How do I see a skin specialist

[gelamb]

Hello, I have yet to use the Thai health system and need some advice.

I have a small lump on my chest and would like to see a skin specialist just to eliminate the possibility of it being cancerous. I have had something similar removed from my calf some years ago.

What is the procedure for seeing such a specialist? Do you just go to the local hospital? Thanks in advance.

[alfieconn]

Ring Ram Hospital and ask for an appt with Dr Vachirapom 053 9205132 053 920333.

[gelamb]

Thanks alfieconn

[Tywais]

Ring Ram Hospital and ask for an appt with Dr Vachirapom 053 9205132 053 920333.

You can also email them, their response time is usually very quick. Also a thumbs up for the above Doctor.

[gelamb]

Do you happen to have their email address? Also, what are the payment procedures - cash, CC?

[Tywais]

Do you happen to have their email address? Also, what are the payment procedures - cash, CC?

Email can be found on their main page - http://www.chiangmairam.com/NEW%20CMR/About%20Eng/contact%20CMR%20Eng.html

Payment by cash or credit card is fine.

[Loaded]

Ring Ram Hospital and ask for an appt with Dr Vachirapom 053 9205132 053 920333.

+1

[Sheryl]

Fine to start with a dermatologist but if it is a lipoma or other subcutaneous mass he may need to refer you to a general surgeon.

[Tywais]

Fine to start with a dermatologist but if it is a lipoma or other subcutaneous mass he may need to refer you to a general surgeon.

Good point and exactly what happened with me. Went in to have something on my neck examined that wasn't going away after several months. She did a close visual and suspected a BCC so did a biopsy. Returned positive and she recommended either a general surgeon or a cosmetic surgeon for removal as it was too advanced for laser removal. If it so happens it needs surgical removal I can recommend a very good general surgeon who removed mine.

[uptheos]

Ring Ram Hospital and ask for an appt with Dr Vachirapom 053 9205132 053 920333.

+1

+2

[Dante99]

Dr Chatbongkoch at Ram is also good.

[Tywais]

Dr Chatbongkoch at Ram is also good.

Yes, I've also used her and quite competent.

//also, a nonsense post removed by another member.

[CMKiwi]

It wasnt my post but initially I thought as a reply to the topic...one only has to open ones eyes.

On a serious note however, it always pays to get lumps checked out. I maybe a simple lipoma (fatty lump) but then it could be something more sinister. Best safe than sorry, either way getting it checked saves a lot of worry.

Well done to the OP for the query. Funny how health takes a bigger priority as we age....whats with that?

[Trujillo]

I have always had good results at Lanna Hospital. Including skin cancer.

Ram skin clinic/section on the roof I would avoid like the plague, no pun intended. Enough said.

[gelamb]

I have always had good results at Lanna Hospital. Including skin cancer.

Ram skin clinic/section on the roof I would avoid like the plague, no pun intended. Enough said.

Why - what was the problem?

[sappersrest]

Lanna hospital is also very good, they have a skin specialist there ,went to see him with a suspect BCC, turned up at 12.30 consultation at 1pm biopsy done at 1.30. back in 5 days for results (all clear) total cost inclusive 4700 baht. good service friendly efficient staff.All in all a great hospital .

Edited December 27, 2015 by sappersrest

[gelamb]

Lanna hospital is also very good, they have a skin specialist there ,went to see him with a suspect BCC, turned up at 12.30 consultation at 1pm biopsy done at 1.30. back in 5 days for results (all clear) total cost inclusive 4700 baht. good service friendly efficient staff.All in all a great hospital .

But what was wrong at RAM - did you have a bad experience there?

[sappersrest]

Nothing wrong with Ram as far as I know.

Never been to Ram I just like Lanna and it is easy to get to from where Iive, I even think they are part of the same group as they are listed on Ram web site.

[cyberfarang]

I had something similar on the back of my neck. Started off like a spot then it grew bigger and bigger over time although it caused no discomfort or pain.

I went to a standard government hospital, no appointment, just walked in and waited. Saw a doctor and he confirmed it was a cyst. Whizzed me straight into surgery and cut the thing out. All done within 40 minutes and then home. Cost 700 baht in all. That was a few years back, it`s not returned since.

If the lump is softish and erupts from under the skin, more like a swelling then a exterior red lump, it`s more likely just a cyst. If it`s hard and reddish in colour it could be a tumour. This is what I was told at the hospital.

[orang37]

I have always had a good experience using the Maharaj Public Hospital on Thanon Suthep (also referred to as "Suan Dok" because it's very close to the famous Wat). Expats are handled by the "Sriphat" administrative unit on the ground-level floor of the building with the same name; registering there is easy, and referrals are quick.

Many of the doctors there are professors at the CMU Medical School, many trained abroad; many of these same doctors also practice at CM Ram and other hospitals, or have private clinics.

Cost will be very much less than CM Ram. Medicines purchased there will be less expensive. You may have to wait longer for an appointment, but once seeing the doctor you will be, I predict, quite satisfied with their level of interest in you, and willingness to spend time with you.

to your health, ~o:37;

[Trujillo]

PM me if you want the details.

Suffice it to say, since even true statements are considered "defamation" here (ergo, I was attacked and robbed and stabbed and set on fire, but if I post that "true" fact, my attacker could sue me for defamation), that one doctor was grossly incompetent and another did nothing about it when it was discovered.

[gelamb]

Firstly, thanks to you all for your input to my query.

Thought I'd report back on my experience. Made an appointment in late December with Ram Hospital and was scheduled for this morning (as Dr Vachiraporn was on leave).

Quick visit - very smooth registration process, Dr checked out my issue, thankfully it was just a Seborrheic Keratosis which is benign. Apparently, we get them as we age! I also asked about another skin problem on my toe. She identified it as a type of wart and applied 2 doses of liquid nitrogen. Sent me on my way (with a follow up appt if needed). Whole process took about 20 minutes. Cost - 820 baht

Conclusion - very happy with the whole process and outcome.

Thanks again all.

[jobin]

I go to Suan Dok Dermatology clinic once a year. With my ultra-white skin i am high risk in the tropics. The clinic is new, the staff great, the wait time in minutes, the cost most reasonable. The vast majority of docs here will give good treatment but as former poster mentioned the association with the CM Medical University gives Suan Dok first call on new ideas and treatments.