Spine MRI cost in Thailand

[Zikomat]

Today I visited Bangkok Phuket hospital and asked the doctor about the price of Spinal MRI. After some consultation on the phone he informed me that it will be 30.000 baht for the whole spine scan. The price will be reduced to 16000 if it will be only upper spine scanned. I was in a real shock. First, I already asked the same question six month ago but at the different hospital (it was Bangkok Samui). Then I was quoted 12000 baht for the whole spine MRI. I also check on the internet and see that in my country (Russia) the price of the whole MRI Spinal scan is between 11.000 to 14.000 roubles (6000- 7500 baht). What is going on here? Can it be that the Hospital tries to squeeze from me the price which is 3-5 times bigger than the price available for the Thai people at the same hospital? Can this be possible at the big hospital like Bangkok Phuket ?

[johnatong]

Why do you want/need a whole spine MRI?

Is this something a specialist doctor has advised ?

You could inquire about cost at the place in the link ----

http://www.mrithailand.com/index.php?lang=en

I do not think you will find anything cheaper in Thailand outside maybe the Government Hospitals (Vachira being the government hospital in Phuket town http://www.vachiraphuket.go.th/ )

There is no "Thai price" at the Bangkok Phuket Hospital.

[Sheryl]

Certainly there are large mark-ups at Thai hospitals. And hospitals in touristy areas will usually be more than in Bangkok. Quality may be lower,

A whole spine MRI is seldom necessary. More often people need MRI of the cervical or lumbar spine, depending on the problem.

Typical private hospital rates for an MRI of the cervical or lumbar spine (not whole spine) ranges 9,000 - 14,000 depending on hospital. 16,000 is higher than usual, but not surprising on Phuket.

Need to consider whether you need an MRI with or without contrast and for that should be advised by the doctor who is treating whatever problem it is you have. If you have not yet seen a doctor, getting an MRI on your own may be a waste of time and money -- you may not need one, or you may get the wrong type.

[Zikomat]

 

Certainly there are large mark-ups at Thai hospitals. And hospitals in touristy areas will usually be more than in Bangkok. Quality may be lower,

A whole spine MRI is seldom necessary. More often people need MRI of the cervical or lumbar spine, depending on the problem.

Typical private hospital rates for an MRI of the cervical or lumbar spine (not whole spine) ranges 9,000 - 14,000 depending on hospital. 16,000 is higher than usual, but not surprising on Phuket.

Need to consider whether you need an MRI with or without contrast and for that should be advised by the doctor who is treating whatever problem it is you have. If you have not yet seen a doctor, getting an MRI on your own may be a waste of time and money -- you may not need one, or you may get the wrong type.

 

Thank you for reply. Could you please tell me what an MRI with contrast is used for?

[Sheryl]

It is used when it is important to visualize blood vessels, e.g. when a problem with the blood vessels, or a tumor (which would be vascular) is suspected. It is not necessary for most orthopedic problems.

I do not recommend undergoing MRI with contrast media at an imaging clinic, only a hospital. A small percentage of people suffer serious adverse reactions to the dye that is injected.

[krey]

I got my lower spine area done a couple weeks ago at BNH hospital which included the MRI and X-rays of that area

costs me 13 000 but the above poster is correct it changes I was told 16000 at another in Bangkok. It certainly has gone up as I paid 9000 at BNH 5 years ago.. I picked BHN as I have a history there and wanted to see a particular doctor

[cheeryble]

Sorry to butt in on thread but looks like your answers are more or less there..........

I went to the ortho doctor with a difficult right shoulder slightly tender left one.

Good news Xray he said showed no arthritis.

He injected into both sides and said any problem go here (gave me request form) and have MRI.

What happened then was right shoulder improved very much (suggesting inflammation?) but left shoulder deteriorated a lot....no real problem before and I don't remember doing anything to strain it. Odd, I thought.

As I was slightly confused I thought why not for a few hundred baht pop in to the ortho doctor at the Ram where my wife works so I go regularly, and ask him what happened....why the left now?

I liked his manner and he did simple strength tests on my arms at various angles.

IT showed that the left arm was somewhat weaker.......though it still had considerable strength.

He suggested an MRI on the left.

As I pay for all procedures myself this alone was an advantage as even at the reduced rate it's 8000 per side and the first doc had requested both sides. One side saved....maybe.

He suggested there may be some tearing of the rotator cuff.

