Foreigner Pricing at Udon Gen. Hosp.

[semperfiguy]

A few shorts years ago, Udon General Hospital opened up a new Foreigner Customer Service Unit on the second floor at the top of the escalator, and the service was outstanding. The unit staff nurses were kind, respectful and extremely helpful. Personally, I had an occasion to visit a Rheumatologist, so after checking in with the FCS Unit, I was escorted by a nurse directly to that department, my paperwork was placed at the top of the queue, and I saw the doctor within minutes. I was subjected to some pretty exotic blood tests which were very reasonably priced and in line with what a Thai customer would pay.

This past week I visited the hospital again to see a Hematologist, and this time my experience was totally different than before. The FCS Unit nurse took me to her office door and gave me verbal instructions on how we should navigate to the Hematology Department. Finding one's way around in that hospital can be a harrowing experience with all the twists and turns and literally hundreds of people crowding the corridors. Upon reaching that department, my paperwork went to the bottom of the queue, and we were made to wait for a few hours before seeing a doctor. More exotic blood tests were required, and the lab gave me an accounting of the charges, so we headed to the cashier to make payment. Upon closer examination of the bill, I discovered that the charges were actually double what was quoted by the lab. I questioned the cashier and was told that the price for a foreigner is now double what is charged for a Thai person.

Needless to say, I was frustrated at the news of this new pricing scheme, so I returned to the FCS Unit and asked the nurse if this was now the official hospital policy. She answered as if she had been coached to deflect that question by telling me that the hospital loses millions each year because "some foreigners are not paying their bills", and besides, "the government hospital is still cheaper than the private hospitals"! While her answers were obviously scripted by the management, I can't dispute her claims, but I think that we all know what is going on here.

So, for those forum members who use the Udon General Hospital, just be prepared to pay a higher price for their services. It's still one of the best deals in Thailand, and it certainly beats the alternative of paying the outrageous prices charged by the private hospitals, but this two-tier payment system is disappointing just the same.

[the-monk]

Good day/evening,
Thanks for the info.
I am a bit surprised, I went to the UDON General hospital a few months ago, no double pricing.
Unfortunately, in july 2023,  I had to pay a visit to the Srinagarind hospital in KK, no double pricing.
This month i had an accident and i went to the Military Hospital emergency, no double pricing.
It seems that all of them charged me 50 THB as a foreigner.

[attachment=2]A-COPY - - KPJ-3-IMG_20231009_190943.jpg[/attachment]

[attachment=1]B- COPY - KPJ- 2 -IMG_20231009_190602.jpg[/attachment]

[attachment=0]C - COPY -2 -COPY KPJ-1IMG_20231009_190958.jpg[/attachment]

[jackspratt]

A few years ago (certainly well before Covid) the government announced that non-Thais would be charged differently to the locals for hospital services.

I remember downloading a multi-page schedule of "farang" prices for 100s of tests, procedures, etc etc, which was certainly more than the 30 Baht paid by Thais, but still very reasonable compared to the blood-sucking AEKs and Bangkok hospitals of the world.

It is also what I would expect to pay if I use the services, and I guess what Udon General is now applying.

What is disappointing is if the preferred service (for higher prices) offered by UG is no longer applicable.

[semperfiguy]

A few years ago (certainly well before Covid) the government announced that non-Thais would be charged differently to the locals for hospital services.

I remember downloading a multi-page schedule of "farang" prices for 100s of tests, procedures, etc etc, which was certainly more than the 30 Baht paid by Thais, but still very reasonable compared to the blood-sucking AEKs and Bangkok hospitals of the world.

It is also what I would expect to pay if I use the services, and I guess what Udon General is now applying.

What is disappointing is if the preferred service (for higher prices) offered by UG is no longer applicable.

Jackspratt, after what I experienced today at UG, I would say that there is no longer a preferred service. I saw no hint of it, and I've been back twice in the past two weeks.

[semperfiguy]

Good day/evening,
Thanks for the info.
I am a bit surprised, I went to the UDON General hospital a few months ago, no double pricing.
Unfortunately, in july 2023,  I had to pay a visit to the Srinagarind hospital in KK, no double pricing.
This month i had an accident and i went to the Military Hospital emergency, no double pricing.
It seems that all of them charged me 50 THB as a foreigner.

