Article Title
Keywords
Physician interactions, Home-based primary care
Document Type
Research Paper
Abstract
Over the past several decades, medical treatment in the United States has become increasingly institutionalized. As medical technology has become more sophisticated patient treatment has moved from homes to hospitals and clinics. In the 1930s, house calls accounted for 40 percent of a physician’s interaction with patients; by the 1980s, however, house calls had decreased to one percent of interactions (Emanuel, 2013). For the frail and seriously ill, arranging transportation to medical appointments can be a serious trial. When people suffer from chronic diseases such as heart conditions, diabetes, dementia and other such illnesses, inadequate medical attention often results in unnecessary emergency room visits. Providing home-based primary care and other forms of home visits for these patients would lessen the burden on caregivers and help patients receive regular health screenings. In managing the health of chronically and seriously ill patients, frequent health screenings are critical in preventing hospitalization by providing early detection of a worsening condition. Not only does home-based primary care improve the quality of care for patients, but a resurgence of the practice also has potential cost saving benefits. As our population ages, our health care system must adjust to meet the needs of this population. Home visits could be a viable way to achieve this goal.
Genre/Form
articles
Recommended Citation
Wiebe-Wright, Patia
(2014)
"House Calls: Reviving a Lost Practice,"
Occam's Razor: Vol. 4, Article 8.
Available at:
https://cedar.wwu.edu/orwwu/vol4/iss1/8
Subjects - Topical (LCSH)
Home care services--United States; Patients--Home care--United States; Primary care (Medicine)--United States; Physicians (General practice)--United States
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.
Geographic Coverage
United States
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Type
Text
