5 W Elena - 3 months ago
After some experiences visiting doctors in the US, UK, EU, Switzerland and Asia, personally, I’d say Doctors in Sriphat are PHENOMENAL! They are researchers or faculty/professors of the university. Most of them have been sent by Thai Government abroad to renowned universities or research hospitals for advanced exchange/training. A lot of them also have a private practice and work with the private Ram or Bangkok hospital. Bear in mind sometimes you might want to hear a second/third opinion in any case, as specialists might be more focused in certain diagnosis.
Waiting time: Guys, be reasonable, probably like in your country, local people do work in the weekdays. So weekend’s visit is best to be avoided. Use your common sense, Any Walk-in and Internal medicine generally has a longer waiting time. Other than that, waiting time is usually very reasonable in non urgent appointments: 0 mins to 1 hour in normal circumstances.
Price of Medication: For those who complained, the hospitals will definitely not oppose if you buy your own medication in local pharmacies. If you think that you are paying a higher price, go elsewhere to get your medication with the doctor’s prescription. Any medication that is expensive abroad might also be the same price here. The same medication will not be cheaper just because you are in Thailand.
Lab test/Procedures Fee: Indeed, they could be expensive in Thai standard. But not at all as compared to international standard. For those used to having a “close to FREE” medical care (NHS/EU), perhaps this might partially explain the high taxation. On another note, the physicians here are really trying hard not to run any unnecessary scans or tests unless they are really without harm or reasonably priced.
Facilities and services (simply getting to the right place with the right specialists): there is the heaven but hell exists too. One must know that there are several organizations/buildings associated with Sriphat. One could differ tremendously from another.
*DISCLAIMER: The buildings/sub-organization simply separate the department/functions, it has utterly nothing to do with the quality of the physicians. Some physicians work in several buildings.
1. The brand new OPD Sriphat (the greenish new building) is like heaven, with angel like English speaking nurses and receptionists. The facilities are like airport lounges with smart features. Machines are TOP NOTCH. I think I saw some AI assistant robots in testing phase.. Basic fees for seeing a specialist is usually 300thb plus hospital fee of 300thb.
2. The Old Sriphat (Suandok) Hospital (the one with the temple right outside), it is kinda like hell, a convoluted chaotic building intertwined with another relatively taller building. Nurses and staff seems overworked. The prices are fairly reflected in this regard though, 100thb for seeing a specialist. No extra charges.
3. Then, there is the middle ground, called the Excellence building, Sriphat intertwined with another organization. Around 300Thb for a specialist’s visit.
There are other buildings like the emergency hospitals or imaging centers or infection clinics which I have not been to.
Last Tips: Don’t panic if you went to a wrong building, the really helpful security guards could get you into the shuttle bus that goes to another building.
