General Medicine in Ha Noi

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 Ha Noi?      

You can leave the medical facility immediately after, plan to stay at least 2 to 5 days in Ha Noi 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 Ha Noi

About Hanoi

Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital and the second-largest city by population. Located on the banks of Red River, it’s the major metropolitan and political center of the country. This chaotic and busy city is brimming with history, culture, and character. Known as one of the most ancient capitals in the world, the city charms its visitors with well-preserved colonial buildings, pagodas, and museums. Foreign tourists normally travel to the city to enjoy its history, but today, some of these foreign tourists are heading to its clinics and hospitals. Affordable healthcare and high-quality medical centers are the main factors that have attracted medical tourists and the most sought-after treatment is cosmetic surgery and dentistry.

Popular Parts of Hanoi

Hanoi offers many kinds of attractions for its visitors. The most popular part of the city is the Old Quarter, where visitors can experience Asia at its rawest. This 2000-year-old street is packed with over 1000 merchants. In this area, you can also get a glimpse of the strong influence the French had via its architecture. The area of Ba Dinh is also popular among foreign tourists. It’s the center of governance in Vietnam, as well as home to numerous historic sites, such as the One Pillar Pagoda and Hanoi Flag Tower. Those who are fascinated with Vietnam’s history and culture should visit the Temple of Literature, Quan Su Pagoda, or explore its many museums. Some of the popular museums are the Vietnam Women’s Museum, Army Museum, and the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts.

Transport in Hanoi

Noi Bai International airport is the biggest airport in Vietnam that serves both domestic and international flights to major cities in Asia and Europe. Several budget airlines operate from this airport, such as Jetstar Pacific and VietJet Air. Various modes of transport are available to get around the city. Taxis can be hailed from the street or by phone and are generally reliable. Motorcycle taxis and cyclo (similar to trishaw) are two of the most affordable options. Buses are also available. However, the easiest way to get around is by Grab motorbikes, which is similar to Uber.

Visas in Hanoi

Holders of passports issued to 24 countries, including Cambodia, Denmark, and the UK, are allowed to visit and stay in Hanoi for up to 90 days without a visa. Vietnam has introduced an electronic visa system in 2017, which is available for citizens of 81 countries, including all EU countries, Australia, and Japan. 

Weather in Hanoi

Hanoi experiences a warm and humid subtropical climate. The summer, starting from late April, is characterized by sunny days and heatwaves, with occasional rain. The average temperature is around 27.5°C. Winter, from December to January, has a lot of cold days and the temperature can drop to 7°C. Autumn and spring have pleasant weather.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the official currency, and 1 USD will get you around 23,270 VND.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs can be found easily around the city. Cash is king, but credit cards are accepted in various hotels. Tipping is not expected but appreciated.
3. Local Language: Vietnamese is the official and most spoken language in Hanoi. English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Most people in Hanoi follow Vietnamese folk religion or are not religious. Other religions, such as Buddhism and Christianity, are freely practiced.
5. Public Holidays: Hanoi celebrates several public holidays, including New Year’s Day, Tet Holiday, Hung Kings Temple Festival, Reunification Day, International Labor Day, and National Day.