SphereMD Now Open in Panama
Portland, OR U.S.A—In an ongoing effort to provide full service medical services to the worldwide shipping industry, SphereMD now has a network of medical professionals who provide routine as well as complex medical and dental care in Panama. SphereMD has compiled a summary of the unique aspects of Panama’s medical market, the Company’s service goals […]
Lessons from the Philippines
Having all the right information at the right time makes all the difference in the world. To make that vision a reality for maritime medical claims, we need to understand what’s actually happening in our world. That was my mission on a recent trip to the Philippines. While in Manila, I met many talented and […]
Quicker Return to Fit for Duty Status
Quicker Return to Fit for Duty Status Crew members spend more time than necessary dealing with shore side medical care. Many things can be done to improve the efficiency of shore side care. This article provides specific recommendations to expedite U.S. shore side care and quickly return a crewmember to fit for duty status. Communicate […]
Mental Illness in a Shipboard Environment
At any moment, 500 million people worldwide struggle with some sort of mental illness. One in four people will experience psychiatric symptoms at some point in their lives. These symptoms can arise from emotional distress, imbalance in brain chemicals, disease, or physical damage to the brain. Some symptoms of mental illness can include: Feeling sad […]
Hiring a Medical Escort
Selecting A Medical Escort for Repatriation of Crew Recently, SphereMD was asked to assist with medical repatriation services in an area where we had no trusted assets available. We immediately began searching for a medical service provider who met our standards, and our pursuit proved to be eye-opening. Typically, we use our own staff for […]
High Cost Warning: Freestanding ERs in Gulf
In today’s complex U.S. healthcare market, healthcare facilities regularly seek new ways to serve patients’ needs, meet insurers’ criteria, and follow legal requirements. The rise of primary care clinics, urgent care facilities, and hospital-owned satellite emergency facilities are noticeable and useful additions in communities around the country. They often offer cost savings, quicker service, and, […]
Illness to Fitness Determination
Advice on Quickly Obtaining Fit for Duty Status in the United States Crew members sometimes need medical care. This surprises no one. Even with the best planning and practices in place, injuries and illnesses occur. Fortunately, ship owners and crew members need not resign themselves to hapless floundering when faced with medical adversity. SphereMD has […]
Tuberculosis
Recently, SphereMD has had several active Tuberculosis (TB) cases from mariners entering the U.S. In each case, the patient had advanced active disease with significant respiratory symptoms. These cases all required extended hospitalizations, high expense, and, in one circumstance, a very complicated repatriation. TB History & Risk: Suspected TB in a Mariner: Once TB infection […]
Gambling with Medical Costs
Compounding matters, U.S. hospitals are entitled to collect 100% from mariners, regardless of nationality. Some new collection companies specifically focus on collecting payments for international medical bills. These companies typically resist discounting. Their policies state that arrangements must be in place before medical services are provided, leaving unprepared ship owners with no recourse. To more […]
