Telemedicine has and continues to be a lifeline during the coronavirus pandemic. Because COVID-19 is so widespread and contagious, healthcare providers throughout the U.S. have turned to telehealth services as their first line of defense. By providing a no-contact means to pre-screen patients, telemedicine allows primary care doctors to refer only those patients who absolutely need emergency … [Read more...]
Telemedicine and the coronavirus: what you need to know
[Reprinted Florida International University, 4-18-2020] The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for non-traditional forms of health care, and telemedicine is one of the leaders. Following the steps of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), major insurers have agreed to cover a wider range of telemedicine consultations during the outbreak. Blue Cross and Blue Shield, … [Read more...]
Despite U.S. warnings, Cuba’s medical diplomacy triumphs in the Caribbean during pandemic
[Reprinted from the Miami Herald, April 15, 2020] Racing to prevent the collapse of their healthcare systems overwhelmed by the coronavirus pandemic, vulnerable Caribbean nations last month turned to a neighboring country in a desperate plea for help. They didn’t look to the United States. They asked Cuba. Over eight days the Caribbean island, which has remodeled medical cooperation into its … [Read more...]
No US COVID-19 medical equipment for the Caribbean under Trump policy
As nations around the world scramble to secure PPE and ventilators to fight the global pandemic, the US is on the offensive and blocking the Caribbean region from getting much-needed equipment. n an earlier story, we posted, it seems as though (20) ventilators destined for Barbados was seized by the US. The shipment was part of the $1.4 million in assistance pledged by Barbados-born … [Read more...]
The little Caribbean Island that overcame amazing odds to get covid-19 tests
This is an amazing story of a small Caribbean island of 60,000 people despite overwhelming odds were able to secure more than enough coronavirus test kits for its population with enough left over to share with another Caribbean island. This is a classic example for all other countries both big and small to learn of what sheer determination, courage, personal relationships combined can produce. … [Read more...]