Medical Tourism is a realistic solution to the huge expense of high quality 21st Century Medical Care.

Medical Tourism: high tech outsourcing for the individual's benefit!

Thailand is the most popular medical tourism destination in the world.

  • 1.2 million foreigners sought medical care in Thailand in 2006. Thailand is a leading medical tourism destination due to the two factors that dominate medical care decisions, quality of care & cost. Americans can expect on average a 66% savings.

  • A knee replacement in Thailand by an American Medical School trained doctor yields an 80% savings over the same procedure in the US.  American educated doctors & HUGE savings are the main motivators for the 750,000 (mostly uninsured) American who traveled overseas in 2006.

    • Thai Diagnostic Test example:  MRI under $250. 

    • Need an MRI?  Fly to Thailand, enjoy a week on a tropical island beach & get the MRI done.  All for less than the cost of the MRI at a US facility.

  • Savings on 1 dental procedure or required diagnostic test can pay for an exotic tropical vacation .. multiple procedures / tests / dental work can pay for a nice vacation + put significant savings in your bank account

    •

  • CBS  60 Minutes Documentary on Thai Medical Tourism.  CBS featured Bangkok's Bumrungrad Hospital, pictured below.

    

International Medical Tourism / Thailand Medical Tourism is an excellent option for any and all uninsured / under insured persons with medical conditions / health care needs.

All of my doctors in Bangkok graduated from a US Medical School.

Thailand has an advanced medical system that provides cost savings of up to 70% .. 

 

 

  • English speaking patient / clients are referred to English Speaking Doctors.

  • Translation service in English, French, German & 23 other languages. (Including Australian .. Oz-tralian!)

In 2006 1.32 million "patient tourists" paid for an exotic Asian vacation with the saving on medical and / or dental treatments.

Thailand The Land of Smiles. General Information about Thailand. Thailand History. 6000 years from the world's 1st bronze age culture to 21st century economic status and political enviroment. Thailand Medical Tourism: Globalization that benefits the individual not the globalized corporation Bangkok Thailand where the Ancient Far East has melded with the 21st century West. Issan The archaeology & culturally rich Easter Region of Thailand Chiang Mai and The Golden Triangle Region of Northern Thailand Thailand Islands & Beaches are recognized to be some of the most beautiful on the Planet Thailand is a shoppers paradise. From custom silk clothing, to electronics, to Asian antiques .. it's all in Thaialnd Thailand Gyms. Your best Thai souvenir could by your professionally designed exercise program. The right Thailand Tour Guide will make your vacation the most memorable of your life Thailand offers quality hotels from unbelievely inexpensive to 6 star opulence. Thailand English Language Newspapers by region Bangkok offers world class entertianment venues .. from down home music venues to world class resturants. Elephants are the national symbol of Thailand. The Thai people love Chang Thai massage is theraputic & quite wonderful .. be sure to experience Thai massage.

Amazon Books: Medical Tourism

ALL of my doctors in Bangkok graduated from Medical Schools in the US.

  • My Orthopedist at Bangkok Hospital received his post graduate certification in sports medicine at Johns Hopkins!

  • Top line medical / diagnostic equipment is available world wide.

    • 99% of the same technology / medical equipment / computer diagnostic / imaging equipment is available to Bangkok Hospitals as to Hospitals in New York, London or Sydney.

    • Just like any other GE, NEC, Toshiba, Dell, IBM, Sony or Hitachi product .. All top selling technology & medical equipment is for sale world wide.

 Basic medical costs including room as of June 18, 2007 at Thailand's Ram Group Hospital

Fertility

PESA, IVF & ICSI

216,000 gender +12,000

MRI

9600

CT Scan

9600

Breast Implant

168,000

Tummy Tuck

180,000

Face Lift

150,000

Dental Implant

96,000

Crown & Bridge

14,400

Tooth Filling

1800

Root Canal

4,200

Prices for Ram Group Hospitals above are in Thai Baht: Click:  XE Currency Conversion

VIP Private Hospital Suite: 2880 Thb .. June 22, 2007: XE calculates that to be US $89.3972..

