what can a crusie ship Dr. do for me and my kids?

[rjm11]

OK I'm at the stage of preparing for my August cruise where I'm imagining everything that can go wrong, and coming up with a plan for it. My latest is illness.... I'm not talking about norovirus, but what if my kids come down with an ear infection (has happened more than once following air travel), or strep throat or something? Is the ship's dr. available to look in their ear or administer a throat culture, and then prescribe an antibiotic? Has anyone had to use this service? I'm thinking of CVS Minute Clinic types of services... not advanced bloodwork.

[skidder]

I've never had to use the doctor on board so I'm not sure but I've found a few things on NCL's website if they help you:

 

From NCL's website

 

Is there a doctor on board?

A physician and nurse are on each ship to provide medical care and services at customary charges. Commonly used medications are kept on board and may be prescribed by the ship's doctor.

 

Also here is a job description from NCL's website for a doctor:

Shipboard Employment

Available PositionDoctor

Department:

Medical

 

Description:

 

To provide the best medical service possible to passengers and crew, and to assist the Staff Captain in all USPH related matters.

 

 

Education:

 

 

Medical Degree from a recognized College or University. Active, current medical license in good standing in Country or State/Providence of origin

Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support within one year of application.

Renewal of ACLS every 2 years with practical experience in ACLS.

Formal training and experience in at least one of the following: Emergency Medicine, General Practice, Internal Medicine, Cardiology or General Surgery

Supply a chronology of all medical activities since graduating from Medical College.

Supply documentation of all of the above.

 

 

Experience:

 

 

A minimum of 5 years clinical experience after completion of recognized post M.D. training program.

Ability to diagnose and treat a broad range of medical conditions.

Ability to perform minor surgery such as suturing, removal of benign skin lesions, removal of foreign objects, removal of ingrown toenails, identification of and immobilizing of simple fractures.

Fluent in English language, verbal and written.

Be able to pass a comprehensive pre-employment physical examination and drug test.

Supply three letters of recommendations from medical institutions or medical specialists or a combination of both.

Supply documentation of all of the above.

 

 

Responsibilities:

 

 

The Doctor's primary responsibility is as the Master's and the Staff Captain's adviser on all matters related to hospital services, passenger and crewmember health and the hygienic condition onboard.

Supervising daily medical consultations for passenger and crewmembers and keeping the Master advised of all matters of consequence.

Responsible for all medications and drugs onboard, and shall at all times keep a good control with the inventory in accordance with the Companys regulations and requirements. At least once a month or when there is a change in medical staff, a drug count shall be held, and the Staff Captain shall be present to verify.

The Doctor shall be a member of both, the Management and Crew Safety and Environmental Committee. This committee will recommend safety practices and corrective measures for the prevention of accidents to passengers and crew.

Supervise the administrative procedures for treatments of illnesses, injuries and deaths in accordance with the applicable regulations.

The Doctor shall perform in Weekly Sanitation inspections together with the ship's management.

Provide competent medical care to both passengers and crew.

Oversee inventory of medical supplies and monitor hospital budget.

Participate in inspections of the galley and food handling areas.

 

 

Notes:

 

Other position responsibilities are to be announced upon hire.

[kitty1]

The medical center on a cruise ship is like a mini emergency room or clinic. It is equipped to handle most medical situations or emergencies. The cruise ship is home to the crew members. The doctors should be able to treat your son for an ear infection, or sore throat, etc.

 

My Mother in law came down with bronchitis one a cruise (not NCL though. It was a different cruiseline) and went to the medical center on the ship and she was provided better care than what she got from her regular doctor. They charged her seapass account. Luckily they bought travel insurance, so they were reimbursed when they got home.

[rjm11]

that's great... sounds just like the peace of mind I was looking for! I just wanted to make sure we were covered "in case".... you know how kids pick the most inconvenient times to come down with something!

[collegecruiser346]

Just be aware that vising the medical center on the ship is very expensive. I recommend bringing any medication that you might need from home.

