Answered3 years ago
Are there more affordable alternatives to Bumrungrad Hospital for psoriasis treatment in Bangkok?
This would fall under the "everything else" section of the group. I've been going to Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok for a pretty good while for psoriasis treatment. Medicine is Secukinumab/Cosentyx. Would other hospitals be less expensive than Bumrungrad for the med (as it's about $660/month from Bumrungrad)? Does anyone have a Dermatologist recommendation in Bangkok? Thanks in advance for any info!
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around the affordability of psoriasis treatment, specifically the medication Secukinumab/Cosentyx, at Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok, which costs around $660/month. Users share insights on local pharmacy options for prescriptions, recommend consulting different hospitals, and discuss the overall costs and experiences with dermatological care in Thailand, particularly highlighting that Bumrungrad is among the most expensive hospitals in the country. Recommendations for potential cost-saving measures or alternative treatment sources within Bangkok are also mentioned.
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Khun *****
Have you gotten a copy of the script and tried a local pharmacy? You could also take the script to another hospital pharmacy and check the price. But it sounds like something specialized that might not be available at a pharmacy.
Kool *******
Understand that Bumrungrad is the most expensive hospital in Thailand.
Andy *********
OP@Kool ******
Yes, knew that before first going, around 2016. At that time, needed a prescription filled - insurance stopped paying in the US, and cost would have been $324. Went to Bumrungrad, got that med, but twice as much, another prescription, saw another Dr. got blood work, x-rays, and total was $247. As it is now, the meds at Bumrungrad are around 10% of what I would pay in the US.Kool *******
@Andy ********
Just because Bumrungrad is the most expensive does not mean it is the best. It is good, but not the best. I much prefer the university hospitals, with as good, and in many cases, better doctors, and staff. My appointment tomorrow will include 8 blood tests, doctor consultation, and renewal of two prescriptions for three months, with total cost below bt3000. Less than US$100. My doctor consultation by itself is just bt50. Blood tests are bt580 total. My regular doctor in the states was US$54 just to walk into his office. The same prescriptions were over $290 a month. Like I say, Bumrungrad is the most expensive. My pain specialist is one of the top ten pain treatment specialists in the world, and gives lectures all over the world.Andy *********
OPKool Breez Exactly. It covers emergency, and like you say, 90 days. Since I turned 65, everything here in Thailand is out of pocket. I miss my former insurance - covered those $13k+ injections 100%
Kool *******
@Andy ********
pay extra attention with the advantage plan to how long it is valid for on each trip out of the country. It's usually just 90 days, and then there are restrictions on what it covers.Andy *********
OP@Kool ******
Thanks for the info. The scripts that I've had that work for me, are not available generic, and are rather expensive everywhere it seems. The Tremfya was around $84k/year, the Cosentyx here is 10% of what it would cost stateside (according to a general google search). Yeah, the Dr visit is a little pricey at Bumrungrad, but, I buy the meds for home use, and only have 1-2 visits a yr. I may branch out to a uni hospital later, was mainly wondering about the drug costs from different sources. Seems all the treatment drugs have some nasty side effects, and may not address all symptoms. Due to me being on medicare, back in the states everything medical wise is a pain and time consuming. I do have a stipend from my former job that is to help pay a medicare advantage plan, I'm thinking I will be able to use it instead, to pay for the drugs here. That will almost cover the costs - but not able to change up until fall time. Thanks for your information!!
Jim ********
I had experimental treatment here in the UK
Small doses of methotrexate every day for over a year
It did not seem to do much at the time
But as the years went by it has massively decreased
Not sure it was the methotrexate or naturally cleared up. Just small patches on knees and elbows, belly button and small of the back. Strangely symmetrical
Weird condition really when you think about it.
Good luck with your treatment as it can be so difficult to deal with.
Small doses of methotrexate every day for over a year
It did not seem to do much at the time
But as the years went by it has massively decreased
Not sure it was the methotrexate or naturally cleared up. Just small patches on knees and elbows, belly button and small of the back. Strangely symmetrical
Weird condition really when you think about it.
Good luck with your treatment as it can be so difficult to deal with.
Andy *********
OP@Jim *******
Thank you very much. Yes, seems there is no "cure". So, I keep trying the biologics I guess.
Ang *****
Google the meds and you will find whether A) script is needed b) where from and how much.
C) whether a more genetic version can be found.
Panadol = Paracetamol.
C) whether a more genetic version can be found.
Panadol = Paracetamol.
Andy *********
OP@Ang ****
Thanks! Yes, script needed. No generic version available. Going back Sunday to Dr. Have questions for her.
Jeffrey ************
Go ask a pharmacy ..
John **********
See if you can buy from a pharmacy or ask a local clinic if they can give you a prescription if one is required
Andy *********
OP@John *********
Thanks. Next appt I have, was going to ask about this, and take it up with a pharmacy. The price at Bumrungrad while high, is only around 10% of what it would cost in the US - after insurance co-pay.John **********
@Andy ********
sure. I go to an international hospital for my regular prescription as I also want to the doctor. But a while back the pharmacist in that hospital, seeing I get the same medication each time suggested I just went to her pharmacy for it (even though it would normally require a prescription). Most of the pharmacists are not full time employees but rather it's a bit of a side gig for them.Andy *********
OP@Lindsey *********
Asked the Dr. yesterday. She replied that she would not recommend purchasing the biologic drugs from there. Many other drugs, she said would be no problem. So, Guess I'll take her suggestion on this.
Lindsey **********
@Andy ********
our really wereAndy *********
OP@Lindsey *********
Really? Nice! I will ask Sunday when I see the Dr. I've looked and got a couple prices off of google. The drug I need, needs to be refrigerated - but see that the India companies can handle that aspect too. Hope this is viable - appears the savings would be considerable!!Lindsey **********
@Andy ********
I ordered pharmaceuticals from an online India company Just got the name from Bumrungrad and they were okay with it
Arrived here and all okay
Andy *********
OP@John *********
Thanks for the info. Since the biologics for psoriasis are all imported, and rather expensive, I don't know how much of a option this is. I see that the drug is produced in India, and it's 'very much' cheaper than here, so that may be a option to go and get a year supply.Peter *********
Ultra violet light sunbathing will cleat it up I promise 💜
Andy *********
OP@Peter ********
Thanks for the tip, does that treat the psoriatic arthritis also? Seems I've been doubly blessed, lol.Peter *********
@Andy ********
works for the skin definely 100 % so give it a try and let me know how you get on you should see a vast improvement after 2 to 3 weeks 😀Andy *********
OP@Peter ********
Thanks again. I don't have any issues with my skin - at present - if I stop the Secukinumab/Scapho treatment skin issues will return within 3-6 months. It's what is happening 'inside' my body is what I'm treating with the injections. That damage is permanent, so trying to stop it.Peter *********
@Andy ********
go try at least pls 🙏Andy *********
OP@Peter ********
Thanks, but seems I need something for the joints even more.
Umami *********
*******************************************************************
*****
40-psoriasis-treatment-in-thailand/Andy *********
OP@Umami ********
Thanks again, read through to the end, and a recent post suggested Chulalongkorn Hospital. Sadly, the mentioned prices were inline with what the meds cost at Bumrungrad.Andy *********
OP@Umami ********
Thanks for the link - oddly enough I posted in that thread, in 2021.Activity
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