General Medicine in Bali

General medicine focuses on the diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of diseases of the internal organs. A medical doctor who specializes in general medicine is usually called a general medicine doctor or a general physician (GP). Although they mostly treat adults, they may also treat adolescents and children. They treat all medical conditions, including conditions that affect the respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal, hematological, or endocrine systems. Some of the most common conditions general medicine doctor can treat include but are not limited to:

• Respiratory system, including lung fibrosis, asthma, pneumonia, and Emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Cardiovascular system, such as hypertension and ischemic heart disease (heart attack, angina).
• The neurological system, such as cerebrovascular accident (strokes), dementia, and epilepsy (seizures).
• Gastrointestinal system, including gastroenteritis and liver disease (such as alcoholic liver disease).
• Hematological, such as anemia.
• Endocrinological, such as pituitary disease, diabetes, and thyroid disease.

A general medicine doctor can arrange a wide range of tests, such as electrocardiogram, blood pressure test, urinalysis (U/A), blood sugar level, and fecal occult blood tests. They may also arrange laboratory investigations, such as blood tests or other fluid samples from other parts of the body. Occasionally, they may also arrange a biopsy for diagnosis, which will be sent to a pathologist for analysis. General medicine doctors can also work with radiologists to use X-rays, MRI, CT scans, or ultrasound, as well as nuclear medicine specialists for certain tests, such as PET scans. They may also refer patients to another specialty for special tests, such as a cardiologist for an angiogram and a gastroenterologist for an endoscopy.

Common procedures or interventions that general medicine doctor perform are as follows:

• Perform clinical examinations of patients to evaluate, diagnose, and monitor the patient’s condition.
• Interpret findings from investigations, such as blood tests, to help reach a diagnosis.
• Use life support skills and emergency procedures, such as defibrillation, when necessary.

How Long Should I Stay in Bali?      

You can leave the medical facility immediately after, plan to stay at least 2 to 5 days in Bali for a follow-up appointment. During the follow-up appointment, your doctor evaluates how your body is responding to treatment or, if you had diagnostic tests, explain the results, and discuss the treatment plan with you. However, if your doctor tells you that no follow-up appointment is necessary, you should be allowed to leave for home on the same day. 

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Recovery time can be different from one person to another, depending on the illness or disease you have and your overall health. You will be advised to take several days off work and avoid strenuous activities to allow your body to recover. Your doctor will let you know the specific time you can return to work and your normal activity. 

What Aftercare is Required?

Your doctor will give you an aftercare instruction tailored to your particular condition, which may include activity restriction and recommended diet. Your doctor may likely prescribe medicine as well. It is important to take the medicine as directed and follow all the instructions closely. They will also let you know if you need follow-up appointments. For certain illnesses, they may refer you to a specific specialist.

What's the Success Rate?

For many people, general medicine is the first point of treatment. It has a high success rate in diagnosing and treating many conditions, as well as referring patients to the relevant specialist for specialized treatments. Experienced and skilled general medicine doctors can learn a great deal by simple observation. Looking at hands, nails, skin, mouth, and eyes, as well as examining your lungs, heart, and abdomen can give them some clues and help them decide on the most appropriate tests to undertake to confirm their clinical suspicions. 

Are there Alternatives?

The alternatives depend on your condition. For example, you should be able to see a cardiologist for heart conditions without talking to your general medical doctor first. However, in some cases, you may need a referral from your general medical doctor to see other specialists.

General Medicine in and around Bali

About Bali

Bali is an Indonesian province located on the west side of the Lesser Sunda Islands. It is the country’s main tourist hotspot that attracts millions of tourists each year. The beaches are tranquil and perfect for any sun-seeker, the marine life is one of the most diverse in the world, the culture is beautiful, and the mountains are covered in lush jungles and great for hiking. In addition to the natural and cultural beauty, there are myriad of things that tourists can do here, from yoga, partying, surfing, to horseback riding.

Bali is not only full of fascinating beaches, but this tropical paradise also boasts many high-quality medical facilities offering various types of treatments. The island continues to upgrade its infrastructure and develop its medical centers to compete with neighboring countries, such as Singapore and Thailand. Medical tourists are able to avail of a wide range of treatments including cosmetic surgery and at affordable rates. The medical centers have modern equipment, and there is little to no waiting time for almost every procedure. Additionally, the island is also equipped with exclusive yoga centers, Bali-traditional spas, and Jamu traditional medicinal herbs.