He said if it's more than 50% torn you need surgery.

If less you need rehabilitation exercises.

Well if I was a doc i'd probably order the MRI too, why not and especially as he's not paying.

But what chance is there of a 50% tear when I have fair power left in the left side and it's more the discomfort in certain positions?

Is it worth paying or shall I carry on avoiding strenuous exercise that side but doing things which circulate the blood and keep it moving and hope for improvement?

(e.g. I've adjusted my yoga to lessen arm load and work on torso and legs more. Stopped swimming crawl which is a bit tender but doing breast and back stroke which are pretty much comfortable)

I'll add that even arthroscopic surgery for tear takes recovery time, may or may not be efficacious, may last a limited time or more damage may occur in future ........all at a cost of 180-240,000 per side. Hmmm......

Shall I just go and do the MRI?

As a self insurer am I being mean with my health or cautiously sensible?

Any alternatives?

Edited May 19, 2016 by cheeryble

[Zikomat]

I made C-spine and brain MRI eventually. It turned out the real prices were quite lower than the doctor quoted me in the beginning. MRI brain for 12500 and C-spine for 10000. Still not cheap but much more reasonable.

[scubascuba3]

Sorry to butt in on thread but looks like your answers are more or less there..........

I went to the ortho doctor with a difficult right shoulder slightly tender left one.

Good news Xray he said showed no arthritis.

He injected into both sides and said any problem go here (gave me request form) and have MRI.

What happened then was right shoulder improved very much (suggesting inflammation?) but left shoulder deteriorated a lot....no real problem before and I don't remember doing anything to strain it. Odd, I thought.

As I was slightly confused I thought why not for a few hundred baht pop in to the ortho doctor at the Ram where my wife works so I go regularly, and ask him what happened....why the left now?

I liked his manner and he did simple strength tests on my arms at various angles.

IT showed that the left arm was somewhat weaker.......though it still had considerable strength.

He suggested an MRI on the left.

As I pay for all procedures myself this alone was an advantage as even at the reduced rate it's 8000 per side and the first doc had requested both sides. One side saved....maybe.

He suggested there may be some tearing of the rotator cuff.

He said if it's more than 50% torn you need surgery.

If less you need rehabilitation exercises.

Well if I was a doc i'd probably order the MRI too, why not and especially as he's not paying.

But what chance is there of a 50% tear when I have fair power left in the left side and it's more the discomfort in certain positions?

Is it worth paying or shall I carry on avoiding strenuous exercise that side but doing things which circulate the blood and keep it moving and hope for improvement?

(e.g. I've adjusted my yoga to lessen arm load and work on torso and legs more. Stopped swimming crawl which is a bit tender but doing breast and back stroke which are pretty much comfortable)

I'll add that even arthroscopic surgery for tear takes recovery time, may or may not be efficacious, may last a limited time or more damage may occur in future ........all at a cost of 180-240,000 per side. Hmmm......

Shall I just go and do the MRI?

As a self insurer am I being mean with my health or cautiously sensible?

Any alternatives?

I think i have a torn rotator cuff. My private doc in UK suggested surgery but only likely to be 50/50 successful so i decided to leave it and its fine now, I'm just careful with it. Same with my torn meniscus, op was scheduled in, i decided to leave it due to work and now after a length of time its fine. Moral to the story sometimes ops are unnecessary, try letting it heal first,maybe 6 months/year.

[johnatong]

Sorry to butt in on thread but looks like your answers are more or less there..........

I went to the ortho doctor with a difficult right shoulder slightly tender left one.

Good news Xray he said showed no arthritis.

He injected into both sides and said any problem go here (gave me request form) and have MRI.

What happened then was right shoulder improved very much (suggesting inflammation?) but left shoulder deteriorated a lot....no real problem before and I don't remember doing anything to strain it. Odd, I thought.

As I was slightly confused I thought why not for a few hundred baht pop in to the ortho doctor at the Ram where my wife works so I go regularly, and ask him what happened....why the left now?

I liked his manner and he did simple strength tests on my arms at various angles.

IT showed that the left arm was somewhat weaker.......though it still had considerable strength.

He suggested an MRI on the left.

As I pay for all procedures myself this alone was an advantage as even at the reduced rate it's 8000 per side and the first doc had requested both sides. One side saved....maybe.

He suggested there may be some tearing of the rotator cuff.

He said if it's more than 50% torn you need surgery.