Medical Questions:  Until recently we tried to assist with medical inquiries.  To many variables both from from individuals & hospitals.

Determine precisely what health care services you need, your budget & the area in which you intend on visiting.  From the links provided below contact hospitals in the region you intend to visit.

Thailand hospitals, Bold indicates tourist focused.  The Thai Hospitals not focused on tourists offer extreme savings!

Bangkok, Bumrungrad Hospital

Bangkok, Bangkok Hospital

Bangkok, Ram Hospital Group

Bangkok, Bangkok Nursing Hospital

Bangkok, Praram Hospital

Bangkok, St. Louis Hospital

Bangkok, Synphaet Hospital

Bangkok, Samitijev Hospital

Bangkok, Mahdol Hospital

Bangkok, Phyathai Hospital

Bangkok, Sikarin Hospital

Bangkok, Piyavate Hospital

Bangkok, Vichaiyut Hospital

Bangkok, Psychological Services

Bangkok, Tropical Disease Hospital

   Pattaya, Pattaya International

Pattaya, Bangkok Hospital Pattaya

Pattaya, Chon Buri Hospital

Phuket, Patong Si Wattana Clinic

Phuket, Phuket Mission Hospital

Phuket, Phuket International

Phuket, Phuket Adventist Hospital

Phuket, Phuket Hospital

Koh Samui, Bandon Hospital

Koh Samui, Samui International

Hua Hin, Hua Hin Hospital

American Dennis House is Director International Patients at the well respected Ram Hospital Group.  Dennis direct: <66> 2 332-2329

Road maps of Thailand

Bangkok Train Station:  Hua Lamphong     Bangkok Sky Train & Sub Way map

Thailand's advanced health care system is an innovative world leader. 

  • Highest quality of care & mind boggling cost savings are documented & detailed in the CBS 60 Minutes TV Report on Thailand Medical Tourism. (don't believe me.  read the CBS story)

  • Diagnostics / imaging, dental, cardiac testing, dermatology, , physical therapy, cosmetic, fertility .. any or all will result in an 50% to 70% savings.

Multiple Routine Procedures can result in savings + the exotic vacation.

  • Root canal & cap front tooth 14,000thb   US$354. AUD$481. EU284.

  • The savings on 1 tooth repair could pay for an economy 4 day stay in Bangkok including air fare from the EU or the US.

  • Significant dental work ( 2 teeth? ) would result saved money in your bank account + the vacation!

Thai scientists have launched a research study into the effects of stem cell technology on heart disease ~April 2006, Forbes

2007: Under a program named Stem Cell Life (news report Thai Stem Cell Life) parents in Thailand are saving stem cells from their child's  umbilical cord  to provide a cure to any major medical condition / injury that could develop later in their child's life. 

Check out the Stem Cell Life Web Page. <66> 02 613-1515

Thailand is a leader in all aspects of 21st century healthcare.  In October, 2007 Microsoft acquired Global Care Solutions, a Thailand-based provider of health care software.

Medical Tourism is Globalization that benefits the individual not the Corporation / CEO. 

or you could say,  "What's good for General Motors is good for the General Population."

Dental Tourism is a no brain-er.

Khun Tem's Recommended Dental Clinic

Head & Shoulders, Tooth & Gum, above all the rest

PolyDental Clinic  < 66 > 02 251-8822, 02 254-8860

Sukhumvit Plaza 2nd Floor, just past the information booth @ Soi 12 .. 30' / 10m  from the 7-11

There are many excellent dental clinics in Bangkok!  Several with web sites are listed in the left column.

 Sample Dental Savings: Root canal & cap front tooth: 14,000Thb  US$354. AUD$481. EU284 

Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina and Blue Choice Health Plan of South Carolina now offer medical care at Bumrungrad International.  Forbes, July 7, 2007

United Group Insurance of Boca Raton, a provider of  "self-insured health plans" to business owners,

offers an insurance package utilizing Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok as an approved provider!

Google

My US doctor loved the medical documentation provided to me by Bumrungrad. 

