Have you been feeling stuck with cable television where you pay for hundreds of stations that you don’t watch? Have you ever realized how much wasted time you spend channel surfing through the mass hysteria of crazy shows? Did you discover that surfing took most of the pleasure out of watching TV? From insane reality TV to infomercials, cop shows and crimes, the same shows on daily, hour after hour. There are also a bulk of international language channels, so did you find yourself spending more time searching without finding anything?
As an avid Netflix/Amazon Prime fan, we gave up our network television habit years ago. When you finally cut the cords, and you join one of the subscription sites, you may discover a whole new portal to some great shows that are actually on network TV! One show that captures the attention of many is Royal Pains. The series is based in part on actual concierge medicine practices of independent doctors and companies. The cast are made up of mostly stunningly beautiful people, filmed on location in the Hamptons, which depicts the lives of the locals like scenes from the “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” The medical team is fully equipped with a medi-van that has some sophisticated equipment.
Another USA Network show, Rush, focuses on a doctor who serves a very specific clientele, the kind with a lot of cash and the hush hush ways of getting it. There are other stories involving doctors practicing concierge medicine, including the novel, Crises which makes for some intriguing stories and this one focuses on medical malpractice. Often times these shows portray emergency situations in which the doctors have to perform extreme procedures, or have to find ingenious ways to transport the patients immediately to save lives.
The concept and practice of concierge medicine is becoming more widespread. It is a special service provided by medical practitioners which goes above and beyond standardized medicine. It is also referred to as retainer medicine, membership medicine, cash-only practice, and direct care. Because of the health care costs increasing and the service and care decreasing, many patients are choosing to opt into this kind of superior-service.
There is another type of emerging medical care emerging for travelers. Getting stuck in a remote island getaway without a proper medical facility close by can be rather risky if you contract some sort of virus or physical injury from an accident. Innovative medical solutions for these types of predicaments are now available such as AeroMD, headquartered on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. With the guarantee of the first class air ambulance service, well-appointed with a team of experts and pilots who are trained for specific emergencies. The medical teams are made up of board certified emergency medical physicians, technicians, nurses, specified practitioners, including neonatal and pediatric specialists.
It’s a small world out there these days where adventure travel to exotic locales in remote areas of Africa, for example, where reaching emergency medicine would have been prohibited. However, MEDEVAC, can access patients who would otherwise not be helped.
The leading edge “Crew Resource Management” techniques paired with simulator training allows the patient to rest assured they are receiving the top of the line medical air transport and medevac techniques.
The patients are in good hands during transport on their state-of-the-art jet aircraft. With the use of the air ambulance, the patient is guaranteed the safest passage possible. The entire service is designed specifically ‘to transport injured or sick people in a medical emergency, or over distances / terrain impractical for a conventional ground ambulance. These and related operations are called aero-medical.”
All are well stocked with provisions like emergency medications; ventilators; ECGs and monitoring units; CPR equipment; and stretchers. A medically staffed and equipped air ambulance provides medical care in flight, with equipment composed of the most advanced technology available. Military organizations and NATO refer to this as medical evacuation (MEDEVAC).
Another appeal to visit the Virgin Islands is to retire. Many boomers are seeking to live out their ‘wonder years’ in a tropical paradise. However the complications of settling in another country can be troubling. But the advantages of being in a US territory are appealing. Adventure travelers as well as families are spending more time vacationing in the islands and many are expats who choose to spend their wonder years living out their dream.
Rather than live in another country, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands or Guam are alluring places to retire somewhere far away and romantic, without the necessity of learning a new language, finding foreign lawyers, securing foreign health insurance, and worrying about the complications of filing foreign taxes or owning property in a foreign country.
For aging boomers the U.S. Virgin Islands are great options. You can even bring your beloved pets. Some cell phone carriers offer free long distance to the mainland. With the tropical paradise feel, there are no large malls, but trendy brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Polo reflect the island lifestyle. The weather is fairly constant, with high temperatures normally in the 70's and 80's. Severe rain is unusual. There is no sales tax or state tax. With the laid back, slow paced lifestyle, it is very appealing.
Now, wouldn’t it be great to see another show about concierge medicine, via medevac, based in the islands? Perhaps a retired doctor, who escaped to the islands, and ends up becoming the most popular go-to guy and realizes he’s got a lot more energy and fun. Royal Pains, the Hamptons-set drama's eight-episode farewell season ended in 2016, and I know a lot of people who are missing it already! This would be the perfect pilot for the upcoming fall season!