Getting an MRI in Thailand
A couple years ago I was vacationing in Thailand. Im over 50, in pretty bad shape and I smoke. As I was walking down the street, I had a sharp pain shoot through my head behind my eyes.
Let me tell you, it scared the crap out of me. I thought I might be having a stroke. I had never worried about this kind of thing before. I hate getting old.
I had a physical at the Bangkok chain of hospital that have facilities all over the country. I had received what I considered to be excellent care at a greatly reduced price compared to the US. I called and made an appointment.
They still had my stats on file from the last time I had visited. My "regular" assigned doctor at the hospital is a cardiologist. Since the pain was in my brain, they assigned me to a neurologist.
The neurologist performed a complete physical including reflex tests. She drew some blood and sent it out for testing. She concluded that I had not had a stroke and guessed that I probably had a nasal infection.
Much as I like and respect Thai doctors, I did not feel comfortable with the prognosis. I asked her if she was sure. Without being at all upset, she said if I wanted an MRI to confirm her opinion, I could be scheduled within an hour or so. I decided to go ahead with it.
Just in case you arent familar, an MRI is Magnetic Resonance Imaging. This is the big donut looking maching that they slide people into on TV.
I went to a very new and modern part of the hospital. I was sent to a changing room with lockable lockers to undress. I changed into a hospital robe and was slid into the donut. They put a cage around your head so you dont move much.
Some MRI\'s require an injection of a magnetic dye so your circulatory system can be mapped. In my case, they were only doing the brain so it wasn\'t necessary. After about 45 minutes of loud clanking, I was done. I was directed back upstairs to wait for the neurologists to explain the results.
Several large 17X24" xrays were produced. The computer diagnosis was written right on the film. It said I probably had sinusitus, an inflamation of the sinuss. I was perscribed an antibiotic.
They also gave me copies of my brain scans. A great souvenier from my vacation.
What would this cost in the US? $500? $1000? $2500? more?
Total Cost: $175USD |
