it at a very early stage cost will be around 2000 baht

my appointment was at 10.30 am,done all the above and paid my bill ,and cantered out of the ram at 11.45 am

straight for a lovely graze at the hot chilli restaruant with a beerlao dark for entree and desert

allan and brynda your bill was on the money

ES................... my last RAM Dermatology bill as in front of me

Dated 10-3-15 (not light years ago as you suggest)

Physcian Evaluation and Management Services 300 baht

Procedure (examination and freezing BCC'S) 160 baht

Extras ..... Medical equipment ,nursing and service charge 288 baht

Total 748 baht, using my discount RAM card

OK ? I don't care what you get charged,none of my business, and frankly I don't care, what I do care about is you claiming I am incorrect and ill informed. I've been going to RAM for nearly 7 years and receiving skin cancer treatment for nearly 40 years so I do have some experience over time.

I trust you test are negative and maybe you can make an effort to be less of a know all.

[evenstevens]

very interesting sparkles,i go for my check up next month,will make the necessary enquirys to your physicians evaualation and management fee of 300 baht

as i have always been charged 500 baht and also that fee is charged at E.E.N.T. DEPT. and the gastro specialist which i see as well

from memory the 300 baht fee was yonks ago, perhaps you been fortunate that your billings has not been upgraded

may i ask what is the name of your dermo specialist in the skin clinic, many thks in advance

[uptheos]

I have two appointments tomorrow both in EENT, one with Dr Rachada (eyes) and one with Dr Chalermpong (ears)

I will feed back how much the bill was, tomorrow sometime.

[Tywais]

Just dug out some bills from the last few months.

Dr. VACHIRAPORN, Dermatologist 300B for visit. Total cost for removal of precancerous growth - 1016B including meds

Dr. VACHIRAPORN, Dermatologist 300B for visit

Dr. VACHIRAPORN, Dermatologist 640B for total doctor fee. Don't remember why the higher cost as it was 4 months before the 300B charges. Probably removed something

Dr. Chalermpong EENT 350 Baht for visit

[namatjira]

Is a good idea to have a basic accident insurance, I have one with Bangkok bank, cost 2800 for 100,000 baht cover,

A friend of mine also just purchased and he was 72 years old so there is no problem with the age of the applicant,

I did, have a spill on my bike, took off a lot of bark of my arms and legs, went straight to the ram, waiting time was almost zero,

Had my wounds washed and dressed, just flashed my Bangkok bank insurance card and no money was paid out to the ram at all,

Covered antibiotics, gauze, dressings, antiseptic, also for 2 weeks I went everyday to outpatients and got the wounds dressed and cleaned......again no waiting and excellent service, everyday I received a receipt for 300 baht which believe me , is more than reasonable , In that one accident I got back all my insurance money, the care and attention I received at the ram was excellent..

Especially in regard to waiting times, fall off your bike in Australia , rip a lot of bark off and go to the public hospital for treatment, ok, I will talk to you in 12 hours time, hope you do not bleed to death..........2800 for 100,000 baht cover. Any accident anytime, if I slip on the tiles in the bath I am covered, as long as it is an accident......it's not so much the money, it's just nice to know that I have a little cover and can turn up at the ram And receive immediate attention.....do yourself a favor and buy basic accident insurance....its dirt cheap.....

[northernjohn]

Nonsense....... my Thai wife and I have on 2 occasions,3 years apart, had eyes checked at the same time, by the same specialist,the bills were identical.

Care to provide some proof of your accusation?

Your wife has a foreigner surname, and her ID card will have recorded she is married to a foreigner, and she arrived with you, so you both get charged the higher price.

No where does it say on a Thai persons ID card they are married to a non Thai..

Quite a lot of information is on the smart ID cards, we live in the electronic age, you can't see lots of your info on your bank cards or passport either.

I imagine the information they have on their computers about us is massive.

[uptheos]

Is a good idea to have a basic accident insurance, I have one with Bangkok bank, cost 2800 for 100,000 baht cover,

A friend of mine also just purchased and he was 72 years old so there is no problem with the age of the applicant,

I did, have a spill on my bike, took off a lot of bark of my arms and legs, went straight to the ram, waiting time was almost zero,

Had my wounds washed and dressed, just flashed my Bangkok bank insurance card and no money was paid out to the ram at all,

Covered antibiotics, gauze, dressings, antiseptic, also for 2 weeks I went everyday to outpatients and got the wounds dressed and cleaned......again no waiting and excellent service, everyday I received a receipt for 300 baht which believe me , is more than reasonable , In that one accident I got back all my insurance money, the care and attention I received at the ram was excellent..

Especially in regard to waiting times, fall off your bike in Australia , rip a lot of bark off and go to the public hospital for treatment, ok, I will talk to you in 12 hours time, hope you do not bleed to death..........2800 for 100,000 baht cover. Any accident anytime, if I slip on the tiles in the bath I am covered, as long as it is an accident......it's not so much the money, it's just nice to know that I have a little cover and can turn up at the ram And receive immediate attention.....do yourself a favor and buy basic accident insurance....its dirt cheap.....

It's a very good idea if you meet their criteria, but if you have any pre-existing conditions they will certainly look hard to see if they negate certain things. As part of their terms and conditions they cover themselves by saying;

• The insured person must have a good health record and not be disabled, already injured or have a serious sickness or chronic disease at the time of the application.

http://www.bangkokbank.com/BangkokBank/PersonalBanking/BuildYourWealth/Bancassurance/NonLifeInsurance/Pages/PA1st.aspx