Fly Away Cafe - Where travel is a way of life

Sickday in Manhattan

by Mary Jo Manzanares on December 30th, 2006

A few years ago, while on a layover, I became very seriously ill.  Although I thought everything would be okay once I woke up in the morning, it became clear in the wee hours that I was wrong. 

Fortunately my airline has some pretty good procedures in place for getting medical attention for ill crewmembers.  Once I realized that my situation was serious, I was able to get help from a co-worker who helped get me to a hospital for emergency intervention.  I was treated and released later that same day to return home. 

The situation was unpleasant, but I had help, and there was a happy ending to the story.

But I’ve never gotten the helpless feeling that the situation evoked in me.  The feeling that I remember most distinctly is the terrible feeling of being alone, and unable to really make any decisions or take care of myself.

Thankfully, most of the time getting sick on the road does not require a visit to the emergency room.  It still can be a helpless feeling, however, as you attempt to navigate the front desk or concierge service to try to find a doctor or a nearby clinic.

If you’re traveling in Manhattan, Sickday can help you out, by making a house call to your hotel room, allowing you to get prompt medical attention while bypassing the need to spend hours in an emergency room.  It’s medical care for the busy traveler.

Founded in 2001, Sickday provides medical treatment for acute, episodic conditions at locations in Manhattan (home, office or hotel), seven days a week, 6 am - 7 pm.  They can perform diagnostic exams, prescribe medication, renew prescriptions, order tests, and make referrals when necessary.  They are affiliated with major New York hospitals. 

Following each visit, Sickday follows up by phone, just to make sure that you are up and around and feeling better.

Sickday currently charges $275/visit; that fee is reimbursable by many major health insurance providers.

The best course of action is, of course, just not to get sick at all.  When that doesn’t work, Sickday may be a real lifesaver.

Photo credit:  PenelopeB

UPDATE:  The hours for Sickday are 6 am-11 pm, seven days a week, and the cost is $250.  I hope you don’t ever have to use them, but still, you may want to keep the information handy.

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