Saturday, February 14, 2015
Friday, January 18, 2013
The Thai Hospital Experience continued... part 2
Going to a foreign country and hospital might concern a first-time patient, but any fears
were quickly put to rest as the time drew near.
My first appointment with an eye specialist had been reconfirmed via e-mail prior to departure.
I was impressed with the detail and efficiency of all communications. For instance, I would be
seeing a different doctor than originally named due to a death in the family.
Everything was explained and I was assured of good care.
On arrival at Bumrungrad Hospital, I was courteously greeted with the traditional Wai...
hands in prayer position and a slight bow...with a sincere Thai smile.
The hospital was quite modern with a soft, calming atmosphere.
I was taken by an attendant to meet the doctor after a brief check-in.
The doctor was ready to see me, took an excellent history and prepared for tests.
I showed him the US test results that I had brought along.
He looked things over a bit quizzically and politely remarked, "I think you may find
that there are better tests and more up to date equipment here. Let's have a look."
I had a thorough work-up with all the necessary tests and then we sat down for some 40 minutes
to talk things over. (I WAS impressed by the tests and the equipment, as well as
the professionalism of the hospital staff )
He explained everything in good detail, answered all my questions and hashed out a few issues
with me regarding the cause of the problem and probable outcomes. I felt like I was finally able
to get a clear picture. He was even-handed and factual. He met me at my level of understanding.
He educated me, gave good advice and gently urged me to be patient and not to worry too much.
"Let the body heal. Don't do anything extra. Just live. That's all. Just live..."
What a difference! I was so surprised by the difference in tone and bedside manner.
So opposite of what I had experienced a few days before on the other side of the planet.
In addition, there was some discussion of having cataracts removed while there.
In America, one doctor advised waiting while his associate wanted to rush me in to surgery asap.
A bit confusing...
I looked at the cost in Bangkok...it is about 25-30% of what we pay in the States.
I had budgeted for the possibility and we talked things over.
Though I had the time and the funds, the doctor advised against it.
"They are not serious at all. Glasses will help you more. No need to be worried."
That advice was echoed by 3 specialists over the course of the trip.
Quite simply, they were not going to perform an unnecessary procedure
that was not in the patient's best interest.
I left the doctor's office feeling so much more knowledgeable and calm.
I was able to shed much of the distress and tension from the American experience.
All it took was a little time and focused attention.
At the end, I thanked the Doctor and went to pay the bill. There had to be some mistake!
The whole examination, testing and consultation tallied up to just $94.24. Impossible!
In this beautiful, state of the art facility?! How could that be?
The smiling attendants checked the bill and assured me that there was no mistake.
As I left, I was given a complete packet containing all the photos and test results.
By contast, I had had to fight for every scrap of info to take to Thailand from my American doctors.
There is simply no comparison to what I was charged in the states for inferior attention,
care and work.
I paid several thousand dollars to cover less ground over the course of 3 weeks.
The cost in terms of stress alone was pretty hefty, as well.
Everything seemed to be such a hassle in the States. Test results were delayed
and not explained. Several appointments were scheduled when one would suffice.
There was a kind of air of superiority and self-importance and a constant busyness
that speaks volumes to patients about their worth and their place in the scheme of things.
The quality of care cannot be compared. Thailand was as wonderful as the States was dreadful.
A few days later, as we were walking around Bangkok, we passed by Rutnin Eye Hospital.
We walked in out of curiosity and were very impressed by the sleek, modern facility.
We found that the Queen of Thailand was treated there, as were foreign diplomats and the like.
I asked if I might have an appointment some morning over the next 2 weeks.
"Would 7:30am tomorrow be alright?" came the reply. I was delighted!
The next morning I had another full exam and had a very similar excellent experience.
I received consistent advice and good support.
Another factor to consider was the holistic mindset, where your problem was viewed
in relation to your overall health, lifestyle, diet and stress levels.
