Recommended Doctor and Medical Specialists (Update)

[northernjohn]

The colonoscopy at Bangkok Hospital was 17,000 baht. And if I'm kept waiting for more than 5 or 10 minutes for an appointment there, the nurses are all over themselves explaining that the doctor is held up in traffic, has an emergency case, etc, without my asking. Plus they don't seem to have the practice of changing three times the outside rate for prescription drugs. Admittedly I've only bought a couple prescriptions there, but they compared very well with the outside pharmacy prices. Within 10 - 15%.

That's a great price, but I'm guessing it was either special promotion to drum up business or you got a discount as chairperson of the CMEC. I don't think any other hospital will do it at that price.

My goodness Uptheos, you and NorthernJohn sure want to prove me a lair or someone receiving a special benefit.

First, about certain doctors continuing to "practice" at CM Ram longer than others -- you may want to inquire as to their status as employees vs. owners. They have different rules concerning retirement age for different categories of doctors.

Now about the price I "enjoyed" for the colonoscopy at Bangkok Hospital, it was in no way related to my being president of CEC, although if you two read your CEC e-Newsletters carefully you could have received the same "deal" https://madmimi.com/p/2e53f6?fe=1&pact=34804259293

Leave me out of your day dreaming. I just posted the correct information what is wrong with that?

[uptheos]

The colonoscopy at Bangkok Hospital was 17,000 baht. And if I'm kept waiting for more than 5 or 10 minutes for an appointment there, the nurses are all over themselves explaining that the doctor is held up in traffic, has an emergency case, etc, without my asking. Plus they don't seem to have the practice of changing three times the outside rate for prescription drugs. Admittedly I've only bought a couple prescriptions there, but they compared very well with the outside pharmacy prices. Within 10 - 15%.

That's a great price, but I'm guessing it was either special promotion to drum up business or you got a discount as chairperson of the CMEC. I don't think any other hospital will do it at that price.

Rajavej does a colonscopy only for 15k (for me), Mrs CM had one at the start of the year and paid 9k, hmm!.

Does Prof Kannika still do it or supervise?

If she supervises do you actually see her before la la land?

[uptheos]

The colonoscopy at Bangkok Hospital was 17,000 baht. And if I'm kept waiting for more than 5 or 10 minutes for an appointment there, the nurses are all over themselves explaining that the doctor is held up in traffic, has an emergency case, etc, without my asking. Plus they don't seem to have the practice of changing three times the outside rate for prescription drugs. Admittedly I've only bought a couple prescriptions there, but they compared very well with the outside pharmacy prices. Within 10 - 15%.

That's a great price, but I'm guessing it was either special promotion to drum up business or you got a discount as chairperson of the CMEC. I don't think any other hospital will do it at that price.

My goodness Uptheos, you and NorthernJohn sure want to prove me a lair or someone receiving a special benefit.

First, about certain doctors continuing to "practice" at CM Ram longer than others -- you may want to inquire as to their status as employees vs. owners. They have different rules concerning retirement age for different categories of doctors.

Now about the price I "enjoyed" for the colonoscopy at Bangkok Hospital, it was in no way related to my being president of CEC, although if you two read your CEC e-Newsletters carefully you could have received the same "deal" https://madmimi.com/p/2e53f6?fe=1&pact=34804259293

I'm just surprised (and pleased) that the prices are going down.

I didn't say you were a liar, I believed you paid 17,000 baht

[jonwilly]

Think I'll be having a Colonoscopy in March April when my Circumcision is fully healed.

B17K would be cheap.

john

[NancyL]

I don't know if Bangkok Hospital's price will still be 17,000 baht then. Once you go to the hospital a few times, they'll send you SMS messages with special offers. And, as I mentioned, if you're a member of CEC and read the e-Newsletter, you'll be up-to-date on special offers. I don't see anything wrong with the hospital having special promotions to entice new customers, nor to bring in people during slower times of the year.

I know of at least three well-established CM doctors who have "aged out" of their hospitals and now practice at Bangkok Hospital -- bringing some of their loyal patients with them.

So it's not all "two star doctors in a five star setting" as NorthernJohn described it.

[NancyL]

In all fairness, there are times when CM Ram is very suitable, mainly because it's a stone's throw from where we live. Just as Rajavej Hospital would be fantastic for people living at Riverside Condo.