  • Lab results, imaging film & reports, cardiac treadmill stress EKG report, abdominal sonogram w/ prostate imaging (no manual gloved exam!), specialist consultation notes .. He spent more time with me on that office visit than all my other office visits with him combined! .. He commented on & discussed with me the recommendations from the Thai medical reports.  + he prescribed the joint inflammation medication that my Thai Orthopedist prescribed & Bangkok Hospital Pharmacy supplied while I was in Bangkok.

  • Thailand is the leader in Asian Medical Tourism.

  • The main thing a patient needs to do, he said, is check out the accreditation of the hospital and the credentials of the surgeon.

For a personal conversation regarding Thai medical procedures & certifications call American Dennis House, Director International Patients, Ram Group, Direct Phone Line <66>2 332-2329 (Skype US > Bangkok cost is under .03 per minute)

  • Bumrungrad Hospital:  <66>  2 667-1000,      Bangkok Hospital:   <66>  2 310-3000

  • Acceptable voice quality and total ease of use are provided by modern computer telephones .. we use skype daily & highly recommend skype!

  •  .. make an appointment, discuss options with Thai provider, call hotel to confirm .. cost under 50¢ for a 20 minute conversation.

Since 2001 we have preached that patented medications obtained abroad ( from reputable sources) are the same as medications sold in the US.

We do recommend you use a hospital or your doctor's office pharmacy.

Patented Medications from International Pharmaceutical Companies are 60% off US prices .. a $1.00 pill costs 40¢.

  • Ely Lilly patented medications are identical in Thailand (Canada, Mexico, France) as the US.

  • Same for all pharmaceutical companies .. their patented medications are their business, they are not going to sell bogus patented meds that they hold the patent on!

  • Why would a corporation 'mis-manufacture' medications it holds the patents on ..  separate production for US & non-US meds?

    • Scare tactics bought & paid for by pharmaceutical industry political lobbyist contributions to US politicians.

& If true that corporations intentionally mis-manufacture medications ..  a law firm would be all over that billion $ class action law suit in a literal heart beat. 

We do recommend you use a hospital or your doctor's office pharmacy.

We reacted to the fractured western medical system & endorsed medical tourism 4 years before Michael Moore's Sicko!

The Perfect Thailand Health Vacation Souvenir: a professionally designed exercise program

Major Medical Procedures w/ average total medical / hospital cost in a western level Hospital

Costs are US $s as of January 1, 2007 & Asian costs include private room.

Procedure

US

India

Thailand

Singapore

Heart Bypass

120,000

10,000

10,000

18,500

Heart Valve Replacement

165,000

9,000

9,000

12,500

Angioplasty

55,000

11,000

12,000

13,000

Hip Replacement

42,000

9,000

11,000

12,000

Hysterectomy

21,000

3,000

4,000

6,000

Knee Replacement

44,000

8,500

9,000

13,000

Spinal Fusion

65,000

5,500

7,000

9,000

"Best medical experience of my life" is a common statement by western patients leaving a Thai Medical Facility!

A Thai Island Resort Spa medical exam package complete w/ labs + in room Jacuzzi.

 Diagnostic: MRI: 10, 000Thb, US$200. EU170., AUD$265. 

  • Economy airfare from the US or Europe to Thailand is usually available for less than $800 .. as low as $600.

  • add to the transpacific round trip 4 nights in a tourist hotel and $200. expense for MRI.

  • =  US$1000 MRI with free transpacific airfare & 4 nights 3 star hotel.

Medical Tourism Offices: Bumrungrad Hospital:2 667 1000, Bangkok Hospital:2 310-3000, Ram Hospital:2 332-2329
Google

  • Translation service in English, French, German & 23 other languages. (Including Australian .. Oz-tralian!)
  • Large Thai Hospitals are staffed with English speaking Western Educated Doctors & Dentists.
    • The Doctors assigned to English speaking patient clients speak impeccable English, usually American educated.
  • Help with international insurance claims.
  • Liaison service for embassies, international institutions and organizations.
  • Assistance on preferential room rates at local hotels.

  • Thailand Hospitals are staffed with western educated doctors.

  • Thai hospitals are equipped with top of the line diagnostic equipment.