[uppitycats]

Using the ship's medical services is very costly, and usually your health insurance won't cover the costs. It really is better if you prepare for the worst: ask your child's pediatrician for the medication you'd need should they come down with an ear infection, or other ailment that might be common to your kids, and take it with you.

[NMLady]

As others have said, medical care aboard ship is extremely expensive and your usual insurance probably will NOT reimburse you for medical care aboard ship. It would be a good idea to get insurance that will include medical. We always get insurance that covers medical, medical evacuation, trip delay/interruption, and trip cancellation.

 

After our first cruise I learned to bring things like cold pills, cough syrup, aspirin, bandaids, Imodium, Prevacid or Alka Seltzer or Zantac. They are very expensive to buy aboard ship in the shops if the shop even has them. And they are even more expensive to

get from the ship's infirmary.

 

So, you might want to do as others have suggested and ask your children's pediatrician to give you a Rx for their meds and bring them with you.

 

I always bring some Amoxicillin with us since sometimes I've gotten bronchitis while onboard.

[Elationismyship]

As a side note to the "costly services" . . . .

 

On our January cruise while in port my husband twisted his ankle (we thought it was broken). We were in port, not on a cruise sponsored tour so this entire bill was soley on our shoulders (we did have trip insurance).

 

We had to visit the infirmary after hours. The nurse was called in and she called in the doctor. She xrayed but the doc had to do additional xrays. Luckily it was not broken. So he gave my hubby meds, ice pack and crutches and sent us on our way. The entire time I was so worried about how much it was going to cost (even though we had insurance) because I had heard all the horror stories. It was only $200 -- wow, it would have be a lot more expensive back home. We were on the Carnival Splendor.

[rjm11]

all good suggestions... we do have comprehensive travel insurance, and I have a "well visit" with my pediatrician scheduled for a few days prior... hoping to get some scripts for seasickness meds just in case as well, so maybe I'll ask for an antibiotic one to go with it. And I don't travel without the "staples" of Tylenol, Benedryl, Cough and Cold, etc.

 

But it's good to know that the ship's dr. is there if we need her/him!

[cliffd64]

OK I'm at the stage of preparing for my August cruise where I'm imagining everything that can go wrong, and coming up with a plan for it. My latest is illness.... I'm not talking about norovirus, but what if my kids come down with an ear infection (has happened more than once following air travel), or strep throat or something? Is the ship's dr. available to look in their ear or administer a throat culture, and then prescribe an antibiotic? Has anyone had to use this service? I'm thinking of CVS Minute Clinic types of services... not advanced bloodwork.

 

Due to the high cost of such shipboard services I would strongly suggest going the route of PREVENTION of such illnesses prior to embarking on your cruise. Have the kids on a vitamin C regimen and being generally healthy before you travel should ensure that they don't come down with ear infections or other such illnesses that you might need prescriptions or other treatment other than over the counter medications. If thei immune systems are strong when you travel, you should be fine thoughout the trip.

 

If you are prone to traveler's sickness (like diahhrea (sp?)) our doctor suggests taking a regimen of one pepto bismo tablet per day for the week leading up to and during travel to prevent any such illness that could be mistaken for norovirus and cause all sorts of headaches on board not only for you, but all other passengers as well. Bring some Immodium with you on board in case of emergency, as asking for some from the ships doctor will more than likely get you quarantined for 48 hours or so.

 

It is important to maintain good hygiene (hand washing etc) when in crowded areas like public areas on a cruise ship. This can prevent most occurrences of illness of all sorts while traveling. Avoid touching lots of handrails, and door handles, elevator buttons, or wash hands often when you have to touch public facilities.

 

Prevention and general good health goes a long way to avoid needing the fine services of the ships doctor and the accompanying charges.

[mia10010]

A few years ago on the Dawn my young nephew got a huge gash in his head and the Dr. put stitches (or staples) in and the Dr. did not charge for it even though we all had insurance. I was very impressed with the medical facilities on the ship.