If less you need rehabilitation exercises.

Well if I was a doc i'd probably order the MRI too, why not and especially as he's not paying.

But what chance is there of a 50% tear when I have fair power left in the left side and it's more the discomfort in certain positions?

Is it worth paying or shall I carry on avoiding strenuous exercise that side but doing things which circulate the blood and keep it moving and hope for improvement?

(e.g. I've adjusted my yoga to lessen arm load and work on torso and legs more. Stopped swimming crawl which is a bit tender but doing breast and back stroke which are pretty much comfortable)

I'll add that even arthroscopic surgery for tear takes recovery time, may or may not be efficacious, may last a limited time or more damage may occur in future ........all at a cost of 180-240,000 per side. Hmmm......

Shall I just go and do the MRI?

As a self insurer am I being mean with my health or cautiously sensible?

Any alternatives?

The link contains information which may assist you in making a decision.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rotator-cuff-injury/home/ovc-20126921

[cheeryble]

I think i have a torn rotator cuff. My private doc in UK suggested surgery but only likely to be 50/50 successful so i decided to leave it and its fine now, I'm just careful with it. Same with my torn meniscus, op was scheduled in, i decided to leave it due to work and now after a length of time its fine. Moral to the story sometimes ops are unnecessary, try letting it heal first,maybe 6 months/year.

Thanks for that.....

There is a factor involved I was told that bad (I think complete) tears may gradually retract and become inoperable after time.

Doubt if that's the case with me

[Sheryl]

This is true with severe tears, delay is unadvisable.

If the doctor who advised you to have an MRI was a shoulder specialist, I'd recommend you do it. If not, then I suggest you consult one. Dr. Chanakarn Phornphutkul is good. He is at Sripat and also at Rajavej http://www.rajavejchiangmai.com/hospital/physicians/orthopedists/chiang-mai-orthopedists.html and also has a private clinic, the latter is evenings and Saturday mornings only. The clinic is located on Charoenprathet, on the right after the river if coming from Rajavej.

BTW steroid injections are contraindicated in rotator cuff injuries and will further weaken the ligament.

[cheeryble]

Thanks Sheryl it was in fact Dr Chanakarn who I first saw, got an X-ray, and injected both sides.

I believe the injections may be a form of diagnosis i.e. if the problem disappears, albeit only for a while, it's inflammation. If not, it's more an injury.

I think i caught that but am not at all sure.

[bootly66]

On 5/19/2016 at 12:23 PM, Zikomat said:

I made C-spine and brain MRI eventually. It turned out the real prices were quite lower than the doctor quoted me in the beginning. MRI brain for 12500 and C-spine for 10000. Still not cheap but much more reasonable.

Where??

[siam2007]

23 hours ago, bootly66 said:

Where??

 

If you know exactly what you need then you can go to that place by yourself.

www.mrithailand.com

They have several branches but I went to their main branch a few KM North of Chatuchak which turned out to be a good idea. The prices are reasonable, equipment is up to date (though the MRI is 1,5T only and not the most modern 3T, but even Bumrungrad only has a 1.5T machine) and the facility clean. It is not a 5-star facility as you would find it at Bumrungrad, BNH or BKK Hospital, but the people know what they are doing, and your result will be reviewed and evaluated by a radiologist MD (you get the CD and a report in English). If you call the main branch, ask to speak to Khun MARUT (or nickname "PALM"), who is an extremely friendly and helpful young man with fluent English and who will help you and guide you through the entire process. Saved me 10K Baht compared to what I was quoted by a private hospital.

 

[siam2007]

23 hours ago, bootly66 said:

Where??

 

sorry my post was duplicated for a reason I don't know

Edited October 15, 2017 by siam2007

[poanoi]

is MRI scan = Cat / CT scan ?

also does anyone know of a good price in pattaya ?

[Sheryl]

3 hours ago, poanoi said:

is MRI scan = Cat / CT scan ?

also does anyone know of a good price in pattaya ?

MRI and CT (CAT) scan are different things.

 

You will not get the best price on either one in Pattaya.

 

Should first consult a relevant specialist to see what, if any, sort of scan you need. Then if you need either a CT or an MRI and provided you need it without contrast, thsi place in Bangkok is as good a price as you are likely to get

http://www.mrithailand.com/

[uncleeagle]

It might be cheaper even in Singapore.

