Central Medical Practice in Prince's Building

[Obaing2011]

Has anyone used Central medical Practice? I just called their number (2521-2567) and was met with a very rude receptionst.

I was simply inquiring about scheduling appts for an annual physical but was shocked by the receptionist's attitude. She repeatedly asked for some "international board" while raising her voice, which is very unprofessional. She refused to take appts because she does not believe our expat insurance covers annual physical exams.

I only found their number from the providers directory. Anybody has experienced with them or can recommend some providers?

[Fiona in HKG]

Try Quality Healthcare Medical instead. Central Medical can be as you described, but then so can many of the larger groups.

Alternatively, Matilda Hospital are very good and offer a personalised (more expensive) service, a true five-star experience with a wing devoted to executive physical assessments.

They also have a small clinic in Central where they do assessments.

Good luck!

[Obaing2011]

Thanks a bunch, Fiona. Much appreciated.

I'm checking out Quality Healthcare - judging from the receptionist I spoke with, there's a world of difference. And good to know about the Matilda hospital/clinic. It's really a shocker in my first attempt to contact medical professionals in HK. Not to overgeneralize, but isn't it just my impression that on average, service in HK is way below that of other "world cities"? So far I count my "wonderful" experience with Smartone.

[Fiona in HKG]

Thanks a bunch, Fiona. Much appreciated.

I'm checking out Quality Healthcare - judging from the receptionist I spoke with, there's a world of difference. And good to know about the Matilda hospital/clinic. It's really a shocker in my first attempt to contact medical professionals in HK. Not to overgeneralize, but isn't it just my impression that on average, service in HK is way below that of other "world cities"? So far I count my "wonderful" experience with Smartone.

Most welcome. The larger medical practices, on the whole, do contract medicine mainly and operate on large company contracts where there usually is little importance placed on the face-to-face experience and you may also find that the interaction with the doctor is very short and over-prescribed when it comes to issuing medicine. There is also a large turnover on their first-tier doctors, with little history-building possible.

To be honest, my best experience in Central has so far been with smaller doctors' practices and the Matilda Medical Centre. Finding a good GP in Hong Kong can be very difficult and you are often pushed to a specialist for minor things.

There is a great bunch of people on here who will help with your transition into this really fabulous city, I hope your initial interactions haven't put you off too much

[LoughtonLion]

My family have been with central medical for twelve months and happy with the GP services. Always seen within a few hours of a phone call, often immediately. There are half a dozen receptionists on at any one time, you must have picked one on a bad day.

Glad we don't have to pay their fees in full though.

Steve

[Satay Sue]

I've generally found (note "generally"!) worldwide that doctors' and dentists' receptionists tend to be quite abrupt and rude.

[LoughtonLion]

My comments are about Central Health medical practice in Duddell Street, maybe not the same place.
Steve

[Obaing2011]

My comments are about Central Health medical practice in Duddell Street, maybe not the same place.
Steve

Thanks, Steve. You're right - the Duddle Street houses a different doctors' office. They have a website that lists all the practitioners. I will check them out.

[Obaing2011]

Original Post Deleted

That's good to know, thanks. When I called today, I asked about paying out of pocket first (then reimburshed by insurance, according to word-of-mouth), but she cut me off. I think I may just wing by their office one day incognito.

Come to think of it, it's ironic, is it not, that HK locals are increasingly practicing the same undesirable whatever they accuse of mainlanders. Pot calling the kettle black?

[pilipala]

Hi Fiona,

I've recently got a bad flu and cough. Needed a good GP around Central area. Unfortuantely work only pays up to $350 for each visit to doctor's. Do you know any good doctor that charges within that range with medicine included? I am happy to travel out west if that's needed to bring down the cost. If you have names and numbers that would be brilliant.

Thanks heaps.