The doctor is less eager to impress the patient with technical diagnoses
and more willing to help patients to understand and resolve their conditions.
Once again, a return to calm and a gentle, hopeful, patient attitude was encouraged.
Good health is connected to a good spirit...
As before, cataract surgery, though possible, was discouraged.
The bill for this excellent care was $102.78.
In light of all that was done, I again questioned the charges, but was assured that all was correct.
We were amazed at the state of the art facility and the great care given to each patient.
There was no stress in staff or physicians. There was instead a sense of calm and happiness
in the way they were able to care for patients. An air of kindness and great courtesy was felt
in every encounter. It was completely lovely!
next post...A physical exam at Bumrumgrad Hospital
were quickly put to rest as the time drew near.
My first appointment with an eye specialist had been reconfirmed via e-mail prior to departure.
I was impressed with the detail and efficiency of all communications. For instance, I would be
seeing a different doctor than originally named due to a death in the family.
Everything was explained and I was assured of good care.
On arrival at Bumrungrad Hospital, I was courteously greeted with the traditional Wai...
hands in prayer position and a slight bow...with a sincere Thai smile.
The hospital was quite modern with a soft, calming atmosphere.
I was taken by an attendant to meet the doctor after a brief check-in.
The doctor was ready to see me, took an excellent history and prepared for tests.
I showed him the US test results that I had brought along.
He looked things over a bit quizzically and politely remarked, "I think you may find
that there are better tests and more up to date equipment here. Let's have a look."
I had a thorough work-up with all the necessary tests and then we sat down for some 40 minutes
to talk things over. (I WAS impressed by the tests and the equipment, as well as
the professionalism of the hospital staff )
He explained everything in good detail, answered all my questions and hashed out a few issues
with me regarding the cause of the problem and probable outcomes. I felt like I was finally able
to get a clear picture. He was even-handed and factual. He met me at my level of understanding.
He educated me, gave good advice and gently urged me to be patient and not to worry too much.
"Let the body heal. Don't do anything extra. Just live. That's all. Just live..."
What a difference! I was so surprised by the difference in tone and bedside manner.
So opposite of what I had experienced a few days before on the other side of the planet.
In addition, there was some discussion of having cataracts removed while there.
In America, one doctor advised waiting while his associate wanted to rush me in to surgery asap.
A bit confusing...
I looked at the cost in Bangkok...it is about 25-30% of what we pay in the States.
I had budgeted for the possibility and we talked things over.
Though I had the time and the funds, the doctor advised against it.
"They are not serious at all. Glasses will help you more. No need to be worried."
That advice was echoed by 3 specialists over the course of the trip.
Quite simply, they were not going to perform an unnecessary procedure
that was not in the patient's best interest.
I left the doctor's office feeling so much more knowledgeable and calm.
I was able to shed much of the distress and tension from the American experience.
All it took was a little time and focused attention.
At the end, I thanked the Doctor and went to pay the bill. There had to be some mistake!
The whole examination, testing and consultation tallied up to just $94.24. Impossible!
In this beautiful, state of the art facility?! How could that be?
The smiling attendants checked the bill and assured me that there was no mistake.
As I left, I was given a complete packet containing all the photos and test results.
By contast, I had had to fight for every scrap of info to take to Thailand from my American doctors.
There is simply no comparison to what I was charged in the states for inferior attention,
care and work.
I paid several thousand dollars to cover less ground over the course of 3 weeks.
The cost in terms of stress alone was pretty hefty, as well.
Everything seemed to be such a hassle in the States. Test results were delayed
and not explained. Several appointments were scheduled when one would suffice.
There was a kind of air of superiority and self-importance and a constant busyness
that speaks volumes to patients about their worth and their place in the scheme of things.
The quality of care cannot be compared. Thailand was as wonderful as the States was dreadful.
A few days later, as we were walking around Bangkok, we passed by Rutnin Eye Hospital.
We walked in out of curiosity and were very impressed by the sleek, modern facility.
