Bangkok is rapidly becoming a center for what is often referred
to as medical or health tourism. The reason for this is that medical
care by western trained English speaking doctors and dentists can
be a fraction of the cost in the west. The holiday is an added bonus. Some people, such as those from the U.K., come because there is little or no waiting for elective procedures.
Hospitals
Many Bangkok hospitals cater to medical tourists. Roughly, in the order of how expensive they are, these include:
Bumrungrad Hospital, Sukhumvit Soi 3. Some regard this as the top hospital in Asia. Excellent rooms with a gourmet menu to choose from.
Bangkok Hospital, off New Petchaburi Road is said to be on a par with western hospitals.
While the Hospital at Chulalungkorn University is excellent, it appeals more to Thai patients. The quality however, is high and it is a real bargain.
Examples of Prices
- Medical Specialist/Doctor appointment US$17
- 1 hour physical therapy with deep heat, hot packs & massage. US$15
- Dentist appointment w/ ultrasound cleaning & partial x-rays US$20
- Fill two front teeth. US$28
- Root canal & cap front tooth US$354
- CT Scan w/Radiologist fee US$213
- Cardiac Treadmill Stress Test w/ cardiology report US$58
- Ultra sound examination of abdomen / prostate: visualization of the liver, pancreas, kidneys, bladder and prostate. US$52
- Coronary Angiogram with PTCA all-inclusive w/ 2 nights single room. US$3,000
- Diagnostic Colonoscopy outpatient US$275
In most cases, you can walk in and see a doctor with no appointment. With serious medical conditions it would be best to correspond with a potential doctor before you come to Bangkok.
Caveats
Large private hospitals such as Bumrungrad have websites with information about different doctors. As in the west, careful consideration and second opinions are wise.