 

Also, a woman was there with a broken rib because she was running on the Lido deck and she slipped. I will always remember that and I NEVER run on the 'slippery when wet' lido deck.

 

Lastly, I would never cruise without insurance because you never know what could happen and it's better to be safe than sorry, especailly when travelling with kids.

[Kerry's Girls]

I've used ship doctors many times (my husband had a chronic illness when we cruised together, and now I cruise with toddlers) and have always been very well cared for. When my daughter came down with a horrible ear infection on a cruise, I swear I loved the two doctors we saw on board as much as our own pediatrician. They are super well-equiped, though they can run low on medications, so, as previous posters have said, bring a supply of over-the-counter just in case.

 

When my daughter came down with a fever/ear infection one night on board, I was happy I had my own thermometer. I was able to tell the nurse over the phone what her temperature was and avoid the high charge for a "cabin call" because it was low enough that we were able to use the tylenol I'd brought and see the doctor during regular hours in the morning.

 

If you come on over to the family board here, there are posts with suggested packing lists including medications for those cruising with kids.

 

Best,

Mia

[happywhencruising]

I used the medical services on the Norwegian Majesty in 2007 on a cruise to Bermuda. I tripped on the stairs and sprained my ankle. I got amazing treatment! It seemed ship staff were there before I hit the ground (I was screaming in pain so that may have brought them running). Both the doctor and the nurse were kind, sympathetic, competent and professional. I was examined, x-rayed, given medication and crutches. I was also given a follow-up exam. I wasn't worried about the cost since we had bought travel insurance. The nurse assured me there would be no charge! Sure enough, they never charged me or my trip insurance a dime! I think they thought it was their fault. I believe I just wasn't cautious enough on the stairs, but hey, I'll take the free medical care if they insist!

[plazamom]

Yes I believe if it is an "accident" on the ship they do not charge, but illness they do. Out of 14 cruises, luckily we've only had to see the doctor twice. Once my oldest (now 13) was a toddler, and came down with an ear infection. We were charged for that visit- I don't remember how much but it wasn't terrible. The second time was on Disney cruiseline. A waiter accidently spilled a cup of "fancy" coffee (with liquor in it) on my middle daughter who was 2 at the time. Luckily he had the presence of mind and threw a pitcher of ice water on her and then the maitre' d scooped her up and ran her down to the doctor. Thank god the coffee wasn't too hot and she wasn't burned- but very frightened by all the adults yelling and pouring ice water on her!! Obviously we were not charged for that visit. We were treated well both times (first was RCCL).

[bakerintn]

The original post asked about a throat culture. Not likely that the Dr. would have the lab facilities to do a culture (they could take the swab, but not be able to culture the bacteria). Instead, my guess is that they would use physical diagnosis and use a wide-spectrum anti-biotic,

[bfree32]

As a board certified pediatrician, I must say there is some misinformation above. To the OP, don't worry. As stated, there is an MD on board who will be capable of taking care of serious illnesses including heart attacks, etc. He/She will be able to care for childhood illnesses as necessary. Many of the newer ships have the ability to use telemedicine with certain medical centers. For example, the ship's doctor can consult with a specialist (Cardiologist, Radiologist to discuss an x-ray, etc) who is on land if help is needed managing a problem. If a dire emergency, someone could be helicoptered off the ship (happens rarely and is very expensive).

 

Vitamin C loading has never been proven to prevent disease. Doesn't hurt, but doesn't prevent disease.

 

There is a difference between a throat culture and a Rapid strep test. Rapid tests take 5 minutes. Previous post is correct that a culture will not be done, however every doctor's office and the ship will have a rapid strep test which is approx. 92% accurate. Most of the time we rely on this test. Throat cultures are done only when we expect the diagnosis is strep and the rapid test comes back negative.

 

I hope this clarifies some issues. Please don't worry about the kids. They will be fine. Our kids have been on 10 cruises since 2001 and have never visited the ship's doctor.