I'm having major restorative dental work done now at CM Ram and have lost temporary crowns three times in the past month. It's been very handy to walk into CM Ram's dental clinic and have them glued back in, even on a Sunday. Don't need to see my regular dentist for this, any of their dentists can do it. (I'll be very happy I can get into the permanent crowns after the first of the year.)

Hubby has seasonal cluster headaches and the best treatment for him is to breathe pure oxygen thru a mask as soon as he feels a headache coming on. He sees a neurologist at CM Ram who diagnosed his condition and prescribed meds that help to control (but not totally eliminate the headaches). Since CM Ram is so close, Hubby can get into their emergency room and they quickly get him breathing oxygen -- a big savings over getting set up with oxygen at home, esp. since his headaches only last for about eight weeks each year.

With both these problems, Bangkok Hospital wouldn't make much sense, because of distance and cost of transport.

[jonwilly]

Thank you Nancy for your normal polite answer to folks.

I have had problems with my urine department for many years.

Dr Tavachi recommended Dr. Benikit as best Urologist in CM.

Following circumcision I wanted a second opinion so I went to the new Geriatric Hospital.

The Urologist there advised I see the Expert at Suan Dork and a Colonoscopy was mentioned.

Personally I am of the view that I should stick to Dr. B and will see him when my 6 months wait is over.

john

[northernjohn]

I don't know if Bangkok Hospital's price will still be 17,000 baht then. Once you go to the hospital a few times, they'll send you SMS messages with special offers. And, as I mentioned, if you're a member of CEC and read the e-Newsletter, you'll be up-to-date on special offers. I don't see anything wrong with the hospital having special promotions to entice new customers, nor to bring in people during slower times of the year.

I know of at least three well-established CM doctors who have "aged out" of their hospitals and now practice at Bangkok Hospital -- bringing some of their loyal patients with them.

So it's not all "two star doctors in a five star setting" as NorthernJohn described it.

Give it up Nancy I did not say it was all two star doctors at Bangkok hospital. Sorry it went right over your head I was inferring that the doctor is the number one concern not the hospital.

Whoopee wingee de do do you know some that were aged out of their hospital. I know one who was not and I know one who should have been aged out at 40. Did you every stop to consider there was might be another reason for them being aged out of their hospital?

Why you choose to imply that they all are is beyond me. I don't get around them that much and even I know that is wrong. People have the rite to know the truth when dealing with their health.

[elektrified]

Thank you Nancy for your normal polite answer to folks.

I have had problems with my urine department for many years.

Dr Tavachi recommended Dr. Benikit as best Urologist in CM.

Following circumcision I wanted a second opinion so I went to the new Geriatric Hospital.

The Urologist there advised I see the Expert at Suan Dork and a Colonoscopy was mentioned.

Personally I am of the view that I should stick to Dr. B and will see him when my 6 months wait is over.

john

I'm fairly certain that either Dr. Bunnakit or the guy just above him - Dept. Head perhaps? (both are frequently interviewed on television) are "the expert(s)" in urological surgery at Suan Dok.

Edited December 19, 2015 by elektrified

[uptheos]

I don't know if Bangkok Hospital's price will still be 17,000 baht then. Once you go to the hospital a few times, they'll send you SMS messages with special offers. And, as I mentioned, if you're a member of CEC and read the e-Newsletter, you'll be up-to-date on special offers. I don't see anything wrong with the hospital having special promotions to entice new customers, nor to bring in people during slower times of the year.

I know of at least three well-established CM doctors who have "aged out" of their hospitals and now practice at Bangkok Hospital -- bringing some of their loyal patients with them.

So it's not all "two star doctors in a five star setting" as NorthernJohn described it.

Give it up Nancy I did not say it was all two star doctors at Bangkok hospital. Sorry it went right over your head I was inferring that the doctor is the number one concern not the hospital.

Whoopee wingee de do do you know some that were aged out of their hospital. I know one who was not and I know one who should have been aged out at 40. Did you every stop to consider there was might be another reason for them being aged out of their hospital?

Why you choose to imply that they all are is beyond me. I don't get around them that much and even I know that is wrong. People have the rite to know the truth when dealing with their health.

I've just gone through all the disciplines at BH and brought up the doctors under each discipline.

