Korean Job Discussion Forums

[GoshiwonGuy]

Hi all,

I need an MRI and Ultrasound of my leg and the good folks at Samsung Medical Centre, after a consultion with one of their Orthopedic Surgeons, booked me for both.

MRI: 643,000 won
Ultrasound: 215,000 won

These prices are outrageous so if anyone can steer me to a place in or around Seoul with reaonable rates I'd appreciate it.

For the record (in case someone comes across the thread needing an MRI and use the boards search function) I just found out that Hong ik Hospital in Mok-Dong does MRI's for about 420,000 won and Ultrasounds for about 70,000 won. I talked to them 5 minutes ago. Their number is 02-2693-555

Ask a Korean to call as I didn't have much luck with the first few people I tried to speak to.

Thanks if anyone can help,

GG

[kangnamdragon]

Are these prices with or without insurance?

[GoshiwonGuy]

These are prices with insurance. Samsung knows I have insurance, but I think that the MRI and Ultrasound aren't covered in any case. I had X-rays there and think they may have been partially covered.

At the other hospital mentioned, I told them I have insurance but, due to a bit of a language barrier, don't know whether it made a difference in prices quoted.

GG

[justagirl]

I agree, I don't think ultrasounds are covered. I've had 2 at the girlie doctor, and they have been 50,000 won each time, once with insurance, once without.

Sorry I can't help out more than that! I hope you find what you need.

justagirl

[peppermint]

Can't speak for the MRI. but I've had an ultrasound at the girlie doc too, along with a couple of extras that would make the guys squirm, and it cost me 60,000.

Feeling good Goshiwon guy? You got screwed.

[dominic]

Ive been to that hospital in mok dong many times, the doctors are ok and if you need physio they have a great guy there too. Im sorry to tell you but insurance doesnt cover MRIs, that's why it's so expensive. Ive needed one for 3 years but wont pay, im just livng with the pain until june when i go home. They are way to expensive here, it's rediculous

[GoshiwonGuy]

I agree they're very expensive here Dominic. But I need my for rehab, and a court case, so I have little choice.

I also didn't have any luck trying to get anything done in Canada. It took me a year to get a CAT scan on my head. And I only got that because I went behind my doctors back, and luckily got another doctor who helped me out.

I have little confidence in Canadian healthcare or social services. Both have let me down greatly. For those who consider Canadas social net as its defining point, try to make use of it when you really need it. You likely won't get your tax dollars worth.

GG

[GoshiwonGuy]

[GoshiwonGuy]

Ok, I found the cheapest price in Seoul, Korea. There could be cheaper but I didn't find it and really can't picture it out there.

Hong-ik Hospital, in Mok-Dong. (Get off at Mokdong subway stop and look for a map that will show the location of the hospital. It's a 3 minute walk):

MRI: 350,000 korean won (They quoted 420,000 over the phone but was a mistake on someones part. It is 350,000 won+ fee to see a doctor who must order it. Minimal in any case...).
Ultrasound: 70,000 won (These can be had as low as 30,000 won in some other places).

These prices are for the diagnostics and interpretations. So, with these in hand you could visit any specialist and they can examine you and give an opinion.

So, all told, I paid 420,000 at this hospital, as opposed to 858,000 that Samsung Medical Centre would have charged. Now, I'll take these films and get the opinion from a better doctor at Samsung...just some advice on how to save some money when it comes to these theives who inflate the prices for tests as a preliminary to seeing their doctors who are covered under Korean Medical, same as everyone (so far as I know...).

GG

[rapier]

I'm considering a hernia op in the future. Any idea how much that would cost here, and if it's covered by insurance or not?

[GoshiwonGuy]

Rapier,

I'm not sure on that. Best advice i could do is to get in to see a specialist at Samsung to diagnose. If any diagnostics (ultrasound, etc) are required, do the same as me and get them cheaper elsewhere (like Hong-ik in Mok-Dong). After they price the op at Samsung, you can check the rate at other Hospitals.

Also, consider getting it done on a holiday in Thailand. In Bangkok there is Bumrungrad Hospital, 'Asias only Accredited Hospital', or so they advertise. They have an excellent reputation and are considered the best of the best by many. Many of their doctors are foreign trained.

I visited an Orthopedic Surgeon there who is American Board Certified, a professor at a Thai Uni, and did one of his internships at John Hopkins in the United States. The whole exam and a 1 page report cost me about 70,000 won.

Do a websearch and once on their webpage you can find their 'Give me Quote" icon, or link. If you send them a request for info ( a quote) they will get back to you, usually within a few days.

You can also do a search on www.ajarn.com Discussion Forum. There are many long term expats that post on there and know the score. There is quite a bit of info on there about different hospitals in Bangkok.

They offer unbelievable prices and Thailand offers good value and good doctors, believe it or not. I priced a vasectomy at a renowned University Hospital for less than 2000 baht (70,000 won?) if you're interested you can PM me

All the best,

GG

[desultude]

I would consider going to one of the fine hospitals in Bangkok for anything remotely expensive or elective. The international hospitals there are great, and you can have a good vacation and get your work done for what you will pay for it here. I am going to get the complete top to bottom work up with all the tests included for less than $300 U.S.

My neighbor got all of his dental work done in Bangkok over the last two vacations, and spent most of the time on the beach.

[kangnamdragon]

I hope you are not dead by now, waiting where to get the cheap MRI....

[GoshiwonGuy]

[kangnamdragon]

It's not you in particular. I can just picture posters here not crapping until asking where to buy toilet paper.