Comments on: Medical care in Thailand

By: Alexa

Alexa — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:57:00 +0000

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By: gallbladder symptoms

gallbladder symptoms — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 07:21:00 +0000

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Thanks for sharing all information about MEDICAL CARE IN THAILAND.

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By: Lipo

Lipo — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 04:56:00 +0000

Last year. 4 millions people are gone for cosmetic surgery in among them 91% patients are women which like to gone for breast augmentation , liposuction and tummy tuck.
Lipo

By: Lipo

Lipo — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 03:44:00 +0000

You are completely right that for perfect weight Liposuction is one of the best way. At first glance it appears that Liposuction is a non-effective way. But i have seen really good results(i.e One lady had lost 27lb in one day by liposuction surgeries, now she happy with her fit and svelte look/body). As we know that amount of celebrities gone for this surgery.

Lipo

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By: Odesk33

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But to get to an ideal weight where liposuction can help sculpt the body, steps are needed. A minimally invasive procedure, the LAP-BAND can help anyone needing to limit food intake as a way to assist in weight efforts. It is similar to a stomach-staple procedure, but is less complex.

By: Theresa_c2010

Theresa_c2010 — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 23:08:07 +0000

How can one get help to pay for medical bill due to an emergency by being rob and beaten there but has paid some on it but left with more to pay but don't have the money but guarantees they will pay the balance once getting back to the states.

how does one get help so they can take the person back to states for more medical assistance asap. Please reply Thankyou

By: full mouth dental implants

full mouth dental implants — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:35:35 +0000

I heard that Thailand is very famous for medical tourism. They have the best doctors to treat and all of them available at low cost. Thanks for sharing a vital information. Keep posting more like the same.

By: ok

ok — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 21:25:56 +0000

I’m sorry about your friend. That is an amazing story though, and I think paints the picture very clearly. I have had some similar experiences with Western European incompetence and have thought to myself “this would never happen in Panama.”

By: wildman

wildman — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:08:19 +0000

Sorry, I didn’ t finish that.

Patrick’s chemo in the Huntsman Cancer clinic in SLC would have cost $230,000 for the 12 treatment program. He had no insurance. I recommended he get overseas. I work much overseas, and knew he could get BETTER care at a fraction of the cost.

He did his resaearch and headed over to Mumbai. The exact same chemo drugs, administered with better care, plus an apartment and his travel cost a total of $20,000. That’s about 8% of the US cost.

And I am convinced he received better care. They also addressed his holistic perspectives, rather than simply hitting him with large doses of a semi-lethal drug.

This perhaps extended his life somewhat, though sadly he just recently passed away, back here in the US, under pathetic, cryptic, incompetent US care at the end, (they lost his medical folder, and the doctor read from a sticky note saying ‘there is no sign of cancer, you are on the road to recovery, when Patrick looked at the folder and said “that’s not my file!”) Patrick thought about this for a moment and then told the doctor “You know, this would not happen in India.” Really unbelievable

He was surrounded by friends and his dog at the end.

By: wildman

wildman — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:58:21 +0000

My dear friend Patrick had advanced cancer

By: steven crawford

steven crawford — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:16:01 +0000

Any reference where I could find a great cosmetic dentist in Thailand?

By: Jamie

Jamie — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:47:30 +0000

RL, I heard that LASIK was invented in Colombia and the Dr. is still practicing medicine there! Look into it.

By: Irvin

Irvin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:55:22 +0000

I am a physician who has just retired from practicing medicine for 54 years. I was born in Canada, have relatives there who are experiencing Canadian Health care. Many years ago I practiced in Ontario and after a year had the opportunity to go to Thailand where I practiced medicine for two and half years. Bumrungrad Hospital was not there at the time but the medical schools of Chulalongkorn and Sirirat where. In summary My wife, a nurse, and I found;
1. The Thai people were very friendly, hospitable and many of the physicians, nurses, technicians and lab techs were fully competent, comparable to any in the US or Canada.
2. Hospitalization and care at that hospital was about 1/3 to 1/4 as costly as the same care in the US because;
a. the wages of all people working in the hospital were from 1/3 to 1/5 that of US wages, including floor sweepers to lab techs.
b. Little or no malpractice costs. (Some doctors in the US have to pay $250,000 malpractice insurance per year. That is money after expenses. Most doctors offices run expenses at 30 to 40 % of gross income, i.e. those doctors have to earn $500,000 to $600,000 (collections are running 60 to 70%) before they have any for themselves.
c. About 35 to 45% of a hospitals take these days is spent to meet state and government regulation requirements. Has nothing to do with delivering medical care.
d. Drugs and medical equipment is cheaper to purchase because there is little product liability insurance to pay.
COMMENT: I think I am correct (haven’t practiced in Thailand for years) in saying that the medical care practioners, physicians and hospitals have little or no expense for malpractice and a much lower cost to meet govt regulations.
Does this help to explain why the difference?
Irvin