 

I had an MRI of my spine and  it was about S$800 which would be roughly 20,000 baht, luckily nothing wrong. But that was Mount Elizabeth, the most expensive hospital in Singapore and a well known rip off merchant as I later discovered.

 

Get some quotes first though from a few different hospitals, eg Tang Tok Seng (maybe misspelled).

 

Or if you want to save even more look into Malaysia, either KL or Penang. 

 

I noticed a long time ago that prices in the foreign targeted Thai hospitals are very high, for everything from a basic blood test for cholesterol and on from there.

 

Do some research and shop around, I am fairly sure it will be well worth your time. And wherever you go make sure you get a copy of the MRI either on a DVD or by email, including the radiographers comments.

Edited December 28, 2017 by uncleeagle

[poanoi]

On 12/26/2017 at 6:42 PM, Sheryl said:

MRI and CT (CAT) scan are different things.

 

You will not get the best price on either one in Pattaya.

 

Should first consult a relevant specialist to see what, if any, sort of scan you need. Then if you need either a CT or an MRI and provided you need it without contrast, thsi place in Bangkok is as good a price as you are likely to get

http://www.mrithailand.com/

Sheryl: there is nothing in this world i loath more than discussing my back with a doctor,

i get depressed and upset before i even meet him, and meeting the doctor just confirmed i should never have bothered.

i messed up my lower back 27 years ago by bending over and lifting with my back,

for a day when i was too exhausted to move my feet any longer.

 

i cant walk or stand more than 10 minutes before pain builds up,

i cant sit without good back support, and i cant sleep on a foam mattress either.

 

should i CT or MRI ?

[Sheryl]

And what are you hoing to do with this scan, frame it on your wall[emoji57]

 

There is no avoiding the need to do see a doctor, the scan is useless unless reviewed by a good dpinal specialist. And seeing one BEFORE getting a scan ensures that (1) you don't wadte money if a scan wad not necessary (it often isn't-- a simple Xray and physical exam may suffice) and (2) get the right type of scan if one is needed.

 

If you insist on this MRI is better at visualizing intervertebral discs than CT. But it may be a waste of money if not necessary to diagnose your problem.

 

As to talking to the doctor being a waste of time, change doctors and see a good spinal specialist. See recimmendations in prior posts above.

 

 

 

 

Sent from my SM-J701F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

 

 

 

 

[VocalNeal]

12 minutes ago, poanoi said:

i messed up my lower back 27 years ago by bending over and lifting with my back,

 I spent some days in hospital under tension and some weeks off work after lifting a snow mobile out of the snow about 35 years ago. So I would say that 27 years ago you strained one of the six muscles that support your back which has never repaired itself.  Buy hey I'm not a doctor just a previous sufferer.

 

What exercises have you been doing for the past 27 years? 

 

BTW my mother is in constant pain with symptoms similar to yours. They say there is nothing they can do other than medication which doesn't work. She is stoic.

Edited December 28, 2017 by VocalNeal

[poanoi]

40 minutes ago, VocalNeal said:

 I spent some days in hospital under tension and some weeks off work after lifting a snow mobile out of the snow about 35 years ago. So I would say that 27 years ago you strained one of the six muscles that support your back which has never repaired itself.  Buy hey I'm not a doctor just a previous sufferer.

 

What exercises have you been doing for the past 27 years? 

 

BTW my mother is in constant pain with symptoms similar to yours. They say there is nothing they can do other than medication which doesn't work. She is stoic.

yes, they did x-ray and they said one of two things:

A: nothing to do, suck it up, x-ray dont show squat

B: here <deleted>, take these useless pills, bye !

 

i could recover by working out /body building 4 days a week according to physicians principle for 1 year straight, but i dont do that unless i got access to quality massage when ever i need

 

another way of recovering was an anti inflammation medicine that was new at the time.

it worked, but as is typical with me i overdid it and went on a fishing tour for a week,

and after that week, i could not sit up without back support,

and the medicine didnt work any longer

Edited December 28, 2017 by poanoi

[VocalNeal]

OK. There are a few basic lying on the floor exercises. 

 

A few years after my experience I went with a guy to play squash.:-(  After the game I couldn't stand upright :-)

This was in Malaysia and we went to a local clinic where a Chinese doctor attacked the underside of my foot with a spoon!  Agony but it worked i took the next day off and went to the pool (27 degrees C) and floated around with polystyrene floats under my arms all day. Bingo. The floating takes the weight off but you can still gyrate around in the water using various muscle groups to do so.

