Posted by
john5023
20 yrs ago
My wife and I are new to Hong Kong. She is 15 weeks pregnant, and we have visited two different obstetricians in Hong Kong so far (as well as one in Beijing, where she travels to frequently). The first one (in Central) seemed to care more about charging us extra for an extended consultation (more than 15 minutes) than actually my wife's health. The second doctor (recommended by someone at work) didn't charge us extra, was more accomodating to our questions, with a no nonsense approach. Only problem is that she is located in TST and is not very punctual in terms of keeping her appointments (we are used to doctors overbooking -- not a surprise). Positive spin is that she is very popular. On the other hand, is it reasonable to wait 90-120 minutes or more for an scheduled appointment? As we will have to visit quite frequently, and I want to accompany my wife to as many visits as possible, I just can't take an entire half day off everytime. We have no plans right now to change doctors, but it is something that I would like to consider if there is a consensus on a great obstetrician in Hong Kong who can take a new patient. THANKS. PS, please feel free to email me with referrals if it is against the rules to mention specific names in this forum. Thanks again.
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I used Dr. Depasquale during my pregnancy. Very patient and punctual. I usually spent an hour with him, since it was my forst pregnancy and I was worried about the silliest issues (in retrospect:-))Money is not an issue with him. Infact, most ggod doctors in HK will provide you with a package. One lump sum amount including delivery, whether c-section or normal. His number is 25251730. he is based in Admiraly in the Bank of America bldng. Good Luck!
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I'm pregnant now and am seeing Alexander Doo in Central. He's very patient and will explain every little question I've ever asked. I've never had to wait too long - maybe 15, 20 minutes at most. He does charge a little more but I think it's worth it. I haven't had my baby yet so I don't know how he is with delivery. Good luck!
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Dr. Doo's office number is 25233007. Personally, I don't think it makes much difference whether the doctor is male or female. I've had female ob/gyns who were very insensitive to my undressing and were just very hasty with the exam. But it depends on whether you feel comfortable and your own preference. Dr. Doo is younger (mid-late 30's I think) and was educated in the UK. I don't know if that has anything to do with his mannerism but I feel quite comfortable with him.
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tillu
20 yrs ago
Hi Pink Tulip
I am a patient to Dr. Doo. Before seeing him I also preferred Ladies Dr and I find one in Central, though she was ok but no comparison with Dr Doo. After seeing him all my preferences for ladies dr has been chaged. When ever he goes for check up or u/s his one assistant is always with him and ofcourse you can ask your husband to go with you.
He is really a good Dr. whom you can contact any time and if necessary he will also call you directly. Their staff is also very good and supportive. They also have one female Dr. I think Dr. Choy not very sure for her name though i have not visited her but heard a lot good things about her. If you need more information let me know
good luck
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Dr Derek Lo is also a very caring and punctual Dr. The maximum I have had to wait at his clinic has been 15 minutes. You can call his clinic which is at Central on 2522-0691
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In general, if you book the first appointment of the day you will not have to wait long. The waiting period builds up through the day as each successive delay adds to the last.
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meiji
20 yrs ago
TILLU, what good things have you heard about Dr. Choy?
I have seen Dr. Choy in Women's Clinic, I like her, but VERY young. I question whether she's experienced enough for emergencies during pregnancy and delivery. I prefer female doctor. Anyone else has experience with Dr. Choy, please let me know.
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For details on obstetricians that deliver at the hospital please feel free to contact me - 2849 0328
Lynne
Matilda International Hospital
Hong Kong
http://www.matilda.org
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tillu
20 yrs ago
hi meiji
Actually i have naver been with DR Choy but you can find a thread about her reference in Medical/Health.
bye
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Hey John -
had my first baby in HK last May. I used the public health care system - Queen Mary Hospital and Tsan Yuk Hospital. I had a lot of hesitation initally about using the system, but in the end, it was the best decision for me. At first the system seems complicated - registering, getting appointments (there is no flexibility) but the care is excellent. At times it can feel a bit like you're on an assembly line for your birth, but as most OB's in HK are also busy as well - it's probably not much different.
Some people may complain that the greatest disadvantage is that the doctor never really gets to know the case - however, the best thing is that these really lovely nurses and midwives watch over you your entire pregnancy - and in many ways, they are more caring and loving than many of the overworked OB's in HK. You do see OB's at certain times during your pregnancy, but if you have a normal, non complicated pregnancy, nurses and midwives will be your primary caretakers. The last part is that during your delivery a midwife will stay with you your entire labor. You dont' get that with an OB/GYN. An OB is there for the last part (my father is an OB/GYN so I'm not just criticizing them) and doesn't really spend a lot of time holding your hand. I had four brilliant midwives sit with me through a grueling 15 hour painful labor process who were gentle, never forced me to do anything I didn't want to do, and a lovely woman delivered my healthy baby. The public healthcare system is definitely not for everyone - it's not posh, it's not luxurious, but it's incredibly economical and the care is excellent. Given the choice, I will definitely have my next baby through Queen Mary Hospital.
Hope this helps.