There are a couple I know, Dr Chuksopan (ortho) previously full time at Rajavej and one or two others that I think I might have heard of. Most seem to be younger doctors who have practiced after completing their studies in Chiang Mai University, that's not to say they aren't any good. There are a few older guys well over 65 who did some training and work abroad, but for a 'world class' hospital, TBH the list is pretty dismal. I notice Dr Somboon (plastic surgeon) is listed, but he's listed at Rajavej, Ram, Sripat and his own clinic, so I guess face lifts aren't in too much demand.

For a stranger coming here, they wouldn't realise that BH has a relative list of newbies, or even care. State of the art equipment, beautiful surroundings, young doctors with big smiles would all contribute to a sense of well being. The high prices would of course increase a person's confidence that they are getting 'the best' and I wish them well.

For me, like NJ the glitzy surroundings mean nothing and I wouldn't go there based on my research unless I collapsed outside. I much prefer to stick to the system that has served me well over the years, i.e. do your research, ask around lots of questions, find a doctor that fits the bill for you and go wherever he/she practices.

[Mapguy]

...do your research, ask around lots of questions, find a doctor that fits the bill for you and go wherever he/she practices.

Smart!

Edited December 19, 2015 by Mapguy

[MESmith]

I don't know if Bangkok Hospital's price will still be 17,000 baht then. Once you go to the hospital a few times, they'll send you SMS messages with special offers. And, as I mentioned, if you're a member of CEC and read the e-Newsletter, you'll be up-to-date on special offers. I don't see anything wrong with the hospital having special promotions to entice new customers, nor to bring in people during slower times of the year.

I know of at least three well-established CM doctors who have "aged out" of their hospitals and now practice at Bangkok Hospital -- bringing some of their loyal patients with them.

So it's not all "two star doctors in a five star setting" as NorthernJohn described it.

Give it up Nancy I did not say it was all two star doctors at Bangkok hospital. Sorry it went right over your head I was inferring that the doctor is the number one concern not the hospital.

Whoopee wingee de do do you know some that were aged out of their hospital. I know one who was not and I know one who should have been aged out at 40. Did you every stop to consider there was might be another reason for them being aged out of their hospital?

Why you choose to imply that they all are is beyond me. I don't get around them that much and even I know that is wrong. People have the rite to know the truth when dealing with their health.

I notice Dr Somboon (plastic surgeon) is listed, but he's listed at Rajavej, Ram, Sripat and his own clinic, so I guess face lifts aren't in too much demand.

I bet, nose & boob jobs are

[Konini]

Give it up Nancy I did not say it was all two star doctors at Bangkok hospital. Sorry it went right over your head I was inferring that the doctor is the number one concern not the hospital.

Whoopee wingee de do do you know some that were aged out of their hospital. I know one who was not and I know one who should have been aged out at 40. Did you every stop to consider there was might be another reason for them being aged out of their hospital?

Why you choose to imply that they all are is beyond me. I don't get around them that much and even I know that is wrong. People have the rite to know the truth when dealing with their health.

I'm probably being a bit dim, but I don't understand aged out - in the immortal words of Pauline Hanson, Please Explain.

[NancyL]

"aged out" i.e. forced retirement because someone became too old

[northernjohn]

Give it up Nancy I did not say it was all two star doctors at Bangkok hospital. Sorry it went right over your head I was inferring that the doctor is the number one concern not the hospital.

Whoopee wingee de do do you know some that were aged out of their hospital. I know one who was not and I know one who should have been aged out at 40. Did you every stop to consider there was might be another reason for them being aged out of their hospital?

Why you choose to imply that they all are is beyond me. I don't get around them that much and even I know that is wrong. People have the rite to know the truth when dealing with their health.

I'm probably being a bit dim, but I don't understand aged out - in the immortal words of Pauline Hanson, Please Explain.

I used the term Nancy used. I just assumed to the best of my knowledge it meant retired at 60 as that is not an uncommon experience here in Thailand.

[NancyL]

I don't know if Bangkok Hospital's price will still be 17,000 baht then. Once you go to the hospital a few times, they'll send you SMS messages with special offers. And, as I mentioned, if you're a member of CEC and read the e-Newsletter, you'll be up-to-date on special offers. I don't see anything wrong with the hospital having special promotions to entice new customers, nor to bring in people during slower times of the year.

