For those who’ve worked across different lines how do they compare? I guess I’m most interested in other entertainers since that’s my department but others are of course welcome to share.
I’ve only worked with RCCL and other than the strict medical process (which I posted about last week) I’ve had a pretty positive experience.
On Monday they rejected my medical saying that even though my general surgeon said surgery was elective and I could have it when I return and am on vacation. On Tuesday my medical was showing as Accepted. I signed the document and it was uploaded to riskconnect.
Today I just received an email that my medical was rejected. They're basically forcing me to have surgery before offering clearance. Is there anything I can do? I cancelled a bunch of work yesterday after the document was signed and uploaded to riskconnect and now today I have to go back and say "Oh nevermind I'm actually available"
Is there anything I can do? This seems illegal.
Hi again -
Has anyone ever had a 1 year limited medical? Did they explain why? The only thing I can think of is I was on a medication and they might have been concerned that this might have some effect on me while working. I've worked two contracts, no issues.
I was supposed to go out on a cruise ship, signed the contract and everything. Great money. Doctor found an umbilical hernia, said he needed a letter from my general surgeon saying I was fit for duty with no lifting restrictions. Surgeon wrote the letter stating I was clear for duty with no restrictions and could have the surgery when I returned from the contract.
Today Royal Caribbean informed me that I needed to complete the surgery and completely heal before they would consider clearing my medical. This is extremely frustrating.
My question is --- is a small umbilical hernia repair something that could reopen? I'm just wondering if there's even any use in getting it repaired for the cruise ship since they could say theres a risk the hernia opens again. I will be getting surgery on June 9th for my own peace of mind but I'm just wondering from a work standpoint if this is something that will prohibit me from working on ships again.
Extremely angry and frustrated with RCCL and Amerimed and felt the need to share my story, perhaps it will help others in the future.
Last year I had my medical done. For some reason not explained to me it was 1 year limited. I didn't think to ask why at the time but in retrospect I should have gotten clarity.
This year I went to a clinic in Cozumel, Amerimed. NEVER go to this site. NEVER. The medical office on the ship warned me about Amerimed but I needed to have the medical done soon so I decided to go with them. The doctor will find something wrong and you will not pass your medical. For me he said I had an umbilical hernia. I didn't feel any pain, didn't notice any discomfort but I had no choice but to follow his orders. He said he needed an ultrasound and sign off from a specialist.
Fast forward to three weeks ago. I go to my primary care, get a referral for an ultrasound, have the ultrasound done and then met with a general surgeon. I did have an umbilical hernia but the general surgeon said because it was so small and I was asymptomatic I could wait for surgery. He wrote a letter stating I was fit for duty with no restrictions regarding lifting weights.
On Wednesday I found my medical was rejected. I wasn't told why but the doctor in Cozumel said he needed a letter of clearance from my general surgeon. I told him I already sent one. He said send a letter that says its not going to be aggravated on board and that you can wait until you're on vacation to have surgery. Royal's PEME team also asked for clarification. The general surgeon emphasized that I was completely fit for duty and that I could have elective surgery when I returned.
I thought I would be cleared but today the PEME manager informed me they would not grant clearance until I had surgery and completely recovered with extensive notes from my surgeon.
I am extremely pissed off. I was supposed to go to Europe on a contract June 15th for the Legend take out. I had cleared three months of work for this contract and 2 weeks before I'm set to sail they reject me. Honestly I want to seek legal recourse for the money I've lost out on but also for giving me a 1 year limited medical certificate.
I'm devastated. I have no work lined up here on land so now I have to scramble. I won't be eligible for consideration for at least 4-6 weeks after surgery. I'm having surgery June 9th which means the earliest I would be considered for review is July 21.
TLDR; Amerimed doctor said he needed one thing, then RCCL PEME team two weeks before contract starts says I need to have surgery before they will consider my medical.