We found that the Queen of Thailand was treated there, as were foreign diplomats and the like.
I asked if I might have an appointment some morning over the next 2 weeks.
"Would 7:30am tomorrow be alright?" came the reply. I was delighted!
The next morning I had another full exam and had a very similar excellent experience.
I received consistent advice and good support.
Another factor to consider was the holistic mindset, where your problem was viewed
in relation to your overall health, lifestyle, diet and stress levels.
The doctor is less eager to impress the patient with technical diagnoses
and more willing to help patients to understand and resolve their conditions.
Once again, a return to calm and a gentle, hopeful, patient attitude was encouraged.
Good health is connected to a good spirit...
As before, cataract surgery, though possible, was discouraged.
The bill for this excellent care was $102.78.
In light of all that was done, I again questioned the charges, but was assured that all was correct.
We were amazed at the state of the art facility and the great care given to each patient.
There was no stress in staff or physicians. There was instead a sense of calm and happiness
in the way they were able to care for patients. An air of kindness and great courtesy was felt
in every encounter. It was completely lovely!
next post...A physical exam at Bumrumgrad Hospital
Thursday, January 17, 2013
The Thai Hospital Experience
As we were preparing for our trip, I had the thought that if I were ever to have a major health problem
that I would try to get to Thailand for care. Several health insurers now send patients to Bangkok
for surgery. It saves the insurers a great deal of money and the care is on a par with our system.
Many uninsured individuals opt for Thailand as a more affordable alternative, as well.
Since we were getting our dental work done there, I thought I might take the time to get a thorough physical. I researched my options and made an appointment online
at Bumrumgrad Hospital, a world class facility within walking distance of our guesthouse.
As fate would have it, in the weeks before our departure, I had an eye problem that required a trip
to the ER, an opthalmologist and a GP. I experienced our US system up close for the first time
in many years. To say I was dismayed would be kind.
Our system, still hailed as the best in the world, was expensive, inefficient and nerve-wracking.
Specialists had little time for questions or explanations. Information was hard to get and was,
at various times, contradictory, incomplete and confusing.
There were instances of delayed treatment, botched elements and cover-ups.
Doctors failed to return calls, do follow-up, or answer basic questions.
They vacillated between treating an emergency as if there were no concerns and treating
the slightest problem as life-threatening.
It was hard to believe that our system was really that bad.
I felt so sorry for patients who are at the mercy of our health care conglomerate.
The assembly line quality of 'care' where a doctor sees patients for 2 minutes while sprinting between multiple patients at one time was appalling. They were clearly scattered in their thinking.
I had to remind them several times what I was there for.
Their staff was also deeply stressed from the chaos of cramming too many people into a workday.
There was no time to hear a patient, think creatively and treat well.
I could not imagine treating a patient like that, especially one in crisis.
I was reminded of my youthful decision to turn away from medical studies for just those reasons.
Churning patients for maximum profit left me very disillusioned, disheartened and suspicious
of our system of modern medicine...and that was 40 years ago.
Yet, today physicians and staff still claim to be the best in the state, the country and even the world,
depending on who you asked.
I felt as though I was being swindled, herded and treated as an ignorant person.
It was so upsetting, expensive and neglectful that I quickly booked additional appointments
with specialists at the hospital in Bangkok upon our arrival in hopes that I would find a saner
and more affordable alternative.
In exasperation and running out of time, I told the various US doctors that I would take copies
of my records and their orders for bloodwork, further testing and evaluation to a quality facility
in Thailand. Two of them sternly advised me NOT to seek treatment in such a 3rd world country
and advised me to cancel my trip altogether. By now, there was so much pressure and
fear-mongering that I began to doubt my own sense of my health (which is normally quite good).
to be continued...
Friday, December 21, 2012
Gypsies in Thailand....part 4
Well, it's time to tally up the dental costs in between lapsing into happy reveries of Thailand.
It just all goes together! Our time was too short but we accomplished so much.