I know of at least three well-established CM doctors who have "aged out" of their hospitals and now practice at Bangkok Hospital -- bringing some of their loyal patients with them.

So it's not all "two star doctors in a five star setting" as NorthernJohn described it.

Give it up Nancy I did not say it was all two star doctors at Bangkok hospital. Sorry it went right over your head I was inferring that the doctor is the number one concern not the hospital.

Whoopee wingee de do do you know some that were aged out of their hospital. I know one who was not and I know one who should have been aged out at 40. Did you every stop to consider there was might be another reason for them being aged out of their hospital?

Why you choose to imply that they all are is beyond me. I don't get around them that much and even I know that is wrong. People have the rite to know the truth when dealing with their health.

I've just gone through all the disciplines at BH and brought up the doctors under each discipline.

There are a couple I know, Dr Chuksopan (ortho) previously full time at Rajavej and one or two others that I think I might have heard of. Most seem to be younger doctors who have practiced after completing their studies in Chiang Mai University, that's not to say they aren't any good. There are a few older guys well over 65 who did some training and work abroad, but for a 'world class' hospital, TBH the list is pretty dismal. I notice Dr Somboon (plastic surgeon) is listed, but he's listed at Rajavej, Ram, Sripat and his own clinic, so I guess face lifts aren't in too much demand.

For a stranger coming here, they wouldn't realise that BH has a relative list of newbies, or even care. State of the art equipment, beautiful surroundings, young doctors with big smiles would all contribute to a sense of well being. The high prices would of course increase a person's confidence that they are getting 'the best' and I wish them well.

For me, like NJ the glitzy surroundings mean nothing and I wouldn't go there based on my research unless I collapsed outside. I much prefer to stick to the system that has served me The over the years, i.e. do your research, ask around lots of questions, find a doctor that fits the bill for you and go wherever he/she practices.

If you're using the Bangkok Hospital website to find the list of their doctor's then you're missing the boat. I intend to review this with their marketing people in a meeting next week. Many of their best doctors only hold clinic hours few hours a week and aren't on their website. At least not on their English language website.

But, this defect really isn't anything unique to Bangkok Hospital, is it? You find it all over Thailand. But. it does knock them down half a star from being a five star hospital and it gives the GOM brigade something to pick apart from behind their keyboards without actually going to visit the place.

[northernjohn]

I don't know if Bangkok Hospital's price will still be 17,000 baht then. Once you go to the hospital a few times, they'll send you SMS messages with special offers. And, as I mentioned, if you're a member of CEC and read the e-Newsletter, you'll be up-to-date on special offers. I don't see anything wrong with the hospital having special promotions to entice new customers, nor to bring in people during slower times of the year.

I know of at least three well-established CM doctors who have "aged out" of their hospitals and now practice at Bangkok Hospital -- bringing some of their loyal patients with them.

So it's not all "two star doctors in a five star setting" as NorthernJohn described it.

Give it up Nancy I did not say it was all two star doctors at Bangkok hospital. Sorry it went right over your head I was inferring that the doctor is the number one concern not the hospital.

Whoopee wingee de do do you know some that were aged out of their hospital. I know one who was not and I know one who should have been aged out at 40. Did you every stop to consider there was might be another reason for them being aged out of their hospital?

Why you choose to imply that they all are is beyond me. I don't get around them that much and even I know that is wrong. People have the rite to know the truth when dealing with their health.

I've just gone through all the disciplines at BH and brought up the doctors under each discipline.

There are a couple I know, Dr Chuksopan (ortho) previously full time at Rajavej and one or two others that I think I might have heard of. Most seem to be younger doctors who have practiced after completing their studies in Chiang Mai University, that's not to say they aren't any good. There are a few older guys well over 65 who did some training and work abroad, but for a 'world class' hospital, TBH the list is pretty dismal. I notice Dr Somboon (plastic surgeon) is listed, but he's listed at Rajavej, Ram, Sripat and his own clinic, so I guess face lifts aren't in too much demand.

For a stranger coming here, they wouldn't realise that BH has a relative list of newbies, or even care. State of the art equipment, beautiful surroundings, young doctors with big smiles would all contribute to a sense of well being. The high prices would of course increase a person's confidence that they are getting 'the best' and I wish them well.

