Planning on visiting island,
but am on Coumadin "blood thinner".
Will need to have blood test done.
Where on the Dutch-side can I get blood work / lab work done?
Will a Doctors note from home (U.S.) be OK? or will
I need to see a local Doctor?

Thank-you

I tried to post this same question on that other Forum,
but for some reason it won't let me.
Maybe because I'm not a registered user?

Could someone here post my question on that other forum for me.
Thank-you.

You must have done something wrong. No need to register. Try again.

you probably have to stop by to see a local doctor to get a blood work request, although I am not sure. the blood work is done at the St. maarten medical center in cay Hill

[barcann.livejournal.com]

Potential,

A few years ago we were faced with the same problem - DH had been recently diagnosed with a blood clot and was in need of regular INR testing to check his levels.

We utilized the walk in clinic in Maho Bay, although it was still located in one of the old Mullet Bay Resort buildings back them.

We went prepared with a scrip from his Dr. here at home along with phone numbers should anyone need to contact him and this was all we needed. The Dutch doctor at the walk-in clinic was great - we explained the problem and showed the nurse/receptionist the scrip. She drew the blood and tested it right there on the premesis and DH saw the Doctor for perhaps ten minutes and then, since his numbers were within the correct ranges, we paid the bill (well under $75. for this first visit) and we were on our way.

They did advise when we returned the following week we should probably not come on a Monday morning because that was their busiest time and the reason we had to wait a half our to be taken care of. Hmmm, that's the normal wait in our MDs office but that's another story, isn't it?

The following week we went back and it was the same deal, but because the INR numbers were still good and they knew us now, we didn't have to see the doctor at all though he did stick his head out and say hello. This visit was under $25. and the ease of doing the whole thing in one spot was great - unlike here at home where he had to go to the hospital lab and have the blood drawn, and then wait 24 hours for a call back from the doctors office telling us if things were ok or not and if we had to make adjustments in the number of pills, etc.

Unless this walk-in clinic no longer exists, I would recommend it in a heartbeat. If I recall right, we noticed a sign saying he'd moved into the Maho strip somewhere in relative close proximity to the pharmacy there if I'm not mistaken.

Good luck and I hope your health issues are quickly resolved.

Respectfully,

pat

Wow Pat!

Exactly what I was looking for!
It sounds easier than it is at home.
Thank-you so much.

Does anyone know where this walk-in clinic is now,
and give me directions to it that would be great.

We would plan on renting a car.

Potential,

I don't know where you're coming from, but assuming you were coming from the airport area to Maho, you would go past the rotary at Maho with the grocery and LaTerrasse on your right, past the Casino Royale, past Cheri's Cafe and all the little shops on the same side of the road, and on the very end of that strip is where the Pharmacy is located. The clinic is supposed to be up that side road area on the right just past the pharmacy but still close to it.

And trust me on this - it was light years easier than having the same thing done here at home and less than half the cost. My understanding is you can even submit it to your insurance when you get home as long as you have the documented receipt.

Good luck and be well,

pat

Potential,

I have it on very good authorty from a very island knowledgeable friend who tells me my directions are right on the money and it's now called the Maho Clinic. I'm sure you'll be fine there and pleased with their services.

Respectfully,

pat

That's Dr Hidde Deketh at the Maho Clinic. He's my doctor and he's wonderful to work with. He does have someone from SMMC come in on certain days to draw blood. It would be worth a call to him when you arrive to find out the days.

He's located behind the Maho Pharmacy, next door to the Platinum Room!!! LOL Plenty of parking.

This looks like it will work out just fine.

Elaine, do you have a telephone number for the Doctor or the Maho Clinic you can post here?

Hidde Deketh MD
Mullet Bay Clinic
545.4280

www.mulletbayclinic.com

Thank you, Elaine.

I remember well the added stress worrying about all this created for us prior to getting there and actually seeing and using this clinic.

I'm relatively certain your satisfaction as a resident who actually uses this practice will make the OP feel far better than my visitor status opinion.

Respectfully,
pat

Thank-you both so much.

This is all very new to me.
Blood clot just developed,
apparently from a recent tramatic injury I had.
They just put me on this med. (plus some injections) a few days ago.
I think I only need to be on these blood thinners for a few months.

Wasn't to sure about travelling, but your info makes it sound like I can.
I'll see what the Doctor says.

Thank-you everyone.

Potential,

Same thing happened to DH - BC came out of no where and we were about to cancel our trip. As luck would have it, we met a young student doctor interning in our local hospital who had studied at the Medical University on St. Maarten and actually knew of our doctor and clinic and that the INR tests could be done there.

As long as your doctor has said travel is okay, and you remember to move about the plane as you're able to and keep your diet in mind as to the things that might potentially throw the INR levels out of kilter, I'm sure you'll be as lucky as we were.

And for the trip itself, once the personal Love In Ox (since I may or may not be able to use the real word here....) self injections were out of the way, our only obstacle was the question blood tests and that worked out just fine.

I wish for you the same outcome and a great trip.

Respectfully,

pat

PS - see if this works for you since it appears Elaine's link is not clickable.
[www.mulletbayclinic.com]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/13/2011 01:22PM by pat.