By: Pat Faiola

Pat Faiola — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:44:07 +0000

Who in their right mind would get a face lift in Pattaya, of all places. Nothing wrong with going overseas for health reasons, but get real and do a bit of research.

By: Name

Name — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:30:13 +0000

When did Croatia leave Europe? I thought Europe ran from the Atlantic ocean on the west to the Ural mountains and Ural river in Russia on the east. That would include all of the Balkan peninsula. (Russia is the largest country in Europe [the part from the Ural mountains westward] and the largest in Asia [the part from the Ural mountains eastward]).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croatia
http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/eu.htm
http://www.mapsofworld.com/europe-political-map.htm

By: Sue

Sue — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:19:21 +0000

Debra, my husband had major dental work done in Costa Rica a couple years ago and was very happy with the work and the price. Dr. Garrita was his provider–implants, crowns, bridge work.

The next year I had a tummy tuck and breast life at the Rosen____? clinic. Great work, no probems. Once you’re through the front door it looks like New York City. Go for it, girl !

By: Debra

Debra — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:14:37 +0000

Mornin, Simon. I very much enjoy reading about your adventures as the Sovereign Man. I’ve often wondered whether you’ve every found yourself in circumstances where you felt your life was in danger. That would be an interesting column.

My main reason for this message is that my roommate was very excited to see, in your above letter, a price of $1,625 for “sex change surgery”. He’s been aware for years that Bangkok is known for its specialists in that field, but has not been able to consider it affordable even at the huge savings over prices in the US. The price you quoted would definitely be managable.

We contacted Bumrungrad, one of the hospitals you mentioned, and were advised they do not offer the procedure. They did not provide the referrals we had requested to other hospitals where the surgery would be offered. We would very much like to know where you found the surgery for $1,625.

I have read this blog and don’t see any responses from you to the various entries, so am hoping you answer personally by email. Would be very pleased to hear back from you.

Sincerely,
Debra

By: Paul

Paul — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:22:20 +0000

Grenada, site of the mid-80′s East-West war games (The West took it) is also the site of a medical college attended by many US and Canadian citizens, (hence the involvement of the US military following communist “revolution”), used to be a viable choice. Anyone know if it still is?
Paul

By: Bws

Bws — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:20:52 +0000

Who do you use for catastrophic health insurance?

By: Jane

Jane — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:50:15 +0000

My wife had a face lift in Pattaya, Thailand (Pattaya Bangkok Hospital): terrible result: huge scars, left and right different! She needed 2 operations in Europe to correct it… so be careful in choosing your surgean!!!!! And I heard other scary stories about cosmetic surgery

By: Jo

Jo — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:33:15 +0000

Three years ago I needed a bi-lateral hip replacement. Since both my parents had had hip replacements, in the U.S., and had terrible results, I decided to seek an alternative. I was fully insured through my employer. I learned about hip resurfacing, which very, very few docs in the U.S. knew anything about at that time. I investigated going abroad for the procedure and had narrowed my list to 3 of the top hip surgeons in the world: one in England, one in Belgium, and one in India. I corresponded with a number of patients of all three doctors. I determined I could not financially afford to go to England or Belgium. I narrowd my choice to the surgeon in India. The hospital was like a 5 star hotel, private rooms, round the clock privae nurses, accomodations for a family member, and a restaurant in the hospital. My total cost of travel, surgery, and medical care, including recuperating and therapy at a seaside resort for a minimum of one week, would have amounted to approx. $14,000. I then discovered that a very well known surgeon and hospital in South Carolina were covered under my insurance. I cancelled the trip to India, went to South Carolina and had a wonderful surgical and hospital experience, if any surgery can be called wonderful. The surprise came when the bills started coming in. Even with my health insurance, I ended up owing over $22,000. I should have gone to India! Any other orthopedic issues I face will definitely NOT be done in the U.S. I will be paying off those medical bills for the next several years……..