A-COPY - - KPJ-3-IMG_20231009_190943.jpg

B- COPY - KPJ- 2 -IMG_20231009_190602.jpg

C - COPY -2 -COPY KPJ-1IMG_20231009_190958.jpg

The-Monk, the Military Hospital has been my "go to" hospital for the past 13 years, and I really feel comfortable going there. I have always been treated fairly, and my wife and I know many of the nurses and doctors on a more intimate level. Heck, I've watched many of them grow up and mature over the years. However, even they have raised their prices on some diagnostic procedures over the past two years, but my Thai wife gets charged the same prices as I. Upper and Lower Abdominal Ultrasounds went from 800 a section to 1600, and the ENT price for a scope in the nasal cavity went from 400 to 800, but it is still the best place in town so far as I'm concerned. However, they couldn't accommodate me on this last visit to the Hematologist, and I was referred to the Udon Gen. Hosp. for the exotic blood tests that I required.

[tamada]

I've only ever used the UGH's Foreign Customer Service office three times last July while getting some lab work done and a failed attempt at getting an USG-KUB. On each visit (blood letting, follow up and a request for the scan that was denied by their specialist), I only saw one other farang in the FCA waiting area but at least a dozen well-dressed locals were getting the VIP treatment. Come to think of it, didn't see any other farangs at all.

I was escorted to each of my venues but if there's a next time, i will avoid the elevator that my escort insisted we wait for, and use the stairs to the blood letting department (where the nurse taking my blood samples was absolutely stunning).

[semperfiguy]

I've only ever used the UGH's Foreign Customer Service office three times last July while getting some lab work done and a failed attempt at getting an USG-KUB. On each visit (blood letting, follow up and a request for the scan that was denied by their specialist), I only saw one other farang in the FCA waiting area but at least a dozen well-dressed locals were getting the VIP treatment. Come to think of it, didn't see any other farangs at all.

I was escorted to each of my venues but if there's a next time, i will avoid the elevator that my escort insisted we wait for, and use the stairs to the blood letting department (where the nurse taking my blood samples was absolutely stunning).

Tamada, on my last two visits within the past two weeks, I didn't see another farang in the hospital as well. I'm surprised that the Foreigners Customer Service Department is giving preferential treatment to the locals. The signs on that department specifically refer to Foreigners. I get the feeling that the original intent for the service was frowned upon by the doctors and nurses, so management has changed the original plan. I observed the scowling look on the faces of the staff, and they weren't exactly pleased with having to give preferred treatment to the "dirty farangs". Just my personal observation, but I know that look when I see it.

[AlexO]

There has been a real sea change in the charging policies at UG hospital.
I had the misfortune to spend nearly 10 weeks as an inpatient between UG and Nong Han hospitals earlier this year. UG pricing was nearly double what Nong Han was charging for the same services (Same Province but seems individual hospital management dictates costs?)
UG seems to have really taken to heart the 'charge Farangs way more than Thai's' and I am not talking about the 30 Baht charge. A private room (when available) in UG with wound dressing changed once a day and intravenous antibiotics was nearly double the cost, 6K+ instead of under 4K at Nong Han. I would confirm however that surgical costs still remain very cheap compared to the private cost gouging businesses with surgical and anesthetics costs around 15K Baht per op. There are other quite major differences, but UG does seem to really cash in on farangs, even outpatient charges are double what Nong Han charges. Just my tuppence worth, but obvious that we are being charged way more than previously.

[Udon Map]

UG pricing was nearly double what Nong Han was charging for the same services

I don't find this terribly surprising. Nong Han is a small village compared to Udon. It's the same in the U.S., -- the Mass. General Hospital in Boston charges more than the community hospital in Needham, where I often stay (and visited the ER not too long ago).

[AlexO]

UG pricing was nearly double what Nong Han was charging for the same services

I don't find this terribly surprising. Nong Han is a small village compared to Udon. It's the same in the U.S., -- the Mass. General Hospital in Boston charges more than the community hospital in Needham, where I often stay (and visited the ER not too long ago).

Really don't see quite why that should be UM. New hospital building, same doctors, same nurses, same meds and wound dressings, same if not better food, better individual care inpatient at nearly 50% cheaper and same with outpatient care. Why should doctor and wound dressings charges be less than half the cost at the new hospital rather than the overcrowded, dilapidated, big city UG hospital. The main point I was making is that there is a large cost difference between Thai and Farang charges. Private room in UG, Thai-1000Baht, Farang-2000Baht for example.

[Udon Map]

UG pricing was nearly double what Nong Han was charging for the same services

I don't find this terribly surprising. Nong Han is a small village compared to Udon. It's the same in the U.S., -- the Mass. General Hospital in Boston charges more than the community hospital in Needham, where I often stay (and visited the ER not too long ago).

Really don't see quite why that should be UM. New hospital building, same doctors, same nurses, same meds and wound dressings, same if not better food, better individual care inpatient at nearly 50% cheaper and same with outpatient care. Why should doctor and wound dressings charges be less than half the cost at the new hospital rather than the overcrowded, dilapidated, big city UG hospital. The main point I was making is that there is a large cost difference between Thai and Farang charges. Private room in UG, Thai-1000Baht, Farang-2000Baht for example.