  • Diagnostics, imaging, lab analysis, physical rehabilitation, cosmetic surgery, dental .. all 80% off US pricing.

  • Massachusetts General Hospital has MRI & CT Scans reviewed by Asian MDs .. diagnostics are actually done in Asia but yet the outsourcing US Hospital Corporation charges full US prices!..

  • it's 'same same' .. the Asian Doctor is considered equal to the American Doctor by the US Hospital!

    •  & .. I agree.

  • The same diagnostic equipment with evaluation by the same doctors is 800% more ( not 80% .. 800% more!! ) at Massachusetts General Hospital than in Thailand.

 The savings on one 'major tooth repair' can pay for an economy level 2 week vacation including air!

Thailand is a world leader in stem cell treatments.  Americans are being forced to look overseas for 21st Century Stem Cell Treatments. 

If you are really considering international travel for health care give Dennis a call!  Dennis is a real nice cooperative & open sorta guy .. give him a chance & he will answer your questions

Direct links to over 200 Thailand hotels & apartments

  • Stem cell treatment in both China & South Korea are proving successful with spinal cord injuries.

    • "Paget said she hasn't felt this good since before being thrown from a horse on Sept. 12, 2003, when she was left paralyzed from the waist down. For the first time, she said, she's been able to feel a sensation when she has to visit the bathroom

    • The patient could move her hips and feel her hip skin on day 15 after transplantation. On day 25 after transplantation her feet responded to stimulation."

    • 41 days after stem cell transplantation, testing "also showed regeneration of the spinal cord at the injured cite" and below it.

    • and the cessation of knifing pains in her back -- has already been worth the money, she said.

    • "The patient could move her hips and feel her hip skin on day 15 after transplantation. On day 25 after transplantation her feet responded to stimulation."

Thailand is the first developing nation to use world trade rules under which a government is legally allowed to make or buy copycat versions of medicines needed for a public health.

  • Thailand's Health Minister, Dr. Mongkol Songkhla, reports companies could compensate by cutting inflated marketing expenses. 

  • In 2003 US company Merck spent more marketing arthritis medication Vioxx than Anhauser Busch spent marketing Budweiser Beer.

2006:2006: US magazine Travel and Leisure has named Bangkok as the #3 vacation destination on the planet (#2 2005) 2006 Chiang Mai #5!

Bangkok is a modern world class city, an entire city that exudes the traditional Thai happiness

The Perfect Thailand Souvenir?

A Professionally Designed Exercise Program .. 

Proper form & technique taught by a World Class Pro.

#2 Mr. Universe pictured left.

Bangkok Gyms

Bangkok Medical Center Hospitals compare more than favorably with American or European Hospitals.

Thailand's medical care is provided by western educated doctors in ultra modern well equipped hospitals.

A significant percentage of graduates from US & European Medical Schools are foreign citizens.

Identical medical / dental care is often 700%  more ( not 70% .. 700% .. 7x as much ) in the west than in Thailand.

YOU can outsource YOUR medical care! 

Health Tourism:  Globalization for the individual's benefit ..  not the CEO's bank account.

Thailand offers quality medical care for 20% of the cost in the US .. 80% OFF!!  + Highest Quality Care!.

Thailand Is Truly The land of Smiles  A smile seems to be a continuous part of life in Thailand.

Even the most 'cost sensitive' traveler can afford first rate service & luxury amenities in Thailand

luxury amenities reserved exclusively for politicians, celebrities & the ultra-rich in the west.

 

   Click here for a synopsis of Thai History  

International travel insurance?  These guys come with good recommendations ( no connection with us! ) 

+ Thailand is safe .. As an Expat American I have always felt safe in Thailand. 

Anonymous violent crime / robbery, common in the West, is all but unknown in Thailand.

+ smiling happy Health care team & bilingual clerical staffing.