By: James Evans

James Evans — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:24:30 +0000

I used Bangkok Samitevej Hospital (Sukumvit Soi 49) for a kidney cancer issue a couple of years. It was by far, the best organised hospital I have ever seen .. vastly better organised than hospitals in my home town of Sydney or Singapore (where I lived for many years). Ed Atkin’s remarks may be appropriate for the Carribean. But the public food outlets in Bumungrad or Samitivej serve better cuisine than many upmarket yuppy restaurants on Sydney Harbour.

By: Micky

Micky — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:49:19 +0000

A year and half ago, I went to Chennai, India for hip replacement at the Apollo Specialty Hospital. Everything was top notch – from the wing in the hospital, all the support staff, the food, the nurses and especially my doctor Vijay Bose. The total cost of the surgery, week in the hospital, all tests, all doctors was $8,000 USD. It was the best money I ever spent. I walk great today.

By: George

George — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:53:34 +0000

My wife and I were in Panama when she noticed a spot on her face that concerned her. With a referral from friends to a dermatologist she was taken in and a biopsy was performed which revealed basel cell carscinoma. The Dr. removed it the very next day and he was assisted by a Plactic surgeon. She returned several times for follow up laser treatment to prevent scarring. The care was excellent, the results excellent and the cost about 20% of that which we have seen billed and about what we have had to pay after Medicare and supplemental payments had been paid. Neither one of us would hesitate to have medical procedures performed in Panama. John Hopkins has a new modern facility there and a great many of the Doctors were trained in the US.

By: Jill

Jill — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:30:40 +0000

I flew to Tiajuana, Mexico 2 years ago for lap-band surgery for weight loss. From the age of 16 to 46 I always had insurance in the states through my work. Now, since I have changed jobs, I am not covered and I am considered to have a pre-existing condition so I can not afford insurance here. I would never have qualified in the US for weight loss surgery anyway. I went to Mexico where I got the job done quickly, efficiently, cheaply and effectively. It was about 1/3 of the price and no problems at all. The hospital was spotless, the staff was cheerful and very helpful, they spoke English and I had a much better experience than I ever had in any health care situation in the USA. My father went to Laredo for all his dental work. Much cheaper, no problems. My friends go to Mexico for all thier drugs. Again, much cheaper. I think the FDA is worthless and adds a huge cost to US health care. Most other countries don;t have one and they get by fine without it, one reason they are so much cheaper to deal with. I went to the Dr in Thailand a couple of weeks ago when I was there on vacation. I just walked into a clinic in the neighborhood I was staying in. I did not have an appointment. The Dr saw me in 5 minutes, I described my problem. He gave me a cream to help and had the technician give me an ‘ultrasound massage’ for an hour (which helped) all for less than $40. I will use health care in many other countries than the USA like Thailand, Mexico, India but not some others like Solomon Islands, it all depends on thier facilities.

By: Canadian

Canadian — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:29:02 +0000

I had an MRI done in the Philippines and was very impressed. About half the price of what it would have cost in Canada (or if I’d waited for the “free” MRI–which isn’t really free as we pay high taxes–it would have been another 6 months). Also had a $10 tooth filling put in in Eastern Europe when I was there a few years ago. So, tired of waiting ANOTHER year (having even SPOKEN to a Canadian surgeon yet!), I’m having a shoulder surgery in the Philippines or THailand (still deciding). If you’re not on your deathbed, Canada’s system is seriously wanting (but I’d rather got to ER in Canada than the USA!). But, for non-urgent surgeries, go to Asia. Heard great things about Indian, too.

By: Vernon

Vernon — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:15:54 +0000

No, I would not get on an airplane to leave the States (USA) for major medical care. It has nothing to do with the quality of care overseas. In fact, I’ve long been convinced that health care in the US is inferior to anything else. However, I don’t care for our Homeland Security’s idea of national safety – which treats US Citizens as if they are criminals first, and (if ever) apologizes later. When the government shuts down the Dept. of Homeland Security, I’ll reconsider travel abroad. Until then, my feet stay on the ground.

