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Healthcare - Public & Private at same time?

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  1. #21

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    Quote Originally Posted by MujiMan:
    Does anyone know how much Humira costs at a pubic hospital?
    The same price as in the private sector. This is not a drug offered by the Hospital Authority for 'free' although not listed below it is in the same class as the other biologics and biosimilars. Humira may or may not be the best fit for you and there are quite a few to try. Start with Biosimilars as these are similar rather than generic.

    https://www.ha.org.hk/visitor/ha_vis...tent_id=208076

    I would possibly suggest the private sector is keener to throw expensive drugs at problems while the public sector will work through all the much cheaper immunosuppressant tools in their tool kit before going for the expensive option as most of their clients just can't afford the nuclear option.

    Just checked the HA is now offering Biosimilars. but you still need to pay normal prices

    If the drugs are the same price why suffer HA service? There is usually quite a lot of testing to see that your body can take a biologic. That adds up and may eat up your medical insurance on routine tasks.
    Last edited by East_coast; 04-02-2022 at 05:34 PM.
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  2. #22

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    Original Post Deleted
    Get a referral ASAP and drop it off at your nearest HA, (or check their website for wait times and choose).

    I know friends recently did this and it's $1500/m vs FREE! and they gave like a year's supply, appointment will take a few months at least but you're saving yourself a decent vacation when the covid is over.

    EDIT: providing the HA offer it that is.
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  3. #23

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    Thank you everyone. Ill come back and let you know how it goes


  4. #24

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    After a long search , I eventually found a pharmacy in Sheung Wan that offered good prices my chronic meds, but this still works out to over $3000 a month - I would appreciate the name of a pharmacy in Mong Kok where these may be cheaper - Please

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  5. #25

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    The answer in short is yes. I was diagnosed with a Chronic condition in HK. I went private to get diagnoses (I originally went to the Hospital Authority but was given an appointment a year later) and then like you found the drugs very expensive.

    However, having received the diagnoses privately I went back to the gov. system and got an appointment much quicker. I then received my meds from the gov hospital and regular specialist appointments there. I occasionally went back to the private specialist too. They have a system where the HA can share your records with the private clinic using a code.

    Of course not all drugs are available for free from the HA. I 'made do' with something alternative. (Which, interestingly, the UK doctor took me off as soon as I went back to the UK. Dangerous and not used in the UK for years he said!)

    Do be aware though. I found the private specialist was trying to push me on even more expensive drugs (Biologics) which in practice were not needed.In time I realised that my condition was not as severe as it could be and I am able to get by on minimal, cheaper meds.

    I wonder if private specialists get a kick back from prescribing certain expensive drugs.

    Last edited by Pauljoecoe; 11-02-2022 at 09:05 PM.
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  6. #26

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    Quote Originally Posted by mervyn:
    After a long search , I eventually found a pharmacy in Sheung Wan that offered good prices my chronic meds, but this still works out to over $3000 a month - I would appreciate the name of a pharmacy in Mong Kok where these may be cheaper - Please
    The one I used to go to is Nam Wah Pharmacy 42號 Argyle St, Mong Kok, Hong Kong. It is surrounded by several other pharmacies. I can't say whether your drug will be cheaper there or not, 3000 if it's a biologic is already pretty good but they might be able to use one of the other biologics which might be cheaper.

    Bring the box/package with you, makes life easier when asking around.

    Good luck!
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  7. #27

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    Nov 2017
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    Quote Originally Posted by MABinPengChau:
    THe was seeing 87 patients in 2.5 hours. Super efficient, nurses process everyone through quickly and efficiently and I didn't feel rushed at all. Copay around 11 dollars US. They are not screwing around in TW.
    What?! 1.7minutes per person... with no breaks?

  8. #28

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    Quote Originally Posted by redslert:
    What?! 1.7minutes per person... with no breaks?
    Yes and it's not a fluke, went back 2 times because needed repeated injections, and about the same, high 70's low 80's. Now, some have a rash or acne and are just back for a quick check and a medicine refill but it is still...amazing. And I went to a gastroenterologist to review an abdominal scan, also a huge volume, about 30-40 I would say for a 2-hour block. I imagine if it's something complex you go for repeat appointments...
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