Health care
Kwajalein Hospital provides very limited outpatient services and limited emergency services. Providing health care to the Kwajalein community is the responsibility of the Medical and Dental Services Department. In addition, an ambulance service staffed by qualified emergency medical technicians is maintained by the Fire Department.
Kwajalein Hospital
Kwajalein Hospital is an inpatient care hospital staffed and operated by the contractor, employing U.S. licensed and certified doctors, nurses and technicians. The hospital is staffed and equipped to provide general medical inpatient and outpatient care, emergency treatment, and basic pre-natal care. Ancillary services include medical imaging, physical therapy, clinical laboratory, pharmacy and occupational health services.
Medical Services
Health services at Kwajalein are intended to deal with emergencies and routine care of residents. No provision is made for specialized treatment. People with problems requiring regular and continuing attention of medical or psychiatric specialists will not find such care on Kwajalein. The hospital handles pre-natal care; however, pregnancies will be referred off-island no later than 36 weeks gestation for delivery. Imaging services provides routine diagnostic radiographs and screening diagnostic ultrasound studies. Occupational health programs include medical surveillance examinations for employees as well as community public health. services.
Medical Evacuation
Prospective residents should understand that the scope of services at Kwajalein is limited despite the presence of well-qualified professional staff and services that correspond to a well-run community hospital in the United States. Certain acute conditions may arise beyond the capabilities of local personnel, resources and facilities. Emergency medical evacuation to Honolulu, HI medical facilities may entail delays from 48 to 72 hours. Residents should be in good health physically and psychologically, requiring regular off-island specialist care no more than once annually. Such “regular off-island specialist care” would generally be associated with the employee’s vacation.
Medical Referrals
USAG-KA guidelines limit formal referral status/benefits to patients with problems that may result in significant complications if specialty consultation is delayed longer than several weeks.
Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy services include evaluation and treatment of most acute and non-acute orthopedic and post-operative injuries in an out-patient setting. Prospective residents should understand that the scope of Physical Therapy services is limited despite the presence of our well qualified professional staff; certain conditions may arise that are beyond the capabilities of local personnel due to limited resources, equipment and facilities. The clinic is staffed with a full time U.S. licensed Physical Therapist, Dr. Nichole Delisio.
Dental Services
Dental services include emergency relief of pain, examination and diagnosis, dental X-ray, restorative treatment, prosthetic treatment, crowns, bridgework, limited cosmetic treatment and limited endodontic/periodontal services. The clinic is staffed with fulltime U.S. licensed dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants. Orthodontic services are not available.
Eye Care
An optometrist from Hawaii sees patients on Kwajalein several times a year. The employee is responsible for paying for all services rendered at time of service and filing their own insurance claim. Due to COVID-19 and travel restrictions if no optometrist is available, some services are available virtually at eyecarelive.com/2020.
Pharmacy
The pharmacy has a basic stock of commonly used medications. Since not all brands or strengths of drugs are stocked on island, it is advisable contact the Pharmacy at 805-355-3406 to discuss your medication needs prior to your arrival. Prescriptions must be paid for upon delivery. Documentation is available to submitted your own insurance claim for reimbursement. It is recommended to check with your insurance company for mail order RX availability.
Medical/dental care charges are set by the USAG-KA Financial Policy and Rate Manual. Kwajalein Hospital submits insurance claims only for TRICARE, GeoBlue, BCBS Federal, Aetna and Cigna only. Patients are responsible for payment through Kwajalein Hospital, to include co-pays, deductibles and any charges not paid by their insurance company. The Dental Clinic files dental insurance, with outstanding balances payable at the dental clinic.