Popular Areas in Bali

• Seminyak is known to be the most luxurious area in Bali. Tourists will find many fashionable boutiques, upscale restaurants, and exclusive clubs. In the afternoon, tourists can soak up the sun while sipping a cocktail in one of its famous beach clubs or take a beginner surfing lesson at one of its beaches. The main beach is Petitenget Beach where tourists can enjoy magical sunsets or swim in its warm waters. The area is also home to Bali’s best cafés, which makes café hopping a must-do event.  
• The Nusa Islands is located around 20 kilometers offshore from the main island and can only be accessed by boat. It consists of three islands: Lembongan, Ceningan, and Penida. The most popular and the closest to the main island of Bali is Nusa Lembongan. The biggest is Nusa Penida and the smallest is Nusa Ceningan. The three islands offer tranquil and almost-empty beaches, which is perfect for anyone who wishes to stay away from crowds.  
• Ubud is the island’s jungle paradise that still retains numerous aspects of traditional Balinese. It is the place for tourists who wants to immerse in Bali’s culture and nature. There are various beautiful temples, dance shows, and historical sites within the area. The most popular place is Ubud Monkey Forest or the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, which is a sacred temple, an evocative jungle, and natural habitat of monkeys.
• Sanur is Bali’s earliest beach resort and is located on the eastern side of the island; it contains some of the island’s first hotels. The area is known to be family-friendly as well as one of the best places to enjoy Bali’s magnificent sunrises. Sanur is very quiet which makes it the perfect place for relaxation. Wander around for a day and you will find many major cultural landmarks hidden in plain sight.
• Canggu is famous for its green rice fields, dark sandy beaches, and healthy food. This up-and-coming area is also filled with cool cafes and vegan restaurants. It is also a prime spot for surfing since the beaches have massive shore breaks. One of the most famous places in the area is the Pura Tanah Lot Temple as it is a famous seaside religious site located on top of a rock formation, which offers a picturesque view.

Weather and Climate in Bali

Bali enjoys warm and comfortable weather all year round. The tropical island experiences two seasons: dry and wet. The dry season starts in April and ends in October. The average temperatures during this season are between 23 °C to 31 °C. June to August are the driest months, making them the best months to visit the island. The wet season is from November to March. Expect to find many rainy days during the wet season. The temperatures are generally similar to the dry season, but the humidity will increase significantly. 

Getting Around in Bali

I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport is the main gateway to Bali and it is located 13 kilometers south of Denpasar and is the second busiest airport in Indonesia. The airport has international connections with major cities around the globe, including Bangkok, Melbourne, Moscow, and Guangzhou. It also serves domestic flights to many regions within Indonesia. The most affordable way to travel to and from Bali is by flying with budget airlines, such as AirAsia, Citilink, and Lion Air. 

There are several ways to get around Bali. Most of the transportation options are very affordable. Hiring a motorcycle is the fastest option, but if you do not like the idea of driving by yourself, you can try the motorcycle taxis known as ‘ojek,’ which can be hailed directly from the streets or by using apps such as Grab and Go-Jek (similar to Uber). The apps also provide private cars and food delivery. Taxis are widely available and run on a meter. The most reliable taxi companies are Blue Bird and Express.

Tourist Visas in Bali

Indonesia is known to be a visa-friendly country since most developed countries can enter without a visa. The country allows a citizen of 170 countries to enter and stay for up to 30 days. Citizens of Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and 65 other countries can apply for a visa on arrival. It is best to check at the nearest Indonesia Embassy or Consulate to find out if you need a visa or not. All visitors are required to have a visa valid for at least 6 months. 

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (Rp) is the official currency, and $1 converts to Rp14.000.
2. Money & Payments: Tourists will find ATMs that accept international cards almost everywhere (mostly Visa and MasterCard). Credit and debit cards are accepted in many shops, restaurants, and hotels. Tipping is not expected but will be greatly appreciated. 
3. Local Language: The official language is Bahasa Indonesia, and most people will also speak Balinese. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Most people in Bali follows Hinduism, and almost every aspect on the island is submerged with the Hindu faith. There is also a large group of Muslims as well as small group groups of Christian and Buddhists. 
5. Public Holidays: Bali celebrates major religious holidays, including Nyepi (Silent Day), Eid Mubarak, Christmas, and Vesak.