CITY HOSPITAL | ExpatWoman.com
 

CITY HOSPITAL

95
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 16:57

Seems like all you ladies have had happy experiences at city hospital! Is there anything i need to know or be prepared for in terms of hidden charges that may not be covered by insurance? Do most insurers cover the new born baby as well for a certain amount of time? ( in any unfortunate event that the baby might need NICU care)Does City have a good team of pediatricians and neo natal care? I plan to visit Dr Elsa fernandes - only got an appointment 3 months ahead in March!! ( i called in december!) Do they keep appointment times? What is the waiting time like at the hospital? Sorry...sooo many questions.....its so tough to make the decision of who to consult and which hospital to chose! Any help will be so great!

16
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 February 2011 - 20:01
Maybe a cancellation and good timing. Booked it about 3 weeks ago. Also, I am going during working day, so I suppose it is quieter than in the evenings. NOT happy about needles or anything internal, but clearly I am going to have to get used to it!
95
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 February 2011 - 19:58
I am seeing doctor Elsa or my first appointment (first baby too) next week. I don't know what to expect at all so this thread is really useful to read. Keep the feedback coming please! MM, how did you manage to get an appt for next week! IM so Jealous! I called City for an appt with Dr Elsa - around mid december and i only got one for March!! Something wrong really! Another friend got an appt only 10 days ahead!
95
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 February 2011 - 19:47
Can anyone tell me what to expect at an appointment at about 10 weeks? I know I could just ring the hospital to ask... which I will do if no one responds! For my first ( which was not at city hospital ..) I had a pregnancy viability scan. My first appt was at 8 weeks so maybe at 10 weeks you will have the doppler instead to hear the baby's heartbeat . The viability scan is an internal scan. The battery of regular blood tests and urine analysis. Blood pressure. Maybe a pap mear swab.The doc will get your health history and your family health history. Give you the vitamins and other supplements you need to take and give you some general advice....i think thats it?
16
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 February 2011 - 19:25
Can anyone tell me what to expect at an appointment at about 10 weeks? I know I could just ring the hospital to ask... which I will do if no one responds!
1403
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 February 2011 - 18:42
Elsa is fab! Very professional, warm and caring!
16
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 February 2011 - 18:26
I am seeing doctor Elsa or my first appointment (first baby too) next week. I don't know what to expect at all so this thread is really useful to read. Keep the feedback coming please!
494
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 20:49
DS was in NICU for 1 week and we had to pay it on our discharge from hospital, however we were reimbursed all of his NICU care costs once his insurance was sorted out. For 5 days, including his antibiotics etc we were up at around 20,000 dirhams for memory. Dr Elsa, love her! she is brilliant and agree with Meals that even if she is running over time for any what reason she will always make you feel like you are her only patient for that day, no rushing happy to talk about anything you have on your mind. Awesome obst. Longest I have waited was 1.5hrs due to an emergency c-section earlier in the day. I didn't mind the wait, then I didn't have any other children to race home to or pick up from school runs etc (which I know some friends have experienced and were a bit pressed for time).
95
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 18:48
Thanks Ladies for the detailed info...I think im sold!...Yes Shaf, please keep me posted on your experiences. Though this is my second, i am treating it as my first and hoping to enjoy every moment as much as i can! The excitement is much less but i must say its nicer in many ways as i am so much more aware of things...and its so lovely to share and read everyones experiences on here....The support is amazing! My first needed 33 days of NICU but has grown beautifully since. I was considering Al wasl again but since they now charge exhorbitantly its worth looking at options. I will check with my insurer about the new born baby coverage.( just applied for some benefits so fingers crossed that city is covered) Thanks for that tip meals!
429
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 18:20
Dr. Elsa is excellent. I am with her right now, and yes, the waiting can be crazy sometimes. I have waited 2 hrs to see her once, and another time I saw her in abt 15minutes. Best is to call them beforehand and see if they are running on schedule or not. She is quite nice at consultations, she doesnt hurry you, she is a lot more open about natural birth and alternative delivery positions, she has right now agreed to let me deliver in any position that I prefer. I told her i do not want to be on the bed and she was fine with that. She hasnt forced any cervix checks on me, she was fine with me not wanting my weight to be monitered. I waited 3 months to get an appt with her myself, but I think she is worth the trouble. Will let you know how labor and delivery goes if you are interested :)
522
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 17:59
Lol lots of questions! :) I think you're best to get in touch with your health insurance to find out if they cover CH 100%. Mine did and the only charge we had was Dh100 for mebo cream for my wound. I was impressed! As for NICU - that's a tricky one with health insurance. We just spent a month there and it was also covered by our health fund - however, we had to pay upfront for a week until we sorted insurance for our LO and then it was reimbursed 100%. Again - please, please check with your insurance! However, if you don't need NICU most health funds cover bubs rooming in with you for the time there. NICU team are beyond fantastic and their neonatologist is amazing!!! Couldn't ask for better care in the NICU - nursing and medical. Waiting time with Dr Elsa can cary - I've waited no time and another time I waited 1 1/2 hours... depends on all sorts of circumstances (i.e. emergencies etc). She will, however, not rush you and your appointment will always feel like a priority to her... I wasn't overly impressed with the maternity ward - loud, constant visitors (other peoples that I could hear at all times of the night), no rest period, slow nursing care (they were very busy but still...). However, I can't compare it to any other hospital and it was good overall. You're making a great choice with Dr Elsa tho! :)
 
 

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