Not only did we get our dental work done in far fewer appointments and for a much lower cost,
we had time to sight-see, get a lot of good Thai massage and eat our way around the world!
Everything had gone so well with the dentist, that I decided to indulge my curiousity
about the Thai health system. I had time to experience that, as well. More details to follow
in the next post...
But back to dentistry... Here are the grand totals for Thai and US care.
Bear in mind that not only were the prices better, but the level of care and attention was excellent,
as was the efficiency of getting the work done in as few appointments as possible.
The speed in which our components were crafted was measured in days and hours and not weeks.
Wait times were minimal, generally about 15 minutes if delayed at all.
Best of all, was the gentle, cheerful and supportive atmosphere in which the work was done.
So altogether, it was a really good experience in every respect!
My dental expenses were: Thai prices US prices
Exam w/panorama x rays +1 additional x-ray $49.04 $207.00
Cleaning and deep planing $296.60 $985.00
Removal and replacement of 2 crowns $635.57 $1950.00
Cast Metal Partial Denture $391.63 $1400.00
Total $1372.84 $4542.00 Savings of $3169.16
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Gypsies in Thailand... part 3
Each day in Bangkok was a kind of decompression from the stress of western society.
We found ourselves letting down and relaxing more and more. We slipped into a comfortable
routine soon after arriving. We had decided to stay in one central location for our stay,
rather than trying to go everywhere and do everything as many travellers are encouraged to do.
The simplicity of unpacking once and feeling like you had a home base was preferable to rushing
from place to place. Apart from our frequent dental appointments, we moved through our days
without set agendas. We outfitted ourselves with a guidebook and a couple of maps and ventured
off in search of all that is unique to Bangkok. But mostly we simply lived there!
We absorbed the smells and sounds and sights. We became attuned to the rhythms of the city.
One of the first things we noticed was our way of moving through our surroundings.
It was a vivid caption of how we were moving through life. By comparison, we moved fast,
forcefully and in a hard and defensive way compared to the Thais languid, easy pace.
By contrast, we seemed always be in a rush even when trying to relax!
It was an adventure in itself just to slow down and try to match the pace of life that flowed
around us.
When you slow down you feel your body in a whole different way.
In fact, you might discover that you haven't been feeling your body very much at all in our
fast-paced society. You begin to breathe a little and ease up on the gas pedal.
Everyone around you is relaxed and reasonable. The very atmosphere begins to pull you
into a better space. People tend to smile more...even at strangers. It is part of their gentle lifestyle.
You slowly begin to soften and become like them.
Thai massage is likened to "a thousand gentle waves'. Thai culture is very much like that, as well.
It washes away layers of stress, hardness and separation. It brings with it a felt sense of repose
and good will toward all. Often the hardest part of coming back to the states is that people do not
smile or even look at one another. When they do, it is often carefully measured and superficiall
It was a good experience to let down and be our naturally soft and sweet selves.
There were so many kindnesses shown to us along the way....countless gestures and smiles.
It was so amazing to be treated so well everywhere we went...
Some people are tempted to unthinkingly take this lovely treatment as their due,
rather than valuing it and learning to emulate this better way....to pay it forward to others.
It has been my experience that one exposure to Thai culture sparks a life-altering process of change.
if you are open to it. It gentles the soul and eases the mind.
It brings you back home to your best self on a very deep level.
All that is best in you is unearthed, dusted off thoroughly and affirmed.
It is a return to innocence and a chance to begin anew....
We found ourselves letting down and relaxing more and more. We slipped into a comfortable
routine soon after arriving. We had decided to stay in one central location for our stay,
rather than trying to go everywhere and do everything as many travellers are encouraged to do.
The simplicity of unpacking once and feeling like you had a home base was preferable to rushing
from place to place. Apart from our frequent dental appointments, we moved through our days
without set agendas. We outfitted ourselves with a guidebook and a couple of maps and ventured
off in search of all that is unique to Bangkok. But mostly we simply lived there!