By: Gabriel Senior

Gabriel Senior — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:45:51 +0000

I would also suggest you guys check destinations closer to home. Nothing beats Monterrey, Mexico in its location (2 hours driving south of Laredo, TX) and its quality of care (by far the most modern facilities in Mexico). Shoud anyone need help, Travel For Care is here for you.

By: Anita

Anita — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:30:34 +0000

Hey Simon!
Absolutely, as an almost 65 year old, active and healthy female, I would consider traveling to a foreign country for surgery. Thankfully, I haven’t had any problems that require surgery and I haven’t decided if I’ll ever go the face-lift route but if I do, it won’t be in the USA. I have several family members that have had major surgeries here that have left them financially destitute, even with insurance. If you need a dental root canal it requires a full crown upon completion and that will all set you back over $1,000.00. Wow, what a rip-off.

By: Tom

Tom — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:39:10 +0000

Simon
Last year my brother and I were in Nicaragua, and we had been living there for about 2 years and had established a good business there. After sometime there my brother started to get sick, and it took the doctors a while to diagnose what he had, I had took him to public and the best private hospitals there with no results. I left one weekend and when I returned my brother had been whisked away to a hospital, this hospital said my brother was retaining water in in his stomach when in all reality his organs were swelling from a disease usually caught by a specific fish caught in lake Managua, 1 of the biggest lakes in the world and with new species of fish found all the time. Anyway while in the hospital they had inserted a 1 and 1/2 foot long long needle in his stomach which they used to try and take out water, when they realized there was no water retention they felt they needed to get him to a hospital better equipped to deal with this so they told him if he would sign a waiver they would have the other hospital treat him, well my brother passed away October 26th 2008 and I do not recommend hospitals overseas.

By: travelman

travelman — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:29:47 +0000

I’ve had dental work done in Myanmar, eyeglasses in Bangkok and may get a minor surgery at Bumrungrad. I’m in Thailand now. I usually travel to SE Asia each year anyways so wait to get here for these things which are much more expensive and no better in Canada. I would come for a big thing if needed as quality of care, speed and cost can make it a better deal than costs or waits at home.

By: Scott Minteer

Scott Minteer — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:42:43 +0000

First, full disclosure – I work for Bumrungrad. Next, Simon, thanks for the mention. Finally, if you feel my post is too self-serving, please delete and let me know.

We know two of the biggest fears of people traveling for health care, or accidentally needing health care when they travel, are: 1) Is the quality of care any good? Is the place clean? and 2) How much does it cost?

So we have just started using Facebook and other types of media to allow people to get a better sense of the place here. It is still a work in progress, so please bear with us. You can see pictures of the hospital: at:

http://www.facebook.com/bumrungrad#/bumrungrad?v=photos

Next, we try to facilitate people for checking costs vs. what they can expect to pay. The following system does not guarantee what your costs are – it depends on the your specific case, of course. But you can see data based on real invoices from patients, and see what the chances of going outside that range are:

http://www.bumrungrad.com/realcost/index.aspx

Hopefully this information gives people a better idea of what is going on over here, and what they should expect.

Finally, we have a new channel for allowing people to quickly and easily give us feedback or questions: http://www.twitter.com/bumrungradh

I am not going to tell people that we are the only hospital with this level of quality and service – but naturally, we think we are a great choice for people coming over, or for people that are here and need proper medical attention.

By: Loren

Loren — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:54:16 +0000

I would love to pursue off shore medical treatment.
Can you provide the names of the 10 or 12 best countries/cities to have procedures done.
Thanks for your info. Love your letters.
Loren

By: norm

norm — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:53:06 +0000

daughter [27] crashed her motorcycle on Lombak in Indonesia….health care somewhat less than satisfactory there [ex. cats in " emergency" ward...] Flew her to Bangkok and Bumrumgard. Had a tibia plateau fracture, quite serious injury,needed to be “fixed” within 48 hrs. Checked into Bumrumgrad at 9PM, operated on the next morning…excellent job, excellent service, and covered by her travelers insurance! great room, good physical therapy, does look like a five star hotel…even starbucks in lobby. If obama care goes thru, Bumrumgrad will become our regular “health care provider”!!! By the way, one year later she is jogging on the repared leg!norm

By: Bob Morgan

Bob Morgan — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:04:30 +0000

Simon
Panama for any kind of eye surgery or vision correction. Doctors there invented one of the procedures frequently used world-wide. I’ve had dental work in Lima. The tech was the best I’ve ever had because she does so many procedures and is highly practiced at laser teeth whitening. I believe the same goes for the volume of plastic surgery there and Colombia. I’ve seen a dermatologist in Buenos Aires for a year and very happy with the results. She’s not constrained by what insurance will pay for or the FDA, consequently her techniques have gotten better results and much less onerous. All the countries I’ve been to have one or more great hospitals for those of us who can afford them, and many others to avoid. I knew of a US company headquartered in San Francisco that ran hospitals for the rich in asia, staffed by US trained doctors and nurses. They had at least one in Maylasia and another in Burma.