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Thanks all for the prompt responses. Very grateful for the advice and suggestions.
Right now we think we feel more comfortable going to a private hospital; however, I guess the public route would be much more economical. With regard to the public health system, my wife does not speak Cantonese (speaks English and Mandarin) and I speak broken Cantonese (so don't like translating critical information). Would that be a problem in the public system? Also, I would like to be present when my life goes into labor. Is this a problem in the public system?
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tillu
20 yrs ago
Hi John
I am totally agree with hkchoichoi, In public hospital thay speaks very good English. The nominal fee in Public Hospital is only for the residents i.e. ID Card Holders, but if you don't have then the Public Hospital Charge you the same as private hospital and you can get a private room in Public Hospital and yes you can present alonwith your wife during delivery, infact they will also provide you information , how you can help in delivery.
Good Luck
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here's my post from medical/health
Doctor Choy is the best female obstetrician/gynaecologist in Central. Impressive qualifications (FHKCOG and FHKAM) and clinical tutor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She is in demand and does lots of operations - she seems to have surgical rights in all the major hospitals in HK so don't worry on the experience front! She also understands women's medical issues in a way that only a woman can. If you are looking for a female ob/gyn look no further. Go and see her at least for an initial visit...
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dear john,
i see Dr doo during my pregnancy and he is GREAT!! i first went to a doctor in sanatorium ( i do not want h mention her name ) who misdiagnosed me with a blighted ovum. I was almost ready to abort the baby when i went to Dr Doo for second opinion. Dr Doo does not jump into conclusion too soon, he rescan me and to my amazement, he told me that my baby was perfectly fine. and i continue to be seen by hin throughout my pregnancy. I am now a proud mother of a 3 month old boy, thanks to Dr Doo.
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meiji
20 yrs ago
I found a good and experienced ob/gyn in TST. Dr. Nancy Fok. A little wait, but she's very good. I am very happy with her.
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Hi John -
as to your question regarding the usage of English at Queen Mary Hospital - that is simply not a problem at all. I am an English speaker, and speak little to no Cantonese - (practically nothing) and I never had any problems with my care or my delivery. I will tell you that initially you will feel like you are in a bit of a "herd" of pregnant women. On registration day (the most frustrating of days in the public health system) you will literally be in a room with maybe 100 other pregnant women. This will be your only difficult day. After that, your first couple of visits will be at Tsan Yuk hospital, and then you will move to one of the clinics. The clinic in Central is not "posh" but it is clean and they do their job very well there. If you have any complications you will be referred back to Tsan Yuk for consultations. Here are some of the benefits - ultrasounds are $60 HKD. Go ask a private physician how much an ultrasound is. They offer a free screening for Downs - and it includes the blood test and ultrasound screening (the most current method available) Epidural and any drugs taken during labor are also free. You just have to get used to the system. The key - GET THERE EARLY. The trick to not waiting around forever is to get the number "1" or "2" in the lottery. So for example, at Tsan Yuk, they will have you come for a 10:00 appointment. However, what you don't know is that maybe 25 other women are coming for the 10:00 appointment. So they hand out numbers - you want that number 1 or 2 because they usually have 3-4 doctors seeing patients. If you go about 30 - 40 minutes early, you will be seen promptly at 10:00. (this is more predictable than private doctors - let me tell you.)
You questioned being with your wife while she goes into labor. This is a question of timing again. If she is admitted into the general ward, then you cannot be with her in the ward, unless it is visiting hours (12:00-1:00 and 6:00-8:00 if I remember)until she is dilated enough to be admitted into the labor room. the trick is knowing when to go to the hosptial so you minimize the time you are not together. however, she is free to walk around in the outer area where you can be with her. I ended up being in the hospital for 12 hours in the general ward, before begging the nurses to let me into the labor room and be with my husband. They allowed me to go - and then I suffered in the labor room for another 20 hours or so. (I didn't take epidural so it was pretty painful.) But the nurses and midwives were so kind. My midwife stayed with me for 12 hours, watching my contractions, and not leaving the room, and then when her shift was over, another one came and then two midwives delivered my baby. They were so respectful of me as a woman, as a woman who was having a baby - I never felt so wonderful. (remember - my father is an OBGYN and I preferred the midwife system.)
Instead of spending money on the pregnancy - which is pretty much visiting the doctor/clinic once a month for 7 months and then more frequently towards the end, I HIGHLY recommend that you spend your money on having a midwife come to your home AFTER the pregnancy. I recommend without hesitation, Hulda Thorey (Annerly Midwives) who is a lactation specialist - who will come and visit your home should you have any difficulties or struggles with your post partum care. She can check your stitches, check your baby's weight, teach you how to bathe, soothe your baby when she/he doesn't stop crying at night...this is more moral support you'll need after you have your hormones raging, you're exhausted from the birth and the nonstop action of having a baby. She comes to your home and just soothes everything.
Good luck to you!! It will be great no matter what route you choose. If you are still considering private, another Doctor in Central (St. George's building) who is very good is Macor Wan. I was going to go to him before opting to save the money.
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