We absorbed the smells and sounds and sights. We became attuned to the rhythms of the city.
One of the first things we noticed was our way of moving through our surroundings.
It was a vivid caption of how we were moving through life. By comparison, we moved fast,
forcefully and in a hard and defensive way compared to the Thais languid, easy pace.
By contrast, we seemed always be in a rush even when trying to relax!
It was an adventure in itself just to slow down and try to match the pace of life that flowed
around us.
When you slow down you feel your body in a whole different way.
In fact, you might discover that you haven't been feeling your body very much at all in our
fast-paced society. You begin to breathe a little and ease up on the gas pedal.
Everyone around you is relaxed and reasonable. The very atmosphere begins to pull you
into a better space. People tend to smile more...even at strangers. It is part of their gentle lifestyle.
You slowly begin to soften and become like them.
Thai massage is likened to "a thousand gentle waves'. Thai culture is very much like that, as well.
It washes away layers of stress, hardness and separation. It brings with it a felt sense of repose
and good will toward all. Often the hardest part of coming back to the states is that people do not
smile or even look at one another. When they do, it is often carefully measured and superficiall
It was a good experience to let down and be our naturally soft and sweet selves.
There were so many kindnesses shown to us along the way....countless gestures and smiles.
It was so amazing to be treated so well everywhere we went...
Some people are tempted to unthinkingly take this lovely treatment as their due,
rather than valuing it and learning to emulate this better way....to pay it forward to others.
It has been my experience that one exposure to Thai culture sparks a life-altering process of change.
if you are open to it. It gentles the soul and eases the mind.
It brings you back home to your best self on a very deep level.
All that is best in you is unearthed, dusted off thoroughly and affirmed.
It is a return to innocence and a chance to begin anew....
Friday, December 14, 2012
The Gypsies in Thailand continued...
We were in a state of high excitement in the months leading up to our departure.
Heading to Thailand to get our teeth fixed was such a lark, but it also made good economic sense.
It made sense on another level, as well.
Experiencing Thai culture is a valuable part of the journey.
Thailand is justifiably called 'the land of smiles'.
There is an air of gentleness that pervades the land.
The lifestyle is modest and easy-going. Everything is reasonably priced.
It is an easy place to be... Thai people are patient, cheerful and fun to be with.
Their values are less materialistic and they are far less stressed than we are.
Life is meant to be enjoyed, but struggling financially within our present greedy system
robs people of much of that enjoyment. People feel increasingly helpless and enslaved
to a cold system that values personal wealth over the common good, especially in the
realm of health care.
I was tired of living by those standards. I have my own ethics and standards.
I prefer a kindler, gentler way, a more generous and heart-felt way....the Thai way.
In upholding one's ideals, sometimes you have to vote with your feet!
It would be good to go back to that 'home of my heart'.
***
As our plans were finalized, we had excellent communication with our clinic and guesthouse.
As part of their service it is customary to help with airport transfer and your hotel room.
We would be landing late in the evening after some 30 hrs. enroute, so we welcomed a ride
to a comfortable small hotel for the first 2 nights. That would give us time to rest, acclimate
and find our way around our new neighborhood- the place we would call home for the next 2 weeks.
Amazingly, everything we needed was within walking distance of our guesthouse.
Our dental clinic, a hospital, and Thai massage were all within an easy mile.
Walking around, discovering everything was a delight!
We were staying in an area that is culturally quite diverse.
Within a few minutes walk, we found the African and Arab quarters, Korean and Japanese
neighborhoods, old canals lined with teak houses on stilts and ornate temples were
jostling for space with modern malls and other western trappings.
Bangkok is a visual feast...a gastronomic one, as well!
We wound our way through streets lined with food carts laden with delicious foods, fruits and veggies, many of which we had never seen before. The aromas were so amazing!
Really good food was cheap and plentiful around the clock.
Tiny shops filled every available space. Pop-up markets!
Here was a whole nation of small entrepreneurs setting up and breaking down every day.
