medical facilites

[ganurse]

has anyone had to use the medical facilites on the ship or at a port of call. what did you think? can my husband bring his insulin with him and will it stay cold?

 

[traycie2201]

You can request a fridge in your room for insulin if the coolers won't keep it at the right temperature. according to the passporter "the medical facilities are pretty large and are equipeed with cardiac life support equipment, ventilators, x ray machines etc, two doctors and three registered nurses are on staff , the reports on the care is excellent and fees are reasonable "

Hope that helps

 

[ganurse]

not that we will need it, but you made me feel better...

thanks

 

[traycie2201]

Good
here's to happy healthy cruising for all

 

[aprilgail2]

Let Disney know now that you will need a fridge to keep the medicine cold. They will put a real one in the room for you.

 

[natdencro]

On our Western cruise last year, I had a major dental problem and called at the medical area for advice. Although they dont have a resident dentist on the ship, they gave me a map and instructions on how to find the medical/dental centre in Cozumel. Should you need these facilities, DONT walk there, use a taxi which is cheap. It is a very long walk, through some dodgy areas. HOWEVER, on arrival, the centre was almost brand new, the staff (although they spoke little english) were polite and helpful.(Many staff from cruise ships use this medical centre). I was seen within an hour and back in town in time for lunch at Carlos and Charlies!Nat

 

[Masonpips]

My DS developed an ear infection on our last cruise (Sunday or Monday night I think) and we called the medical area. They had just closed (of course, this is our historic pattern with our kids LOL) but they said "come on down" and we were seen within 3 minutes.

They were THE BEST. We talked about Mickey and Minnie having their check-ups by the same doctor and how DS was one of the few kids to meet their doctor too. DD insisted on coming with us (lol, she thought she might be missing out) and they had great character posters in the room. We got some antibiotics and were out of there quickly. It SAVED our vacation - our DS was 10,000 times better within 24 hours.

The bill was about $160-$180? which included the visit and the antibiotics (liquid Zithromax) - we could have claimed it on our insurance when we got home, but we hadn't reached our deductible and it was near the end of the year so we weren't going to reach it so we didn't file.

P.S. DS got a "Bravery" pin (not a Disney pin, but a round one) with something Disney on it - he wore it proudly

 

[christinou]

My daughter got an ear infection on our last cruise, and they were terrific, they took us in right away, the doctor on board was great, the bill including antibiotics was $98 and our insurance reimbursed us....

 

[slabeaume]

This past Feb., my dad almost drowned on a snorkel excursion. I can vouch that the medical facilities on board are very good. He was on a respirator and heavily medicated. He was evacuated---a VERY long process (took 9 hours to get to a hospital in Ft. Lauderdale---from Castaway Cay). The staff was very good.
They do require full payment before evacuation, though, and the ship is registered out of the country. So make sure your insurance covers you our of the country, or you get trip insurance.
Long story short, the hospital credited the medical staff on the ship for saving my Dad's life.

 

[kcashner]

I'm a physician, and have toured the medical facility on the ship. It is small (as you would expect.) They function as the doctor's office for the nearly 1000 crew members, maintaining charts, etc. on them. In addition, they are equipped for emergency services for all on board. They have a small ICU, X-ray facility, even a morgue (which has never been needed.) The physicians are employed by another company, but are all US trained and meet DCL's standards.

I was very impressed by everyone I met and by the level of the facility. They are well equipped for whatever comes their way.

As to the insulin, DCL will place a small medication refrigerator in your cabin. If you let them know ahead of time, it will be there when you board.

 

[Greysword]

Nat! About how much did the dental emergency run you? (ball park figures would be great!) Did you have insurance and if so, did that cover it?

medical stuff is easy to plan for ($ on insurance). Dental, however, is a bit less reported and required

 

[PRaffen]

Was just thinking about the medical facilities today as the family we are cruising with has a child with sickle cell and she was hospitalized yet again this week.

This is her third hospitalization this year and we are hoping and praying she will keep well for the cruise but it's good to know the doctors and facilities are equipped for all medical problems.