A "must read" trip through Thailand's healthcare system

First I'll reassure there is no health crisis here. Elizabeth knew a lot of people who came to Thailand from all over Asia to see doctors, so she wanted "in" on the medical tourism and decided to get a small rash on her hand checked out (happened before in the US twice and went away quickly) but .... why not try here? This experience was really something. We had purchased a medical insurance policy before we left so we could be assured of coverage for a medical evacuation to the States if we needed it on our trip. Part of that policy was a referral service if we needed a doctor while traveling. We contacted the insurance company and requested an appointment online. We got a quick response and referral to a number of doctors, including their credentials and office locations. We selected a doctor who not only spoke English but was trained at the University of Texas, was Board Certified in the US, and who had an office only a few blocks from our hotel. The first surprise we had was that we were offered an immediate appointment on a SATURDAY! What we didn't realize was that the office was in a huge hospital complex that was literally a five minute walk away. In fact, as we stand on our balcony we are looking right at the hospital but didn't know it.

To say we were unprepared for this would be a gross understatement. Walking into the main reception area of the hospital was more like walking into a styling Ritz Carlton hotel. We were immediately greeted by a smartly dressed woman who came over to us and asked if she could help us. Note she came over to us. There were receptionists behind the main desk, dressed the same way, but we never needed to go to them since she gave us immediate attention. She explained that our appointment was in the building next door, that we would need to go to the tenth floor to register, and then would see the doctor on the 15th floor. Then she asked if she could help with anything else and walked us to the front door.

The next building was bascially the same experience. We took the elevator to the 10th floor "Skylobby" and again had the impression we were checking into a five star hotel, not a hospital. The entire setup was so remarkably clean, appointed and lit that you simply could not believe you were in a hospital. You would have had to see this set up to believe it. In less than five minutes Elizabeth was registered and up we went to 15. The entire 15th floor seemed to be one big waiting area divided into many smaller areas with comfortable furniture, big flat screen TVs and, get this, small refreshment areas where you could get water, juice, etc. All complimentary. And of course there was WIFI, not free but avaiable. A nurse came out in short order and took Elizabeth back for the usual height, weight, BP, etc., then she was back out in the waiting room. A few minutes later another nurse came out to apologize that the doctor would be about 1/2 hour late. This was the only negative we had. He actually was about 45 minutes late. Some things are the same the world over. Eventually Elizabeth was taken back to meet with the doctor so I'll let her take over.

First, profuse and sincere apologies from the doctor for keeping me waiting. You are in his office, not a room that he bops in and out of to squeeze 10 patients at a time. You sit at his desk, chat about whatever. He gave a thorough exam, talked some more, and suggested we do a lab test to see if there was any fungal condition causing the rash. Results would be ready in 45 minutes. Got that? He's going to have the test done right now while we wait. Given the chance to catch his ear, I then explained to him every possible other malady I had experienced in the last 6 months; sore throat last week, cough and cold when in India, the bad cold after Argentina. More examination and chatting. There are no symptoms of anything abnormal, but he's perfectly happy to talk. Any other questions? Nope, so we will discuss test results in 45 minutes when the results come back. Back out to the waiting room. In 45 minutes they brought me back to his office. There was no fungal condition but he could prescribe a few topical gels to help. He gives the nurse the papers, she does something on the computer then tells me I can pick up prescriptions and pay down the hall. The offices are beautiful and all in all a great experience.

So now we're ready to wrap up. Back to the 10th floor for check out. Again, a beautiful, efficient set up. Cashier and pharmacy are sort of right in one big area. Pay to the left, turn around and get your meds on the right. All smooth and fast. Now the bill. We are paying for:

1. A Saturday doctor's appointment for a first time patient.
2. A fairly complete medical exam.
3. An on-the-spot test and results.
4. 2 prescriptions for the skin cream.

Tota cost. Drum roll please. In US dollars???? $72.00. Total. All in. Done. Not because they took insurance - that was the total cash cost period.

We have no idea how this can work. This was not a hospital just for foreigners, although it clearly caters to them. Many signs were in English, Thai, Japanese and Arabic. Even so, wouldn't you expect that to be more not less expensive? We are dumbfounded as to how they can provide this level of service at that price.

Elizabeth liked it so much she is going back for a full physical on Tuesday! Seriously! We booked it online today, Sunday morning and received a confirmation within about 1 hour.