Looking for cardiologist, heart center in Hua Hin

[SpaceKadet]

As the title says, I am looking for a decent cardiologist or a hospital that specializes in cardiac medicine. This is for periodic check up and medication. Hua Hin is the nearest civilization for me and while I would not rule out BKK, it is a long trip.

Recently, I've heard some good things about Hua Hin Hospital, from somebody that got treated there for MI. This is the government hospital so the prices should be quite competitive. They even advertize themselves as Heart/Trauma Center.

Any advice on this?

[Issangeorge]

Don't know the hospital or Hua Hin, the only advise I have, is don't discount the hospital just because it is a government hospital. There are some very good government hospitals with very good doctors. I feel I can trust a government hospital won't recommend a test or procedure I don't need. They are non profit so have no incentive to perform unnecessary tests or procedures.

[Sheryl]

Hua Hin Hosp has been upgraded to a general hosp so on par with a provinicial hospital. Which would still not be my choice for a cardiac problem except in emergency.

I would recommend instead the heart center at Sirtiraj Hospital which is in Thonburi so not that bad a trip from Hua Hin. Also a government hospital but tertiary level and has a private wing as well so you have your choice of public or private channel...public of course much cheaper but long waits, red tape, can't choose your doctor (and have to get there in the morning for OPD)

http://www.siphhospital.com/en/index.html private channel. Top cardiologists include Prof. Rungroj Krittayaphong, Assoc. Prof. Damras Tresukosol, Assoc. Prof. Rewat Phankingthongkum, Assist. Prof. Wiwun Tungsubutra

http://www.si.mahidol.ac.th/en/index.asp?pg=sg1 public channel

[SpaceKadet]

Issangeorge, I don't discard the government hospitals. In fact, I heard only good things about the larger ones, among them the Hua Hin Hospital. My local hospital in only good for snake bites and occasional suture. Wouldn't trust them much beyond that.

Perhaps I should made it more clear. I am 2.5 hours drive south of Hua Hin, close to Chumpon, so trips to Bangkok would be an exception, and a case for emergency. Having said that, thanks for the info Sheryl, I will pay them a visit just to register for the future ICE. Siriraj Hospital takes care of the King and the Royal Family so they should be top notch.

I am looking for a general cardiologist just for a six monthly checkup with possible blood tests and renewal of prescriptions. All my cardiac problems are hopefully behind me now...

As things are, the wife just persuaded me to go on a shopping spree to Hua Hin tomorrow, so I'll pay Hua Hin Hospital a visit first thing...

[Issangeorge]

What about the hospital in Prachuap Khiri Khan, or Chumpon, or even Surathani? Even Phuket might be closer than Bangkok.

[Sheryl]

There is a provinical hospital in Chumporn which would be similiar in level to Hua Hun Hospital .

There is also an Army hospital, Fort Khetudomsak Hospital, which would probably be the best option in Chumporn. The quality of care in military hospitals is usually good, and they are open to civilians. Usually less crowded than the provincial hospital.

[uhuh]

If you are in Huahin, closest heart center is Mahachai Hospital,

Siriraj is better, of course.

[SpaceKadet]

I went to the Hua Hin Hospital on Wednesday just to check it out. It is big, crowded and chaotic and still expanding. Lot of people from out of province seems to use it judging from the car license plates in the parking lot. A lot of Myanmar workers too. All in all not very "user friendly" as hardly any staff speaks English and seem to be too busy checking their Facebook to help. The only bright spot was the expat help center which I discovered by accident. It is a small room behind the main reception staffed by three people who spoke very good English and were very helpful. They checked my medication with the hospital pharmacy and told me that he hospital doesn't use these particular drugs, which I almost expected. One of the girls then went with me to the cardio clinic to help translate. The clinic was empty and staffed by four admin girls and one nurse. We then found out the the cardiologist comes only once a week and only between 8 and 10 in the morning. I was told that he would come on Monday and I would have to be there at 8 but there was no guarantee that I would see the doctor as there are many people coming every time he is there. I expected perhaps a little more from the hospital that supposedly looks after the Royal Family when they are in Hua Hin. I'll pass on the hospital but thank you to very friendly and very helpful staff in the expat help center.

Seems I will have to go private hospital route to get the latest meds and schedule some periodic checkups. There is Bangkok Hospital branch in Hua Hin I'll check out next, once my current medication starts running out.

Thanks for the info uhuh, I'll keep Mahachai Hospital on my list. Samut Sakhon is certainly more accessible for me than Thonburi.

Just to comment to issangeorge, been to PKK and Chumpon provincial hospitals with friends and family matters, none impressed me much. Phuket I have personal bad experience from 15 years ago, I doubt that they have improved, considering what Phuket has become since.