 

35 years ago I was on muscle relaxants in hospital. Ones shaped like miniature houses. Didn't see the doctor for two days!

 

So go swimming a lot and do the exercises on the mat everyday. You'll find them somewhere on the interweb. When you can walk a bit further get a dog!  That's just a joke but... 

 

Every village has a massage person somewhere near. 

Edited December 28, 2017 by VocalNeal

[impulse]

7 minutes ago, VocalNeal said:

Every village has a massage person somewhere near. 

 

Be careful there, though.  A poorly trained massage person can do more harm than good on an already damaged part.  But a good one is amazing.

 

[poanoi]

what works for me is exercises where i first lock my back in a fixed position,

and then put pressure on it, like for example squats, and triceps push on the rope-weight machine.

 

for massage: i have to teach how its done for it to work properly,

the swedish form of massage when you squeeze out the acids from the muscles like you squeeze out tooth paste from the tube, hard, really hard

[VocalNeal]

7 hours ago, poanoi said:

what works for me is exercises where i first lock my back in a fixed position,

and then put pressure on it, like for example squats, and triceps push on the rope-weight machine.

These are macho body building exercises and not floor back health exercises.

[poanoi]

2 hours ago, VocalNeal said:

These are macho body building exercises and not floor back health exercises.

one of the exercises the physician gave me was the triceps exercise,

she advised against anything that would cause me to bend my back,

swimming was not part of the training, and she recommended that if i should ever find myself in water, i should swim on back.

 

the gist of all exercises was: lock my back in a fixed position, then put a static force on the back, i later realized squats fits in the general principles she laid out, it wasnt one of the exercises she showed me, but it follows the principle

[Sheryl]

A series of posts and replies have been moved into a separate thread for clarity, see https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1018941-back-pain-after-emg/

 

[moontang]

On 5/19/2016 at 1:11 PM, scubascuba3 said:

On 5/19/2016 at 12:17 PM, cheeryble said:

Sorry to butt in on thread but looks like your answers are more or less there..........

I went to the ortho doctor with a difficult right shoulder slightly tender left one.

Good news Xray he said showed no arthritis.

He injected into both sides and said any problem go here (gave me request form) and have MRI.

What happened then was right shoulder improved very much (suggesting inflammation?) but left shoulder deteriorated a lot....no real problem before and I don't remember doing anything to strain it. Odd, I thought.

As I was slightly confused I thought why not for a few hundred baht pop in to the ortho doctor at the Ram where my wife works so I go regularly, and ask him what happened....why the left now?

I liked his manner and he did simple strength tests on my arms at various angles.

IT showed that the left arm was somewhat weaker.......though it still had considerable strength.

He suggested an MRI on the left.

As I pay for all procedures myself this alone was an advantage as even at the reduced rate it's 8000 per side and the first doc had requested both sides. One side saved....maybe.

He suggested there may be some tearing of the rotator cuff.

He said if it's more than 50% torn you need surgery.

If less you need rehabilitation exercises.

Well if I was a doc i'd probably order the MRI too, why not and especially as he's not paying.

But what chance is there of a 50% tear when I have fair power left in the left side and it's more the discomfort in certain positions?

Is it worth paying or shall I carry on avoiding strenuous exercise that side but doing things which circulate the blood and keep it moving and hope for improvement?

(e.g. I've adjusted my yoga to lessen arm load and work on torso and legs more. Stopped swimming crawl which is a bit tender but doing breast and back stroke which are pretty much comfortable)

I'll add that even arthroscopic surgery for tear takes recovery time, may or may not be efficacious, may last a limited time or more damage may occur in future ........all at a cost of 180-240,000 per side. Hmmm......

Shall I just go and do the MRI?

As a self insurer am I being mean with my health or cautiously sensible?

Any alternatives?

I think i have a torn rotator cuff. My private doc in UK suggested surgery but only likely to be 50/50 successful so i decided to leave it and its fine now, I'm just careful with it. Same with my torn meniscus, op was scheduled in, i decided to leave it due to work and now after a length of time its fine. Moral to the story sometimes ops are unnecessary, try letting it heal first,maybe 6 months/year.

agreed.  surgery will never make it good as new and there is a fair chance time would have been a better improvement.  Same for the ruptured disks....I think even the doctors are admitting it oft3n heals better itself....not re injuring is critical.  Oh, and the risk of infection???  yikes.