[goose30]

Using the ship's medical services is very costly, and usually your health insurance won't cover the costs. It really is better if you prepare for the worst: ask your child's pediatrician for the medication you'd need should they come down with an ear infection, or other ailment that might be common to your kids, and take it with you.

 

 

So the idea is to ask the doctor to break the law and give you a prescription for an illness that the child might get?

 

Makes absolutely no sense besides being illegal..

[CaptData]

Just a warninbg here. The actual time it is open is limited and if you see him/her outside the hours $$$. My 27 yr old daughter got a sunburn on an excursion and we were 2 mins beyond the hour of operation. We were charged a hefty fee for calling the doctor who was still there. It cost $630.00 to treat her burn. I had medical coverage so I got it back but just to give you an idea of costs involved.

 

Call doctor outside of time - $60.00

4 hour stay in hospital $100.00

Burn meds $200.00

nurse time $200.00

 

ect.

 

They charge for everything they use and none of it is cheap.

 

It was worth it as my daughter did not peel enough though she had a very bad burn (she forgot my rule of putting suntan sotion on morning , non, and night.

[smeyer418]

So the idea is to ask the doctor to break the law and give you a prescription for an illness that the child might get?

 

Makes absolutely no sense besides being illegal..

 

if your child gets ear infections and your doctor gives you a prescription for a future incident they are doing something illegal?

 

what nonsense.

 

when I went to China(you know where they had bird flu), I asked my doctor for a script for Cipro and I got it filled. No one did anything wrong.

 

Because people with insurance in the US don't see many bills they have no idea how much things cost. Most times the doctors aboard follow medicare billing guidelines.

 

The doctors aboard are generally ok for emergencies and relatively minor incidents. They will dump you in a nearby hospital for anything major...

 

The cruise lines take no responsibility for the doctors competence or negligence. They are independent contractors.

[Elationismyship]

but just to give you an idea of costs involved.

 

Call doctor outside of time - $60.00

4 hour stay in hospital $100.00

Burn meds $200.00

nurse time $200.00

 

 

I guess the infirmary is different costs on different lines -- wow your bill was high. For an example of my costs on Carnival Splendor, January 2010:

 

Call nurse outside of time (when she wasnt sure then...)

Call doctor outside of time

2 hours in the infirmary

Xrays by nurse and then

Xrays again by doctor

Crutches

meds

 

$200 total . . . .

[SeattleCruiselover]

The original post asked about a throat culture. Not likely that the Dr. would have the lab facilities to do a culture (they could take the swab, but not be able to culture the bacteria). Instead, my guess is that they would use physical diagnosis and use a wide-spectrum anti-biotic,

 

They can do the RST (rapid strep test) which is about 95% diagnostic, but not the cultures. That is more than sufficient for most instances of a strep B infection in the throat.

[SeattleCruiselover]

Oops, the dreaded double post

[SeattleCruiselover]

So the idea is to ask the doctor to break the law and give you a prescription for an illness that the child might get?

 

Makes absolutely no sense besides being illegal..

 

It's hardly illegal, we do it all the time... Cipro for traveler's diarrhea treatment, scopalomine patches for mal de mer, Tamiflu during flu season, malaria prophylaxis, meds for altitude sickness...none of which you expect or want to have, but want to nip in the bud if you do catch them. And many more beyond this depending on a patient's history and comorbid conditions. It's called good/preventative medicine.

[Kapuna]

My personal experience with NCL doctors has been excellent . I suffered an erosion of the cornea ( nearly a perforation ) on board . The doctor did a very detailed examination and then phoned a specialist in my home town to get detailed advice and then offered to either fly me home or get treatment on the ship . I chose the latter and was given special eye drops .

 

Total charge : $ 20 plus cost of the prescription . There also were two followup visits with the ship doctor at no charge .

[uppitycats]

So the idea is to ask the doctor to break the law and give you a prescription for an illness that the child might get?

 

Makes absolutely no sense besides being illegal..

 

This is not at all illegal, and is done routinely. I carry prescriptions right now (not for children, but for myself), to treat some chronic conditions that I have, should they flare up when I'm away from home.