Melissa, who sets up booths at art fairs, was enchanted! They made it look so easy!
One of the markets we discovered was set aside for deaf people. They were a cheery bunch,
signing away and clowning with each other. Making the most of life!
There were hi-rises interspersed with old traditional neighborhoods where chickens still wandered
the dusty lanes. Everything was a patchwork of old and new, garish and sleek, homely and modern.
The streets were crowded with bright nail polish hued taxis, tuk tuks, motorbike taxis, buses and cars. Traffic jams in Bangkok are legendary. We were constantly surprised at how amiably traffic flowed ...
no one got impatient or honked their horns. People calmly made way for others to get where
they were going safely. The contrast is amazing! This is the way to live!
The feeling of freedom and good will that pervades Thai culture was heartwarming to our gypsy souls. Joking, good-natured haggling over prices, smiles all around, easy-going days are the norm here.
It was so good to shed the stress of western life and to immerse ourselves in the Land of Smiles.
It always feels like a homecoming to me.
People watching is as varied as it gets. Thais mingled with Europeans, Americans, Aussies
and Africans in their variety of native dress.
Arabs, Chinese, Indonesians and Indians were living side by side in an array of cultural
and religious styles. It is dizzying for a first-time visitor.
Somehow, Bangkok manages to encompass and make space for them all.
One morning we wandered the Arab quarter and had breakfast in a Yemeni restaurant.
The Muslim owner quickly surmised that we were Americans and told us that they had all been praying
for us as Hurricane Sandy approached our shores. He addressed us as 'my sister' and 'my daughter'.
Arab women were stand-offish as a rule, but not always. How we need to break down these
judgmental stereotypes...
We walked miles each day between dental appointments, squeezing in as much sightseeing as possible. Every other evening was reserved for a good 2 hour Thai massage. When we were too
bushed to trudge on, we hailed taxis or tuk tuks for a dollar or two... a luxury that could not be
easily afforded back home. Eventually we mastered the wonderful skytrain and subway systems,
as well. It was all quite fun! Lots of exhaust fumes, though!
So...on to the dental part of the story! We had appointments at the same time for our initial
check-ups. After a gentle and thorough exam, a treatment proposal was given to us.
Prices were plainly marked and various options were listed. Less expensive crowns, mid-price and higher priced were discussed, for instance. We had time to ask questions, confer and make decisions.
A deep planing and cleaning would be handled in one visit, not 4, as is done in the US clinics.
Melissa was advised that her gums and teeth were not as horrible as she had been told.
Her situation was straightforward and easily remedied without expensive add-on treatments.
We were amazed!
Cleanings such as these can be painful and nerve-wracking...but not in Thailand!
The dentists and staff were so gentle, non-alarmist and supportive that we actually found ourselves
falling asleep during the cleaning, Our people are so rough in comparison...and rushed.
Appointments followed efficiently day by day with some allowance for our holiday schedules as well.
We were greeted warmly every day by the smiling staff. 'Hello Miss Robinson! How are you today, Melissa?!" They made us feel like family. The clinic was one of our 'homes away from home.'
We never imagined looking forward to going to the dentist, but just that's what happened!
They took so much time with us, making sure that every detail was perfect.
They were so delicate, gentle and patient.
It was dental heaven!
The prices were just as friendly! Melissa's treatment and prices are listed below:
Thailand US______________________
$53.21 - initial visit with 4 x-rays Initial visit $120
$263.82 - 5 cavities (7 surfaces) $936
$260.56 - Root Planing for 4 quadrants $1186 ($800 uninsured price) $577.59 total $2242 ($1856) total
to be continued...
Heading to Thailand to get our teeth fixed was such a lark, but it also made good economic sense.
It made sense on another level, as well.
Experiencing Thai culture is a valuable part of the journey.
Thailand is justifiably called 'the land of smiles'.
There is an air of gentleness that pervades the land.
