A Thai Clinic

When we come to Thailand, we like to get all of our medical/dental appointments taken care of. The quality is good. The prices are fantastic.

Yesterday, I went to a small clinic suggested by a colleague to see a dermatologist. I've had this pesky spot of skin cancer (detected almost 2 yrs ago) on my forehead that need to be removed one way or another. I was excited about the referral because my colleague said it was run by Aussies (always nice to have English-speakers) and cost next to nothing. Double win!

I arrived. It was definitely small! Instead of filling out pages of  new patient forms, I filled out a credit-card sized piece of paper written in Thai. I managed to write my name, birth date, and phone number. Guess that's all they needed!

I waited about 5 minutes with one other patient in the "waiting room." I was then escorted to a small office by a nurse who spoke great English. Whew! I was a little afraid up to that point. Behind the desk was a Thai man. Not even sure he was a doctor. Running through my mind: "Where are the Aussies?!?" I told him my issue. He looked at my spot through a magnifying glass the size of my head. He said, "It's difficult to tell what kind it is. We'll have to take a biopsy of it. But not until tomorrow. That's when the doctor (making me believe he wasn't one!!) will be in. You must come before noon." Ok, that's fine. Thanks for looking at my head anyway...!?

As I stood up to walk out, he said, "Oh, and you'll still need to pay the consultation fee at the front desk." For real?! All you did was tell me to come back tomorrow!! I would have been more upset, except that it only cost $2. Ok, sure, take my $2 for your expertise. :)

I went back today and took Malachi with me. I mommy-diagnosed him with eczema on his sweet little cheeks a few months ago. After the REAL dermatologist (Western..but not sure he was Australian. Who cares; he spoke English!) looked at it, he confirmed my diagnosis. He prescribed some cream, and that was that. Then he took the giant magnifying glass and looked at my spot. He wasn't too concerned. He asked some questions about it..if it changed, etc., and after replying "no," he said it's not so urgent. So, I'll wait until I get back to the States. No big deal.

Malachi's consultation + mine + 2 meds for him = $6. Yet another reason we love Thailand. :)