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
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