For me, like NJ the glitzy surroundings mean nothing and I wouldn't go there based on my research unless I collapsed outside. I much prefer to stick to the system that has served me well over the years, i.e. do your research, ask around lots of questions, find a doctor that fits the bill for you and go wherever he/she practices.

Thanks for your opinion. I don't know what your past is but when it comes to medical I have found you to be very knowledgeable.

Dr Chuksopan (ortho) did my hip at Rajavej and now a friend is scheduled for late next month with him for the same thing at the one by the university Sara phat. Sorry about the spelling. I am going to have to get me a sticky for the correct spelling.

When he did my hip I asked him if he could do it at other hospitals and he said yes the one I can't spell and the Ram But they were both much higher priced then.

[NancyL]

It's Sriphat Hospital. In Thai the "r" is silent.

Oh,incidentally I was surfing thru their Thai website and found they're running a special on colonoscopies for 12,000 baht right now. Go for it. I guess the holidays are slow times for procedures like this.

[elektrified]

Give it up Nancy I did not say it was all two star doctors at Bangkok hospital. Sorry it went right over your head I was inferring that the doctor is the number one concern not the hospital.

Whoopee wingee de do do you know some that were aged out of their hospital. I know one who was not and I know one who should have been aged out at 40. Did you every stop to consider there was might be another reason for them being aged out of their hospital?

Why you choose to imply that they all are is beyond me. I don't get around them that much and even I know that is wrong. People have the rite to know the truth when dealing with their health.

I notice Dr Somboon (plastic surgeon) is listed, but he's listed at Rajavej, Ram, Sripat and his own clinic, so I guess face lifts aren't in too much demand.

I bet, nose & boob jobs are

As well as those awful long chin implants which are so popular with both the ladies and the khatoeys. personally i think they look awful. a friend once showed me a video of the procedure and they use a hammer to pound the plastic implant into the bottom of the mouth.

[uptheos]

I don't know if Bangkok Hospital's price will still be 17,000 baht then. Once you go to the hospital a few times, they'll send you SMS messages with special offers. And, as I mentioned, if you're a member of CEC and read the e-Newsletter, you'll be up-to-date on special offers. I don't see anything wrong with the hospital having special promotions to entice new customers, nor to bring in people during slower times of the year.

I know of at least three well-established CM doctors who have "aged out" of their hospitals and now practice at Bangkok Hospital -- bringing some of their loyal patients with them.

So it's not all "two star doctors in a five star setting" as NorthernJohn described it.

Give it up Nancy I did not say it was all two star doctors at Bangkok hospital. Sorry it went right over your head I was inferring that the doctor is the number one concern not the hospital.

Whoopee wingee de do do you know some that were aged out of their hospital. I know one who was not and I know one who should have been aged out at 40. Did you every stop to consider there was might be another reason for them being aged out of their hospital?

Why you choose to imply that they all are is beyond me. I don't get around them that much and even I know that is wrong. People have the rite to know the truth when dealing with their health.

I've just gone through all the disciplines at BH and brought up the doctors under each discipline.

There are a couple I know, Dr Chuksopan (ortho) previously full time at Rajavej and one or two others that I think I might have heard of. Most seem to be younger doctors who have practiced after completing their studies in Chiang Mai University, that's not to say they aren't any good. There are a few older guys well over 65 who did some training and work abroad, but for a 'world class' hospital, TBH the list is pretty dismal. I notice Dr Somboon (plastic surgeon) is listed, but he's listed at Rajavej, Ram, Sripat and his own clinic, so I guess face lifts aren't in too much demand.

For a stranger coming here, they wouldn't realise that BH has a relative list of newbies, or even care. State of the art equipment, beautiful surroundings, young doctors with big smiles would all contribute to a sense of well being. The high prices would of course increase a person's confidence that they are getting 'the best' and I wish them well.

For me, like NJ the glitzy surroundings mean nothing and I wouldn't go there based on my research unless I collapsed outside. I much prefer to stick to the system that has served me well over the years, i.e. do your research, ask around lots of questions, find a doctor that fits the bill for you and go wherever he/she practices.

Thanks for your opinion. I don't know what your past is but when it comes to medical I have found you to be very knowledgeable.

