Press Article

Choose the check-up you really need

Hospitals offer a bewildering array of check-up packages but every patient needs to do some preparation to choose the right one, says Kenneth Mays, Bumrungrad Hospital's marketing director.

• Start by consulting a nurse or discussing with your regular doctor about the tests you need. Your family doctor knows your health and can offer more trustworthy suggestions than a hospital sales or marketing person.
• Don't agree to tests that you don't need. Some hospitals offer impressive-looking all-in-one packages but you may be spending money on procedures that aren't necessary for you.
• Shopping around for prices is useful as most hospitals do have similar basic physical check-up packages that most people want. However, you need to make sure that you're comparing the same tests among different hospitals. Comparing only prices isn't enough. Details of the tests must also be taken into account.
• Give the hospital a call and ask questions when you're not clear about the tests and their benefits _ what the tests can and can't tell _ to see if they actually match your needs.
• Do get regular check-ups, usually once a year for people with normal health. Some people try to avoid regular check-ups for fear that they might reveal bad results. The important thing to remember is that most medical problems that are found in the early stage can be cured faster and easier.

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