 

In the Chiang Mai / Chiang Rai area some incredible Lanni Thai style house are available for short term rental .. quite marvelous houses built from 100% teak. The house above rents for 17, 000 Thb ( US$400, Euro 325 per month )

Apartment & Hotel Links  Thailand Newspapers

 Golden Triangle  

Beaches

Bangkok

Bangkok is a wonderful mix of Ancient Far East & Ultra Modern West

 

Exercise Basics in Thai Language   เป้าหมายของโปรแกรม “ที่สุดของแอโรบิค” คือ การแนะนำให้ผู้ที่มีความสนใจในเริื่องของ

The cost of air fare to Thailand and the Bangkok Hotel can be more than offset by the savings on routine medical procedures.

Travel to Thailand, receive top quality medical care, stay at at 3 star Bangkok hotel & enjoy a great Thailand vacation.

Thailand can provide an "extremely cost effective" Medical Vacation.

  • Grand Imperial Travel of Bangkok offers Executive Medical Tourism Packages!

    • They assist with appointments & suggest hotels / apartments near your medical provider.

    • They pick you up at the airport, provide a cell phone for your stay, provide a personal guide for both tourist outings & medical appointments .. all for a flat fee.

I'm not sure I'd go to Thailand for a heart transplant or liver transplant..

  • Common & routine are procedures & modalities to consider receiving as a "Thailand Health Tourist".

  • Dental Care .. Diagnostics .. Imaging .. Physical Therapy .. Eye Glasses .. Dermatology .. Cosmetic ..

  • .. Flu Shots ..

  • Bumrungrad & Bangkok Hospital compare well to US Med Center Hospitals .. & far better than rural US hospitals.

If lack of insurance forces one to choose a non 'western medical center hospital' for highest technology required procedures .. Thailand would be an excellent choice.

Been bothered by a knee or back or shoulder?  A Thai MRI will set you back less than $200.  A consultation / diagnostic interpretation with an American educated Orthopedic Specialist for another $20. & your worries are confirmed! :-o))

Thailand Health Care offers western level medical care at a fraction of the US cost.

Any person without top of the line health insurance, or limited access to elective modalities & procedures, could easily pay for a 3 week luxury Thai vacation with planned elective, dental, cosmetic and / or rehabilitate procedure

Several Bangkok Medical Hospitals compare very favorably to top line Western 'Medical Center Hospitals'.

Bumrungrad Hospital, Mr. Kon Soi 3, is top notch & very foreigner friendly.  Said to be #1 in Asia!

Bangkok Hospital, off New Petchaburi Road, is foreigner friendly & comparable to most western hospitals.

The Hospital at Chulalungkorn ( = Chula University ) is excellent but not as foreigner friendly. ( w/ translator a serious bargain! )

Private hospital room = $60. per day

= A few extra days in the hospital, no problem.

Many Japanese companies send their employees to Thailand for annual physicals as well as long term medial care modalities.  The savings on medical fees and the high quality medical care makes the air fare inconsequential.

There are many Japanese long-term facilities ( = nursing homes ) in Bangkok.

Affordable plastic surgery is available here.  And Here.

My friend's wife had an outpatient "nose job" ( Thai nose >> Farang nose ) for 15K BT = $350.  She is even more beautiful now.

If a person needed extensive dental work a 2 week vacation could be more than paid for!

Dental experiences vary greatly.  These clinics offer modern equipment & a full range of 'pain reduction techniques'.

Considerable saving on eye glasses.

  • Both Bangkok General & Bumrungrad have complete eye centers.

  • Progressive lens, tinting, coatings.

  • Rutnin Eye Hospital. Asoke 2 blocks toward Klong from Suk.

  • For comprehensive selection & competitive pricing there are 5 shops near the corner of Phetchaburi and Phayathai road.

    • About 1/2 way between MBK &  Phantip Plaza.

Pharmacies.

Prescription medications are available in Thailand at a fraction of American prices.

  • There are many 'pharmacies' in the tourist areas, caution is advised.

  • The pharmacist is an important part of your medical plan. 

    • Thai Pharmacist tend to be extremely helpful.  

    • Many medications that require a prescription in the 'west' are 'over the counter' in Thailand.

  • Many generic ( Indian / Chinese ) meds not available in the west are available with significant discounts. 

    • Be careful of 'generic meds' at smaller pharmacies.

  • Recommended.

