"Proper" Medical Exams

I have had a few of these package-deal yearly check-ups done in Thailand, and when it comes to the hands on physical exam it seems to be lacking compared to the exams I got back in the US. In the US, the Doctor will go from the soles of your feet up to the top of your head, touching, knocking on joints for reaction, finger up the rear, feeling for bumps on the testicles, looking in ears/mouth/nose, etc. etc, everything checked methodically. Here, the most they have done has been to listen to my lungs/heart with the stethoscope. They seem to think the hands on part is not useful, or they are just lazy to do it properly. Is this what everybody else has experienced here or is it just my bad luck in choosing where to get the check-up done?

Anybody know where one can get a proper exam done?

I have been using Bumrungrad in Bangkok for the previous six years and AEK this past summer. Bumrungrad is the most professional but it is very production line oriented. You really need to think about your general health and issues that you face, write them down, and go over them in detail with your doctor. Since I have some history Bumrungrad, the doctors can look over my medical history and discuss in detail changes. Package price was around 17000 baht. AEK was good as well just not as organized. They did not prepare a health package for me so I have a dozen or so papers with test results. It was cheaper though and easier to do since I have a home in Udon Thani. I have found that if I have questions the doctors in both hospitals are quick to respond and provide answers. I believe that you have to be proactive about your health and since you know more about your health issues it is up to you to properly communicate them. Good luck!!!

Thanks for that Dr. James. Communicating your health concerns I understand, but the yearly exam is supposed to find things I have no idea about, in an early stage, is it not? I am not trained to examine my own body, nor do I have the equipment or ability to look up my own nose for instance. When I read this...

"Most elements of the physical examination have not been subjected to clinical trials to test their usefulness in identifying signs of disease. A 2003 study of 100 patients in hospital found that 26% had signs identifiable on physical examination that led to important changes in clinical management. Of these 26, only 14 (54%) had conditions that could have been detected by laboratory testing or imaging. [7]"
http://wapedia.mobi/en/Physical_examination#3.


So, you mean to say that practitioners at Bumrungrad do a real exam? If so, then I am sure it is worth the extra money to get it done correctly. I think what I paid for previously was just the other "high-tech" lab tests (blood/Ultra-sound/urine,etc). The hands on exam must be good for something, such as seeing if there is skin cancer on my back where I cannot see myself? The lab tests probably would not detect skin cancer on my back would they? Maybe I am just expecting too much from Thai healthcare?

Go to Bumrungrad's web site and look over the annual physical programs. They have very comprehensive exams and discussion with the physician. Not just tests with no inquiries. This hospital was rated as the number one international hospital in the world a major news magazine recently. They are also accredited by the joint commission from the USA. I think you will get your money's worth and then some. Best money I have ever spent on health care in the last ten years. I figure it is only about 20% of what the same tests would run in the USA. Good luck.

90% of us are fully aware of HOW we feel when everything is working right, the docotrs can do a full check from sole of feet to top of head, or not, as the case may be, blood tests and urine tests for specific problems are also a good indicator. However in the main the best person is yourself, if you have any problems ask a doctor.
Following my last check-up we had a discussion ( the doctor and I ) about the results of the tests, and when you consider that the tests NOW show up the minutest deviation from the norm, often so miniscule that one could not see it if you underwent surgical exploration. You wory about the results now, which 30 years ago would have never shown up , and did not contribute to ones demise. Worrying is like a switch, once you start you feel worse, you start to imagine all sorts of ailments , you suffer from hypochondria, which in itself is debilitating.
I agree with Dr James and many others, Know yourself, any problems seek advice from a professional, and don't worry.
Do not forget you only die once so enjoy what you have.

ok, here we go with some sort of best practice , U need to be honest as OP's have said, Index of suspicion is what a good DR will also run with.

If your over 50 and male PSA, likewise for females breast examination and cervical smear

GENERAL MEDICAL INFORMATION IN THE HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE:
• past medical history,
• occupational history including exposures to hazardous environments or substances,
• family medical history,
• current medical conditions and complaints or disabilities
• known allergies,
• current medications taken,
• immunizations received (type, date of booster),
• lifestyle (smoking, alcohol intake, exercise);

MEDICAL EXAMINATION
• Height and weight - Body Mass Index calculation
• Heart rate
• Blood pressure
• Systematic physical examination

LABORATORY TESTS
• Urine analysis
• Blood Tests
i. Full blood count
ii. Lipid profile
iii. Liver profile
iv. Kidney profile
v. Blood sugar (fasting)
vi. Blood group
• Lung Function
i. Chest X-ray - Also will check for TB
ii. Peak-flow
• Audiometry
• Eyesight
i. Visual acuity
ii. Colour blindness test
• Cardiac - Resting ECG
• Dental examination
• Substance abuse testing for Drugs, Alcohol (Complying with National Legislation and
best practice)
• Any other tests that are deemed necessary to confirm fitness if any of the above shows
abnormal findings

IMMUNIZATION STATUS
The employee’s immunization record will be established and an immunization program
implemented based

Specific additional tests and examinations may be carried out according to job risk: e.g.
• Periodic Audiogram (for those exposed to noise),
• Lung function test - Spirometry
• Stool culture/microscopy and throat/nasal swab
• Fitness testing – e.g. Chester step test
• Antibodies to hepatitis surface antigen
• Stereoscopic vision

That does it Wazza, when I come back in Feb you can do the whole thing......look at my Testicles, Prod my Bottom, examine my Teeth the Works and I'll even sling ya a few Baht

Aardvark wrote:That does it Wazza, when I come back in Feb you can do the whole thing......look at my Testicles, Prod my Bottom, examine my Teeth the Works and I'll even sling ya a few Baht

You may need to ask for him to change the swab before he does this one

• Stool culture/microscopy and throat/nasal swab

Mr Vark

no problems on this , easy to do for you.

The Clinic hours are flexible, depending when Justin opens the bar.

The Head Nurse normally takes the samples and Im sure you can sling HIM a few baht extra for an exotic PR examination and stool sample.