With the introduction of a Medication Tourism program that makes specialty pharmaceuticals, vaccines and specialized care conveniently available to patients at up to 80 percent savings, Bumrungrad International Hospital (BIH) takes the lead in improving access to high quality care and prescriptions at significantly lower costs for complex diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, HIV, Hepatitis C, multiple sclerosis, cancer and orphan/rare diseases.
“Travel to Thailand to have prescriptions filled and authentic specialty drugs expertly administered at a fraction of the cost resolves a major problem for all patients and U.S.-based self-insured employers who are forced to ration care or deny coverage to keep high specialty drug costs from overrunning their operations,” says David Boucher, chief business transformation officer, BIH, one of the largest private hospitals in Southeast Asia, serving over 1.1 million patients annually, including over 520,000 international patients from over 190 nationalities.
“Bangkok is an easy travel destination, leading all cities in overnight visits with close to 1,400-1,500 flights a day going in and out from all parts of the world, making it feasible for people to get their much needed – often life-saving – medications for a relatively low price,” continues Boucher. “Patients and their companions can stay in an affordable hotel, from one night to 30 nights or more, and access treatment at a price that meets their budget.”
Runaway costs for specialty drug prescription medications, particularly in the United States, continue to threaten the health and pocketbooks of individuals, as well as the financial solvency of employers and payers. This avalanche of expensive medicines – which can range from $15,000 a year to as much as $750,000 annually in the United States – has the potential to cripple an entire healthcare system, imposing out-of-pocket costs that cause people to abandon their prescriptions and fail to adhere to treatment. Patients questioning the availability of a particular drug or who want to see if BIH can make it available should visit the website at medicationtourism.bumrungrad.com or contact druginfo@bumrungrad.com.
“Medication Tourism extends the value of medical tourism, furthering the Bumrungrad mission to improve access to affordable care and medications for people throughout the world,” says Boucher. “Today, we offer over 30 centers of excellence and our medical staff includes 1,300+ physicians, many of whom are U.S.-board certified and spent time in the United States to complete a residency, fellowship or pursue advanced training.”
Visit https://www.bumrungrad.com/en/search-for-a-thailand-doctor to research the background, training, experience and languages spoken by physicians.
“We have interpreters for over 20 languages that are available in the hospital 24/7 and try to make as many accommodations as possible,” says Boucher. “A representative office is located at the main international airport in Bangkok for maximum convenience to medical travelers.”
BIH also provides concierge services to streamline travel and accommodations, arrange for the transfer of records, book follow-up care and appointments and tend to the needs of patients and their companions.
About Bumrungrad International Hospital
Bumrungrad International Hospital (BIH) is a Joint Commission International accredited, multi-specialty hospital located in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. Founded in 1980, it is one of the largest private hospitals in Southeast Asia, with 580 beds and over 30 specialty centers. BIH offers state-of-the-art diagnostic, therapeutic and intensive care facilities in a one-stop medical center. BIH serves 1.1 million patients annually, including over 620,000 international patients. Visit www.bumrungrad.com.
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Source: Bumrungrad International Hospital
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