The lifestyle is modest and easy-going. Everything is reasonably priced.
It is an easy place to be... Thai people are patient, cheerful and fun to be with.
Their values are less materialistic and they are far less stressed than we are.
Life is meant to be enjoyed, but struggling financially within our present greedy system
robs people of much of that enjoyment. People feel increasingly helpless and enslaved
to a cold system that values personal wealth over the common good, especially in the
realm of health care.
I was tired of living by those standards. I have my own ethics and standards.
I prefer a kindler, gentler way, a more generous and heart-felt way....the Thai way.
In upholding one's ideals, sometimes you have to vote with your feet!
It would be good to go back to that 'home of my heart'.
***
As our plans were finalized, we had excellent communication with our clinic and guesthouse.
As part of their service it is customary to help with airport transfer and your hotel room.
We would be landing late in the evening after some 30 hrs. enroute, so we welcomed a ride
to a comfortable small hotel for the first 2 nights. That would give us time to rest, acclimate
and find our way around our new neighborhood- the place we would call home for the next 2 weeks.
Amazingly, everything we needed was within walking distance of our guesthouse.
Our dental clinic, a hospital, and Thai massage were all within an easy mile.
Walking around, discovering everything was a delight!
We were staying in an area that is culturally quite diverse.
Within a few minutes walk, we found the African and Arab quarters, Korean and Japanese
neighborhoods, old canals lined with teak houses on stilts and ornate temples were
jostling for space with modern malls and other western trappings.
Bangkok is a visual feast...a gastronomic one, as well!
We wound our way through streets lined with food carts laden with delicious foods, fruits and veggies, many of which we had never seen before. The aromas were so amazing!
Really good food was cheap and plentiful around the clock.
Tiny shops filled every available space. Pop-up markets!
Here was a whole nation of small entrepreneurs setting up and breaking down every day.
Melissa, who sets up booths at art fairs, was enchanted! They made it look so easy!
One of the markets we discovered was set aside for deaf people. They were a cheery bunch,
signing away and clowning with each other. Making the most of life!
There were hi-rises interspersed with old traditional neighborhoods where chickens still wandered
the dusty lanes. Everything was a patchwork of old and new, garish and sleek, homely and modern.
The streets were crowded with bright nail polish hued taxis, tuk tuks, motorbike taxis, buses and cars. Traffic jams in Bangkok are legendary. We were constantly surprised at how amiably traffic flowed ...
no one got impatient or honked their horns. People calmly made way for others to get where
they were going safely. The contrast is amazing! This is the way to live!
The feeling of freedom and good will that pervades Thai culture was heartwarming to our gypsy souls. Joking, good-natured haggling over prices, smiles all around, easy-going days are the norm here.
It was so good to shed the stress of western life and to immerse ourselves in the Land of Smiles.
It always feels like a homecoming to me.
People watching is as varied as it gets. Thais mingled with Europeans, Americans, Aussies
and Africans in their variety of native dress.
Arabs, Chinese, Indonesians and Indians were living side by side in an array of cultural
and religious styles. It is dizzying for a first-time visitor.
Somehow, Bangkok manages to encompass and make space for them all.
One morning we wandered the Arab quarter and had breakfast in a Yemeni restaurant.
The Muslim owner quickly surmised that we were Americans and told us that they had all been praying
for us as Hurricane Sandy approached our shores. He addressed us as 'my sister' and 'my daughter'.
Arab women were stand-offish as a rule, but not always. How we need to break down these
judgmental stereotypes...
We walked miles each day between dental appointments, squeezing in as much sightseeing as possible. Every other evening was reserved for a good 2 hour Thai massage. When we were too
bushed to trudge on, we hailed taxis or tuk tuks for a dollar or two... a luxury that could not be
easily afforded back home. Eventually we mastered the wonderful skytrain and subway systems,
as well. It was all quite fun! Lots of exhaust fumes, though!
So...on to the dental part of the story! We had appointments at the same time for our initial
check-ups. After a gentle and thorough exam, a treatment proposal was given to us.