    • Any Major hospital, more expensive ( still real cheap ) & well stocked.

    • Community Pharmacy, run by Chulalungkorn University's Department of Pharmacology, on Phayathai road, opposite MBK at Siam Square, '2 blocks' down from Ploenchit.

    • Charoen Pharmacy between Suk Soi 2 and Suk Soi 4 ( tourist area ) is well stocked, but relatively expensive.

    • The Save Drug Centers are cheap & legit.

    • The drug centers that are located inside Tesco/Lotus are well stocked & convenient.

      • Lotus is Thailand's Wal-Mart / Kmart & present in most larger cities.

Laughter the Best Medicine

Top level Thai Hospital ICU beds, intensive care unit, are under $100 per day!

At less than $100. ( 4000 Thb ) per day for an ICU bunk, spend a day in the ICU on bad astrological days, just in case! :-)))

Thailand Health care offers a level of care that is all but impossible to receive in the west.

  • Private room = $60. per day

  • = A few extra days in the hospital, no problem.

Rehab in luxury!

  • Bumagard Hospital has serviced apartments adjacent to the hospital.. hospital staffed rehabilitation apartment suites for less than $100 per day.

  • Affordable 24 / 7 out patient nursing. ( & How 'bout happy smiling staff! )

  • $100. per day can provide luxury hotel accommodations, gourmet meals & 24 hour  'private duty assisting provider' ( as opposed to skilled care )

    • Within medical dietary restrictions, gourmet meals 24 / 7.. seems Thai room service meals are always yummy!

  • Often your health insurance or "travelers health" insurance will reimburse.

My friend needed emergency room treatment after a minor altercation  ( facial scratch ) with a "tourist area" leashed monkey ( really! ).

We went to the Bangkok Hospital Emergency Room, near our apartment on Petchiburi

  • Walk ins to ER, no appointments.

  • The eye was immediately addressed both in the ER & in the eye clinic w/ the eye specialist.

  • & then appointments were 2 other specialist, unrelated to the incident, were scheduled.

  • Total fee: Emergency Room,  4 docs & assorted meds ( seemed to be a full bag of prescription meds! ) was less than 2000 BT, $50.

    • Even after she saw medical specialist ( gynecology & dermatology ) & received prescriptions unrelated to the scratch.

    • The bill: ( Thai citizens pay slightly less than foreigners )
      Doctor's fee       1200 BT     ( $25. to see the 3 specialist)
      ER services         100 BT     ( $2.50 Emergency Room! )
      Medical Supplies  40 BT     ( $1. )
      Medications          625  BT     ( $15. for antibiotics, medicated skin cream, BC pills & pain meds ) 

  • A lumbar MRI  = $200 or less!

    • The savings on 1 MRI pays RT airfare from the US or Europe + economy accommodations for 2 weeks!

    • In many places there are waiting lists for a MRI,  England & Canada are famous for the wait.

  • Bangkok is a regional medical center.

The Thai government has pioneered the production of cheap generic drugs to combat HIV/Aids.

  • The Thai government's Pharmaceutical Organisation has managed to produce a cheap treatment for HIV/Aids which can be easily prescribed and monitored.

  • Thailand has already started to export its anti-retroviral drugs to neighbouring countries like Cambodia, and the government is currently considering offering the technology to several African nations.

 

Click here for a synopsis of Thai History

Weightlifting Video Filmed in Thailand.

& if you love your Brewed coffee..

Chiang Mai

Bangkok Gyms

Bangkok  

Udon & Ubon

Shopping paradise

Thai beach resorts

Thailand Festivals

A 'cooperative guide' can more than save you his fee 

   Thai Hotel & Apartment  

Link to Don Muang's site

Exercise Basics in Thai Language   เป้าหมายของโปรแกรม “ที่สุดของแอโรบิค” คือ การแนะนำให้ผู้ที่มีความสนใจในเริื่องของ

Thailand Newspapers in English

Thailand Resources

        

Dennis House, Director International Medical Visitor Program
Tel. (66)(0)2 332-2329, Mobile (66)(0)87-0546807, Fax (66) 2 374-0804