By: Marquelle

Marquelle — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:27:39 +0000

Do they have a dermatology department to treat eczema?

By: Clement

Clement — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:41:03 +0000

Simon,

Thank you for the informative news on what Thailand can offer.Keep the news coming.
Clement

By: Magnus

Magnus — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:42:30 +0000

My parents are retirees from General Motors and winter in texas from Mid Nov thru May. GM, Chrysler like many greedy corrupt companies in the US have taken away dental and vision care for retirees. My parents now go to Mexico for dental and vision and say the doctors are excellent and cheap! Corporations are not “outsourcing jobs” to make more money so maybe its time we as americans should outsourse our medical issues! I have also heard that the caribean is a good place to have services done as well. Maybe you should put together a list of the best places to go in each parts of the world. The caribean is much closer than Thailand for travel and I am sure plane tickets are at least 50% less? Whaddya think?

By: RL

RL — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:07:42 +0000

Has anyone had Lasik abroad? That is something I’ve wanted done for a few years now. I love to travel, and if I could have the procedure done safely and get a couple of days vacation on top for the same price or less (to enjoy with my new eyes), why not!

By: RC

RC — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:42:36 +0000

caveat emptor

By: John F. Page

John F. Page — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:53:24 +0000

I was recently in Estancia, Argentina. I had a lengthy nnose bleed. An ambulance to the hospital[ about 4 miles] blood test. blood pressure,oxygen intake, thewhole ball of wax offered with that absolute top Argentinian grace and kindness. One hundred thirty nine pesos, or thirty six dollars and one dime. I get home and the first letter I open is a medicle bill from two weeks before that had a lot of similar work. The bill 544 dollars. I like the local health care people. It is not their fault; but they have nothing on foreign medicine J.F.P.

By: Eric

Eric — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:49:53 +0000

Which countries specialize in alternative health therapies? Medical is still medical, and there is no such thing as a “minor” operation/surgery. Errors in drug applications are legion in the US and elsewhere. What about all the very productive alternative ways of getting and staying healthy?

By: rick

rick — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:01:51 +0000

hey simon,

sure i’d go. been there once before and never left my hotel in bangkok. that somehow makes me think you’ve been sending too many letters from the field and don’t want to leave. can’t blame you. heard all about southern thai. enjoy.

rick

By: Brian

Brian — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:54:01 +0000

I have to concur with Croc. Having lived here for more than 5 years I have also used Bumrungrad but would also recommend BNH (more like 6 star hotel) where my Thai wife recently delivered our daughter. The ‘package’ cost was less than $1,500 USD (including C section)and several days in hospital recovery – and her physician was Johns Hopkins trained. Couldn’t do better – fabulous professional care at extraordinary prices.

By: Vlydia

Vlydia — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:49:24 +0000

India has also fantastic western trained medics, well organized, kind, and definitely 5 star treatment, costing about 30% of prices in the west.
I have had two major surgeries performed in Apollo Hospital in Chennai, one was a complicated 3rd time surgical abdominal hernia. The surgeon with worldwide experience, a laproscopy specialist did not even leave a scar, I was out of the hospital in 2 days. In the west, a specialty clinic in Canada did not offer to perform laproscopy technique, which is so much less traumatic, and more effective.
The are deluxe 5 star accommodations for the patient and a friend or family member provided for the price of a modest 4 star hotel room.
The other op was hip resurfacing, done with the very latest technique, and also in deluxe surroundings at the Apollo Specialty Hospital in Chennai.
I had elected to pay the modest fees, instead of accepting my private insurance medical coverage in the west which would have been free. I am convinced it was the right choice. I am most grateful to these wonderful doctors and their assistants. Medical treatment may be the best feature of India today.