Dr Chuksopan (ortho) did my hip at Rajavej and now a friend is scheduled for late next month with him for the same thing at the one by the university Sara phat. Sorry about the spelling. I am going to have to get me a sticky for the correct spelling.

When he did my hip I asked him if he could do it at other hospitals and he said yes the one I can't spell and the Ram But they were both much higher priced then.

I like Dr Chuksopan, he is knowledgeable and has a nice manner.

I did have some work done on a bone on my ankle by him, with success.

My guess is that, he probably left in order for Dr Chanakarn to take over, considering that family practically own the hospital. If your friend comes over tell him/her to get different quotes and ask Dr Chuksopan to do it wherever is cheapest. How is your hip NJ has everything gone well?

All the best and Merry Xmas - Ups

[uptheos]

I don't know if Bangkok Hospital's price will still be 17,000 baht then. Once you go to the hospital a few times, they'll send you SMS messages with special offers. And, as I mentioned, if you're a member of CEC and read the e-Newsletter, you'll be up-to-date on special offers. I don't see anything wrong with the hospital having special promotions to entice new customers, nor to bring in people during slower times of the year.

I know of at least three well-established CM doctors who have "aged out" of their hospitals and now practice at Bangkok Hospital -- bringing some of their loyal patients with them.

So it's not all "two star doctors in a five star setting" as NorthernJohn described it.

Give it up Nancy I did not say it was all two star doctors at Bangkok hospital. Sorry it went right over your head I was inferring that the doctor is the number one concern not the hospital.

Whoopee wingee de do do you know some that were aged out of their hospital. I know one who was not and I know one who should have been aged out at 40. Did you every stop to consider there was might be another reason for them being aged out of their hospital?

Why you choose to imply that they all are is beyond me. I don't get around them that much and even I know that is wrong. People have the rite to know the truth when dealing with their health.

I've just gone through all the disciplines at BH and brought up the doctors under each discipline.

There are a couple I know, Dr Chuksopan (ortho) previously full time at Rajavej and one or two others that I think I might have heard of. Most seem to be younger doctors who have practiced after completing their studies in Chiang Mai University, that's not to say they aren't any good. There are a few older guys well over 65 who did some training and work abroad, but for a 'world class' hospital, TBH the list is pretty dismal. I notice Dr Somboon (plastic surgeon) is listed, but he's listed at Rajavej, Ram, Sripat and his own clinic, so I guess face lifts aren't in too much demand.

For a stranger coming here, they wouldn't realise that BH has a relative list of newbies, or even care. State of the art equipment, beautiful surroundings, young doctors with big smiles would all contribute to a sense of well being. The high prices would of course increase a person's confidence that they are getting 'the best' and I wish them well.

For me, like NJ the glitzy surroundings mean nothing and I wouldn't go there based on my research unless I collapsed outside. I much prefer to stick to the system that has served me The over the years, i.e. do your research, ask around lots of questions, find a doctor that fits the bill for you and go wherever he/she practices.

If you're using the Bangkok Hospital website to find the list of their doctor's then you're missing the boat. I intend to review this with their marketing people in a meeting next week. Many of their best doctors only hold clinic hours few hours a week and aren't on their website. At least not on their English language website.

But, this defect really isn't anything unique to Bangkok Hospital, is it? You find it all over Thailand. But. it does knock them down half a star from being a five star hospital and it gives the GOM brigade something to pick apart from behind their keyboards without actually going to visit the place.

Can you name a few please?

[NancyL]

I'll give you an update after my meeting on Wednesday with the Bangkok Hospital marketing lady.

[elektrified]

Some of these places really should update their websites. Last week I sent my wife to Elite to see Dr. Benjaporn whom I like very much. The wife had a tooth that broke in 2 pcs. Dr. Benjaporn, they told her, didn't do repairs like that. The wife called and asked me if there was another dentist recommended. I checked the threads on TV and gave her 2 names of Elite dentists; one of which uptheos recommended and one which chiang mai had recommended. They told her that both of those dentists were fully booked for the next month and they recommended another dentist whom she saw right away. That dentist recommended another dentist for the job. She went back that evening to get the job done. She couldn't remember the name of the first dentist but the 2nd one who did the repair (with no anesthetic!) was "Dr. Lily". The wife said she didn't see either one of them on the Elite website.