Prices were plainly marked and various options were listed. Less expensive crowns, mid-price and higher priced were discussed, for instance. We had time to ask questions, confer and make decisions.
A deep planing and cleaning would be handled in one visit, not 4, as is done in the US clinics.
Melissa was advised that her gums and teeth were not as horrible as she had been told.
Her situation was straightforward and easily remedied without expensive add-on treatments.
We were amazed!
Cleanings such as these can be painful and nerve-wracking...but not in Thailand!
The dentists and staff were so gentle, non-alarmist and supportive that we actually found ourselves
falling asleep during the cleaning, Our people are so rough in comparison...and rushed.
Appointments followed efficiently day by day with some allowance for our holiday schedules as well.
We were greeted warmly every day by the smiling staff. 'Hello Miss Robinson! How are you today, Melissa?!" They made us feel like family. The clinic was one of our 'homes away from home.'
We never imagined looking forward to going to the dentist, but just that's what happened!
They took so much time with us, making sure that every detail was perfect.
They were so delicate, gentle and patient.
It was dental heaven!
The prices were just as friendly! Melissa's treatment and prices are listed below:
Thailand US______________________
$53.21 - initial visit with 4 x-rays Initial visit $120
$263.82 - 5 cavities (7 surfaces) $936
$260.56 - Root Planing for 4 quadrants $1186 ($800 uninsured price) $577.59 total $2242 ($1856) total
to be continued...
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
The Gypsy Ashram goes to Thailand
Well...in a completely different vein...
A few months ago, one of our gypsies called me about some problems she was having
with her teeth. She is a young, uninsured, hard-working artisan struggling to build her business.
Like many young people starting out, managing a roof over your head, finding a reliable car
(and mechanic), buying insurance and all the other necessities of American life can be quite a juggling act. Paying off college loans, travelling to art shows, buying supplies and equipment
all make for a lean existence at times. One must also pay for the occasional dance class
and splurge on something beautiful to wear now and then, too.
She had called several dentist offices for quotes and recommendations for care over a 2 year period.
The estimates she received were open-ended, higher than what she could afford, and to make matters worse, she was pressured into all sorts of expensive add-ons wherever she went. She was given to understand that her teeth and gums were so bad that she needed to commit immediately to lengthy
and high-priced treatments. In the interim, she was surprised to find that no one would even clean her teeth or fill her cavities until she had her 'disease' treated. Prices continued to rise as did her fears.
Each attempt left her more demoralized and with feelings of being misled and manipulated.
It was time to do something! I suggested dental tourism.
I had been putting off dental care myself for a few years. I could afford it with some effort,
but I felt that prices were exploitatively high and I just didn't want to participate in our system.
I have dental assistant friends who have shared some inside information about the marketing courses
they are forced to take. Sadly, their jobs have become as much about aggressively up-selling unnecessary services as caring for patients. The tactics that are employed are blatantly manipulative.
Going somewhere like Hungary, India or Thailand where prices are far lower, without sacrificing quality seemed like a good idea. As we talked things over, Thailand was the favored choice for both of us.
We could get our dental work done, receive a lot of great Thai massage and see the world through the microcosm that is Bangkok.
The next day a woman told me that her elderly mother was quoted $1650 for a crown at the dentist
in my neighborhood. Heavens!! Things were worse than I'd thought. That sealed the deal for me!
I searched flight fares, dental quotes from Bangkok clinics and sought out an old favorite guest house
and Thai massage school. Wonderfully, I found that for the price of that crown that we could pay for
a return flight, our guesthouse, meals and still have a little left over for affordable dental work!
I also felt that the Thai dentists would take more time and be far more gentle and patient oriented.
Without any further thought, we chose a clinic, booked our flights and then competed with each other
to pack the smallest bag. Gypsies travel light and on short notice, after all! We are not bound by cultural mandates and are free to make our own way in the world.
to be continued...
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