the boomer live

The Wall Street Journal had this article.   It details how cruise  lines appear to have no legal liability for the on board ships doctors because they are independent contractors.  You can read the article on the WSJ Health blog and form your own conclusions but the story details that over 40 malpractice lawsuits have been filed in the last decade and nearly all have been dismissed.

My feeling is that the article is somewhat one sided.  The cases detailed are very sad and inexcusable.   No one would wish poor medical care on anybody (there are always bad apples in any environment).  But how many millions of  passengers have traveled on ships during the mentioned decade?  How many of those passengers have had their lives saved or their condition made less severe by the cruise ships medical staff?

Tip: Unfortunately as we get older the possibility of needing the ships doctor increases. It is always wise to carry a list of all your medications with dosage, list of medical conditions, name,  phone number, emergency phone number of your doctor and any medical specialist you may be consulting.  Don’t forget medical insurance with some type of emergency evacuation provision.