Phuket - Going to the hospital... advice $$$

[Marcoose]

Hi all. So after three years of having problems with my knees (coincided with a fairly brief stint training Muay Thai), I'm going to seek consultation.

I phoned Phuket International and have booked an appointment with an orthopedic doctor there but it turns out they don't have an MRI machine (I've a funny feeling they will put me through one). IF I need a scan they will refer me to Bangkok Hospital.

I'm thinking about going direct to Bangkok Hospital in Phuket Town but have heard many times that they are far more expensive than Phuket International. Would you recommend just going direct to Phuket Town. I was just wondering if the price is likely to be more or less expensive by going via another hospital.

As I say, I reckon I'll need one and even if I don't they will want the Baht. Sorry if I sound overly cynical.

Singapore could be an option, if I think they are taking the Michael with their rates. How much should I expect to pay in Phuket for X-rays and MRI scans on my knees and also a diagnosis? I think I would probably go elsewhere for surgery (if it came to that) so will cross that bridge if it comes to it.

[Sheryl]

MRI of the knee will be about 12K baht and same regardless of whether referred from outside or within the hospital.

Where you go for consultation should be based on selection of the doctor, not the hospital. There are 2 good German ortho specialists at PIH. Consultation there will be about 1500 Baht. Xray maybe an additional 1000.

Wherever you go, do nto purchase medications at the hospital or clinic pharmacy, buy them outside.

[Marcoose]

Hi Sheryl. Thanks very much for your reply. Do you by any chance have a name or names of the doctors?

[uhuh]

Dr Gerhard Melcher is a German orthopedic surgeon. He runs a clinic in Patong.

[Sheryl]

He is also at PIH.

[nzexpat]

PIH is now part of the Bangkok Hospital Group !

http://www.thephuketnews.com/bangkok-hospital-group-buys-phuket-international-for-b3-61bn-48081.php

Edited May 14, 2015 by nzexpat

[steelepulse]

I just had an MRI done at BPH and it was 12,000 baht.

Sheryl, are the German doctors licensed and allowed to perform operations at PIH? I contacted their clinic and never heard back from them via email. I need to have my knee scoped so looking for more options than just BPH.

[Sheryl]

I don't know., The only people I know who have consulted them did not have surgery, just a consult. Why not call and ask them?

[steelepulse]

Well if they can't answer an email, doubt they'll answer a phone. I checked PIH and there were no German doctors listed at all. Perhaps you're confusing PIH with their clinic in Patong which is almost the same name that does show two German Orthos.

[tolsti]

I went through the MRI at PIH several timesaver in 2012.... Must have sold it for scrap or ......

[Sheryl]

Well if they can't answer an email, doubt they'll answer a phone. I checked PIH and there were no German doctors listed at all. Perhaps you're confusing PIH with their clinic in Patong which is almost the same name that does show two German Orthos.

Oops! You are right. Their clinic's name is Phuket International Health Clinic and I confused it with Phuket Intl Hosp (both PIH).

http://www.phuket-international-health-clinic.com/doctor-profiles/dr-gerhard-melcher.html

Re PIH not answering email, that is very common in Thailand - not only hospitals but businesses in general tend tio ignore emails, at least emails in English. They will answer the phone.

[chubby]

it is not guaranteed you must have an MRI, a good MD may be able to empiraclly make a plan for you, though, you don't mention your age, sounds like you might have ACL type injury, and need arthroscopy, why not just see the MD 1st

are you prepared to also pay for arthroscopy?

[loppylugs1]

Not far off Penang,cheaper there. I go to India but if a Brit the visas are a problem price wise MRI on knee$50...op cheap and good