Price differences in the same hospital, yes, I agree completely. But in different hospitals, there may be different factors affecting the pricing.

[Whistler]

Many hospitals blatantly gouge farangs. When covid was at its peak, the Thai government declared testing for everybody, farangs included was to be free.

I was exposed and went to be tested. Kut Chap demanded 3500 baht, so I went to Udon General who demanded the same fee but would test my wife for free. I showed the scammer at the hospital the government decree and threatened to call the toursit police and report them for corruption.

I was then tested for free. Sometimes officials are not aware of policies, but other times it is outright scamming and it is unlikely to change any time soon. I think the best way is to be firm but ever so polite in these circumstances, a difficult balancing act.

[rick]

I started using the Foreigner Customer Sevice Unit at Udon General in September, as Bangkok hospital was a bit expensive. I am reasonably happy with the service, and have no complaints about the pricing, as 20 times cheaper than private in the UK. I had had in last 6 weeks blood tests, urine tests, cardiogram, X-ray, 2 ultrasounds, prostate examination, 4 consultations and bagfulls of pills (cheaper than my very competitive Pharmacy). All told cost about 10,000 baht.

I did seem to get put at the front of the queue (maybe because i was paying?) where ever i was sent to, did feel a bit sorry for the masses. It is a bit of a maze, and had to get new directions a couple of times.
Busy? First time i went the office was packed, subsequent visits just a few people waiting in the office. Usually average about 1.5 farang in there (including me). Most customers do seem to be Asian, probably Thai. Not seen any evidence of Farang hating.

[tamada]

I started using the Foreigner Customer Sevice Unit at Udon General in September, as Bangkok hospital was a bit expensive. I am reasonably happy with the service, and have no complaints about the pricing, as 20 times cheaper than private in the UK. I had had in last 6 weeks blood tests, urine tests, cardiogram, X-ray, 2 ultrasounds, prostate examination, 4 consultations and bagfulls of pills (cheaper than my very competitive Pharmacy). All told cost about 10,000 baht.

I did seem to get put at the front of the queue (maybe because i was paying?) where ever i was sent to, did feel a bit sorry for the masses. It is a bit of a maze, and had to get new directions a couple of times.
Busy? First time i went the office was packed, subsequent visits just a few people waiting in the office. Usually average about 1.5 farang in there (including me). Most customers do seem to be Asian, probably Thai. Not seen any evidence of Farang hating.

With regard to USG, pretty much my experience too, in and out and front-of-the-queue treatment. With less foreigners attending this 'dedicated' facility, it would be logical that management allow locals with the money avail themselves of the fast track service, if only to fund its very existence. I don't subscribe to the 'they don't like us' or 'farang scam' mentality. We're different, they're different but if you can't communicate properly after all those years here and rely on facial expressions to determine if you're being dissed, there's loads of fun to be had at the primate compound at the zoo.

If you think USG is harrowing for navigation, try the inter-departmental sojourn around the university teaching hospital that is Srinagarind in Kohn Kaen. Better bring GPS and a packed lunch. The only reason I would go back is the OGUK-endorsed examining doctor is cute and says she worries about my lipids plus I know exactly where her office is.

[samster]

Personally, i think it's terrible that all the ***** come to the UK to use our wonderful NHS.

Jeez, the hypocrisy.

[AlexO]

Private room in UG, Thai-1000Baht, Farang-2000Baht for example.[/quote]Price differences in the same hospital, yes, I agree completely. But in different hospitals, there may be different factors affecting the pricing.
[/quote]

There is UM.
Nong Han hospital charges farangs the same a Thai willing to pay for better treatment than the 30Baht system allows, whereas Udon General has adopted the 'dual charging system' introduced by the last democratically elected Thai Government. Have no idea why, perhaps so few farangs use Nong Han that it is hardly worth administering a dual pricing policy.

[Doodoo]

Well Sam there goes your soccer, track and field, boxing, Formula 1 etc
What will you do now? OH you can watch Master Chef, the Bake Off thing, etc

[AlexO]

Personally, i think it's terrible that all the ***** come to the UK to use our wonderful NHS.

Jeez, the hypocrisy.

I believe the biggest complaint is that they use the NHS for free whereas if we farangs use the Thai health system, WE PAY!
My recent extended stay this year cost me just south of 2 million Baht. God only knows how much that would have been in the private sector.

[Whistler]

Alex,

I have only been here for 4 years, what decade was there a democratically elected Thai Government?

[AlexO]

Alex,

I have only been here for 4 years, what decade was there a democratically elected Thai Government?